On Sunday, it really felt like the Holy Spirit’s perfect timing that we talked about Zacharias and his encounter with the angel. There are so many of us who are a part of this body, that are waiting, hoping and praying for God to show up. Like Zacharias and Elizabeth, our life may not have turned out the way we had planned or dreamed. We sit in the ashes and aftermath of those longed-for dreams that never happened and wonder…where are you God?
Although it was heartbreaking to hear, it didn’t surprise me that many walk away from God and church because of those shattered dreams…the times when it felt harder to hold onto faith because the pain was just too great.
I am holding on to something Lori Armstrong shared with us at the Women’s LIFE lunch that I just can’t stop thinking about. As she was walking through a season of grief from losing her husband…her son Brad didn’t feel like going to church. But she turned to him with love and resolve and said, “church is exactly where we need to be right now”.
I’ve been thinking about how the body of Christ is so much more than a place to gather on Sunday. It’s truly a family that comes around you and mourns while you mourn, comforts when you really need comfort, and rejoices when you rejoice. When Elizabeth shared the news with their church family it said “…her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58, ESV)
If you are hurting and disappointed this Christmas, I pray that you would still show up. Even if it feels like you have nothing to give…that’s OK. Like Pastor Jason said, God will meet you there.
Church is an imperfect place, but it is still home. It is where our family of Christ resides. It is a place where eternity is felt…and the Spirit of God is ready to speak. I know it can be hard to show up, in seasons of great grief it just feels so much easier to stay in bed and let the depression take over.
But I hope this season, you remember that there are people here who love you with the love of Christ. They may do it imperfectly, but love is there. There are warm hugs, and silent prayers, and eyes full of empathy. If you are walking through loss or heartache or grief…chances are, many of us in the body are walking through that as well.
We are simply hurting souls that have decided to gather despite it all. Where grief tried to come in and swallow us whole, Christ came in and miraculously began the work of restoration. His coming is a sign of the hope we have waiting for us in eternity. There really is so much to look forward to as we await Him coming again.
Let me leave you with a simple prayer…
Jesus,
I am deciding to show up.
My heart has felt bitter and hard and I have held things back from you…
But today, I am asking you to soften me.
I am asking that you come in and restore, like only you can.
Take the broken pieces and make something beautiful, Lord.
As I show up, move me from a state of bitterness to a state of faith, just like you did with Zacharias.
Let me behold your awesome and mighty power to save and redeem.
Let me feel and experience your love in the body of Christ this season.
Let me serve with joy, knowing that you hold my tomorrows.
I ask this in Your name Jesus, Amen.
Although it was heartbreaking to hear, it didn’t surprise me that many walk away from God and church because of those shattered dreams…the times when it felt harder to hold onto faith because the pain was just too great.
I am holding on to something Lori Armstrong shared with us at the Women’s LIFE lunch that I just can’t stop thinking about. As she was walking through a season of grief from losing her husband…her son Brad didn’t feel like going to church. But she turned to him with love and resolve and said, “church is exactly where we need to be right now”.
I’ve been thinking about how the body of Christ is so much more than a place to gather on Sunday. It’s truly a family that comes around you and mourns while you mourn, comforts when you really need comfort, and rejoices when you rejoice. When Elizabeth shared the news with their church family it said “…her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58, ESV)
If you are hurting and disappointed this Christmas, I pray that you would still show up. Even if it feels like you have nothing to give…that’s OK. Like Pastor Jason said, God will meet you there.
Church is an imperfect place, but it is still home. It is where our family of Christ resides. It is a place where eternity is felt…and the Spirit of God is ready to speak. I know it can be hard to show up, in seasons of great grief it just feels so much easier to stay in bed and let the depression take over.
But I hope this season, you remember that there are people here who love you with the love of Christ. They may do it imperfectly, but love is there. There are warm hugs, and silent prayers, and eyes full of empathy. If you are walking through loss or heartache or grief…chances are, many of us in the body are walking through that as well.
We are simply hurting souls that have decided to gather despite it all. Where grief tried to come in and swallow us whole, Christ came in and miraculously began the work of restoration. His coming is a sign of the hope we have waiting for us in eternity. There really is so much to look forward to as we await Him coming again.
Let me leave you with a simple prayer…
Jesus,
I am deciding to show up.
My heart has felt bitter and hard and I have held things back from you…
But today, I am asking you to soften me.
I am asking that you come in and restore, like only you can.
Take the broken pieces and make something beautiful, Lord.
As I show up, move me from a state of bitterness to a state of faith, just like you did with Zacharias.
Let me behold your awesome and mighty power to save and redeem.
Let me feel and experience your love in the body of Christ this season.
Let me serve with joy, knowing that you hold my tomorrows.
I ask this in Your name Jesus, Amen.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.