The Weekly Perspective
by Burke Shade, Associate Pastor
Dear St. Mark Saints,
Thank you for your prayers and support over the last two months. The Lord is hearing and answering in the hoped for direction so far. I thought I would share a small snippet as to how they are affecting me, as a means to encourage you in your walk with the Lord Jesus.
This week, just minutes before beginning a procedure that has a long list of side effects from seizures to strokes to kidney dialysis to death, and the whole kitchen sink in between (you know how those medical consent forms list EVERYTHING!), I was looking in the mirror and said, “Lord, into your hands I commit my future and life. If you want me in heaven today, I’m ready. Or later.” But then I stopped and thought, “Wait a minute; that’s a silly statement! I’ve always already been in the Lord’s hand, from my conception till now. I’m a son of the covenant; I’m a covenantal son! Jesus has lovingly shepherded and guided me to this point, and will do so forever.” So then I stopped and started thanking the Lord for always having been with me my whole life, grateful that He’s always been my Lord and Protector and Shepherd.
I share all this to encourage you this week to not only ask the Lord’s blessing for your week, but also to remember to thank Him that He’s been with you all along, holding your hand and guiding you through life’s difficulties and trials, which is why we can consider even our trials as joy inexpressible. Jesus is shaping them for our growth and maturity and dependence upon Him. What an amazing Lord we serve and are surrounded by!