The four C’s Challenge, Change, Conflict and Compassion
Hello again God
Thank- you for granting us another week and thank you for watching over us.
This week these four words came to my mind. Challenge, Change, Conflict and Compassion. In some way and time we have all have experienced these. We are constantly and individually being CHALLENGED in our lives, whether vocationally, physically, emotionally or in many other ways. In the secular world they say, “what does not kill you make you stronger”. In the spiritual world CHALLENGE may make us aware we can’t carry the burden alone and we are stretched. Stretched like Clare talked about last week. This stretching may make us aware that we need your presence in our lives more often then we think. We also face CHANGE in all our lives. Think of the Joesph story that Paul so eloquently led us through a couple weeks ago. What can we learn from all the CHANGE that happened to that family? We are even experiencing CHANGE here at WMC both today and in the coming weeks. Grant us patience, calmness, grace and understanding as we walk this path. Thank you, God, for the ways you have guided our CHANGE over the last year and a half. We graciously thank you for guiding and leading us even when we may not have been aware. In all our daily movements and interactions CHANGE can sometimes lead to CONFLICT. We also saw that in the Joesph story. CONFLICT can be hard and make us uneasy, angry, jealous, frustrated and may more emotions. However, somehow out of CONFLICT we arise often a little beaten and worn down but we arise having learned something about ourselves and those around us. Give us strength and love to support the CONFLICT we may experience. Only a God like yourself can allow that to happen. As we work thru the other three C’s we need COMPASSION, love and support to get thru. The type of COMPASSION that feeds five thousand people or forgives a disciple or follower that may have betrayed you, or the type of COMPASSION that it takes to forgive brothers who may have abused their younger brother. We long for that COMPASSION. We are thankful for the ways we have experienced that in our lives. GOD, we ask that you continue to provide that COMPASSION and support at times when our COMPASSION tanks are Low to Empty. Forgive us where we have missed the mark. Thank- you for the ways you are with us in CHALLENGE, CHANGE and CONFLICT and we thank you for the COMPASSION you provide us in each of our daily walks. Thank you God.
We continue to lift up our Leaders and Politicians . Whether Internationally, Federally, Provincially or Locally ,we ask for that our leaders have wisdom and integrity in all that they do. We also think of those in the world that do not live in the Peace that we experience. Hold all those who suffer close to you.
As School has returned to form we hold in our prayers all Administrators, Principles, and Teachers. Bless them all as they work with our next generation. Grant safety to all children as they attend school.
We also thank you for the ways you have heard and answered prayers for health concerns. We rejoice with those who are experiencing healing and good news in their health walks. For those still being challenged and having to make decisions daily God we ask your presence in their lives. For those unspoken needs before us we ask that you be with those who are suffering and may be facing big decisions. Be close to all who are struggling.
As we move thru CHANGE in Pastoral Roles, we are so thankful for allowing Paul to be a part of our congregation. Thank you for his leadership, care and support through this interim process. Continue to guide him as he continues to hear your call. Thank you also for continuing to Bless us with Clare and his leadership. We are truly blessed with his leadership, and genuine compassion. As we anticipate Matthew’s arrival we realize how blessed we have been in this time of transition at WMC. We look forward to the next Chapter here at WMC. Thank you for being such a faithful and loving God in our transition.
We are thankful for the opportunity to be somewhat of a presence in our community and we look for ways to be involved. Thank you for all those who participated in the WMC Community BBQ may your will be done here.
This week we lift up our Households of Faith here at WMC.
God we thank you for guiding us this past week and we ask that you continue to guide us as individuals and as a congregation. Thank you for how you have led us to date and for the ways you will continue to show COMPASSION to us in our daily walks and as a congregation.
In your name we ask it,
Amen