Roger Pryor,a dear friend and true warrior for Christ went home to be with the Lord 2 weeks ago.  This past weekend was his viewing and funeral.  As we as a church family were preparing for this my dear friend and pastor’s wife, Daryl told me that if it would be too difficult to go to the funeral home that Debbie would understand.  I told her that was not an option.  When I told Mike he said the same thing…that’s not an option.  So him and I were on the same page.  Plus God was encouraging me through a precious gift I received for Christmas.  More Precious Than Silverby Joni Eareckson Tada.  Joni writes:

Loaves and Fishes

Here is a boy with 5 small barley loaves and two small fishes, but how far will they go among so many?   John 6:9

Remember the heart warming story of how Jesus took the loaves, broke them, multiplied the fish, and gave everybody lots to eat with lots left over?  Jesus even said “Let nothing be wasted.”  They gather baskets full of bread so nothing would be thrown away.

    I think about that story when I watch a Christian go through tough times yet hang onto God’s grace.  Maybe you’re such a person.  Day-to-day heartache is your routine, and problems seem to have a permanent place in God’s plan for you.  Yet you’re faithful-or should I say, you hold onto God’s faithfulness.  What God is doing with you is like what he did with the barley loaves and fish.  Jesus broke the bread.  And out of the brokenness, he multiplied the blessing so thousands would be nourished.

    Yes, it hurts to be broken. But sometimes that’s part of God’s plan, especially if he wants to use you to feed others.  It’s a way your faithfulness can be multiplied.  Out of your brokenness, the blessing can be bestowed on more people than you ever dreamed possible.  And here’s the thing: If you’ve been broken by the hand of God, you can be certain nothing will be wasted.  God will gather up and use all the hurt; not a bit of it will be discarded or cast aside.

            That little boy with the small loaves and fish must have been amazed to watch Jesus do such   marvelous things through his little lunch.  Be sure that God knows what little you have to offer.  Is it a bit of obedience?  God will multiply it.  Is it a weak prayer?  A small word of testimony?  A feeble effort to encourage others in their pain?  I promise you(no, God promises you) that he will expand your offering. It will not be wasted. 

Here is her prayer at the end:  Brokenness is something you know all about, Jesus, for your body was broken for me.  Today remind me of how close you are to me in my brokenness, and soothe my heart with your nearness.  Multiply the blessing to many through me

As I stood in the funeral home hugging Debbie with tears streaming down both of our faces I was reminded of God’s goodness to use my brokenness to help this precious sister.  As I looked around the same room my son laid in with a lot of the same people there I was freshly convicted of God’s love and care for me and my family over the last 5 years.  As I met Rogers’ mother and realized that this was her second son she had buried I was grateful to God’s mercy and grace on my life.  I was so very grateful for this woman and her example to me.  As I made food and help set up and take down for the reception after the funeral I was touched by how many hands had done this for us and how awesome my God is to use me to Pay It Forward.  As people asked how was I doing through all of this I was granted a peace and grace that surpasses all understanding.  Plus I was reminded a fresh of how God uses His body as His arms and legs to hold us up and love us through. As I have talked to Debbie since Saturday I am overwhelmed with God’s grace and love on her life and mine.  Even as I write this I am just in awe of God and all that He is and all that He does for those who love Him.  So please remember that no matter what your trial and no matter what your brokenness God will use it for your good and His glory.  It was good for me and Mike to serve and be there for our precious sister and God was glorified in the whole process…

Remember to God Be the Glory Always and in all ways!!!!