Let God lead you through life’s hard trials

Saturday was a busy day for St. John members when it comes to weddings. A wedding ceremony for Kathryn Hermon Jordan and Jacob Jordan was held at St. John in Palmer with Pastor Allen celebrating. A ceremony for Shawna Crosley and Trenton Berberich was held in Shawna’s hometown of Olympia, Wash., with myself officiating.

Marriage has been the traditional relationship for men and women since the beginning of time. Genesis 2 tells us that it is God’s plan that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” These young couples are excited and full of joy to live the adventure of marriage, which is part of God’s creation plan.

But today, many fear and refrain from the adventure of God’s plan of marriage. Most of us have seen marriages that have broken up, and more difficultly, we have seen the pain that friends and loved ones experience when families struggle.

It is true that little is sure in life. Will my job last? Will health last? Will the love for my spouse that I feel and live today continue through life’s struggles? When a man and woman make vows and promises to continue in faithfulness and love, it can be a scary leap of faith because life is so uncertain.

Though life may seem uncertain, there is one thing that is certain. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus tells his disciples, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Health may leave, but God’s presence and love continue. Jobs may disappear, but God continues to love us. Relationships change and sometimes marriage break up, but God’s love remains the same — faithful, merciful, forgiving and strong in Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. We can’t always be sure of life situations, nor can we be sure of ourselves. But we can be sure of God. He is with us in love and forgiveness through Jesus.

The promises and commitment of marriage can be scary, but faith trusts God’s love even when life is not sure. I have recently become aware that Aug. 10 is special for another reason. I performed a funeral on Aug. 3 for Alison Lewis, but Aug. 10 of this year would have been the 50th anniversary for Gary and Alison.

Pastor George Rakos and Carolyn also celebrated their 50th anniversary Aug. 10. Life was not always easy for these couples. Life has challenges for everyone, but God’s love is real. It is there in the midst of life’s joys, such as the ceremonies this past Saturday.

God is there when the trials of life seem bigger than we are. His love can and does make a difference. It made a difference for the Rakoses and Lewises. God’s love can help us face whatever challenges life brings.

God bless you, Jake and Kathryn, and Trent and Shawna. Congratulations and continued blessings, George and Caroline (and Gary and Alison)!

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

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