Rising to the Occasion

There are many accounts in the Bible of God’s people ‘rising to the occasion’, so to speak. Noah and his family rose to the occasion to build an ark to preserve life on earth. (Genesis 6-9) Joseph rose to the occasion and brought the salvation of his people. (Genesis 37, 39-50) Moses, Esther, Daniel, Gideon, Samson, the other judges, and on and on we could name those in the Old Testament who rose to the occasion to meet the needs of their people.

The New Testament also has many examples. John the baptist and the apostles of course come to mind. Most of those I have mentioned are the ones we consider the “Bible heroes.” But there were those who were not ‘heroes’ who also rose to the occasion. Time after time when there were needs among the early Christian, they helped one another by sending aid to them. Consider the account written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” And again from 2 Corinthians 9:1-3, he writes, “For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.”

Then there is another group who has risen to the occasion time and time again. YOU! Numerous
situations have arisen in the five years I have been here and I know that it shows the history of this church that you have generous hearts. You’ve given toward food for the needy, meals for the shut-ins and sick, mission trips, youth activities. You’ve given not only money but have volunteered your time to help in all sorts of circumstances.

I thank you for such a positive attitude and cheerful atmosphere you make possible. Our visitors
notice that. Thank you for ’rising to the occasion’ so many times. Keep it up.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9, 10)

“But as for you, brethren do not grow weary of doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony