Sep 21, 2016
by Patti Wethington
SDB Church, White Cloud, MI
Thank you, Pat Cruzan, for the excellent reflection on Conference 2016 and the articles that so wonderfully reflected on our experience and learning. We are blessed to have your team continuing to faithfully provide us with a published product to tell our story and share our life experiences.
How are you today? Did your day go as you thought it would? Did you let the tide of frustration consume you? I did. Last night, I sat in a department meeting that was intended for shared interests, projecting safe practice standards into our team structures, and reviewing new initiatives on the horizon. I represent the clinical nurses and their development. Needless to say, the meeting didn’t progress as I planned or expected. Don’t need to go into details; however, I am aware that I let that experience wipe away the joy and happiness that usually spring from my person.
This experience made me stop and think about what God wants us to consider when we encounter situations that cause us to suffer a bit in this world. Romans 5 (NIV) “1…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… 3 we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame!” I paused at the phrasing “through faith we have peace.” I have faith! I know my Savior sees all things and knows my every need. I have hope, too. The hope that is validated through perseverance and, even though at times I slough my way through situations, the combination of faith and hope brings peace. I say to myself, “Don’t let the angry people of this world take your eyes off the calling you have in Christ Jesus!” I am called to live my Life On Mission and I regroup, empty myself of the cares of this world, lay them at the feet of Jesus, and press on with the gift of peace that comes through faith and hope.
My Joy returned this week when I once again tuned my sight into the lives, needs and issues of the people I get to influence. One of my nursing team members, who is especially talented at baking and pastries, came to my office and shared a desire she had to branch out in her own business. To my surprise she was looking at a location in White Cloud (we live in Big Rapids, 30 miles away). She shared with me a dream to make this place dedicated to serving the community, sharing her faith in Jesus, and living her life on mission to reach people for Christ through her baking talents. We prayed in my office and found a deeper bond of purpose as we continued to pray for this opportunity and God’s purpose. Not too long after that experience, another night nurse came to me in tears because her husband lost his job and she needed some extra shifts to work. She willingly shared her heart and then we prayed for God’s peace. We claimed Romans 5 to understand that this sequence of trials has a purpose and the outcome is hope and peace in the confidence that Jesus knows our every need.
Shedding the worries and concerns of this world, focusing on the hope and peace that come from my Jesus, I can live my Life on Mission, touching lives for Jesus. May you find this hope and peace each day as we walk this journey together.
