At the River, we've been talking about handling tough times as a Christ Follower. Tough times don't exempt Believers so we have to face them, handle them, and remember that we are change agents in our world. The way we handle tough times is not just a witness; it's an influence.
History has multiple examples of Christians serving and caring for others during tough times. During the depression, wars, disease, and other "tough times", Christians historically have been people who put their own needs secondary to others. We have gone through the same tough times as everyone else, but have seen our goal as greater than simply survival- we see ourselves as "on mission with God" to be a force for good. We actually go through the tough times as those who prioritize helping others going through the same tough times.
As Christ Followers, we have talked on Sundays about three truths that enable us to endure tough times: 1) We are unconditionally and eternally loved. Nothing can ever separate us from God's love. 2) We have a destiny that is secure: Christlikeness, a life of doing good, a resurrection body, and eternity in the presence of God. 3) We have an identity established for us by our being "in Christ". We just need to remember who we are in Him!
My prayer for us is that we will face and negotiate our tough times in a way that leaves us stronger and actually makes an imprint on Charleston and the world for good.
