A young preacher announced to his congregation that he would be leaving the church for another call. As he was standing at the door greeting people, one of the elderly saints approached him, her eyes were filled with tears. She sobbed and said, “Oh, pastor, I’m so sorry you decided to leave. Things will never be the same again.” The young man was flattered, but was equal to the situation and took her hands in his and most benevolently replied, “Bless you, but I’m sure God will send you a new pastor even better than I.” She choked back a sob and was heard to say, “That’s what they all say, but they just keep getting worse and worse.” Sometimes it seems that things just keep getting worse and worse and harder and harder. Hard things happen in life, and life can get discouraging. Perhaps in reading this you feel as if you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Sometimes today is so hard that tomorrow just seems too far away and too bleak. Whenever you get discouraged and begin to think that life is over for you, always remember the promise of God in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you plans not to harm you, but plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Remember, God always keeps his promises.
– Dr. Tim Thompson