Vicissitudes

One of the things that struck me within the first few months of going away to college was how frequently a day or week could cycle. What I mean by cycle is looking back over a certain period and being amazed at the number of highs and lows in that time frame. Perhaps it was having left the comfort and stability of the home I’d known for eighteen years and now having to sort through these things by myself that made the highs and lows that much more stark. I’m certain they’d always been there.

These thoughts back to me as I was reflecting on the past weekend. At our worship services we rejoiced in the news that Aaron and Haley Hickey would be joining our fellowship with Aaron becoming our associate pastor. During those same services we bid farewell and Godspeed to Jen Roettjer as she was leaving to serve at another church in Huntsville, Alabama, after having spent the last seven years in ministry here at Redeemer.

Even this morning is an example. It was a good start to the day: great exercise on a beautiful morning! But I’ve just gotten off the phone, learning the news of the death of a young lady, twenty-five years of age. Funeral planning will take place very shortly.

It is the constant message that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) that helps keeps things in perspective in any given day, week, or year. This is the Savior Who loved us so much that He willingly took our place in condemnation. This is the Savior Who is victor over death, itself. He is the rock on which life is to be built – an ever-present help in trouble.

God grant you peace, whatever it is that this day has in store for you.