SOUTHGATE – The invitation came during an extremely busy season. It was an opportunity to sit in on an ordination council and to take part in the service to follow. The problem was, it was planned for a Sunday afternoon.
Now, I’m not sure about you, but I find adding things into my Sunday schedule can be problematic, simply because of the time consumption that the preparation and participation in (2) Worship Experiences, plus the need to meet and greet as many visitors as possible after each of those events.
And did they know it was football season? I can count on three fingers the times the Lions have been a relevant team past Halloween in my life! Now, they are “must see” TV! But I knew that in the scope of eternity, the ordination was far more important than a Lions game, and I figured with a couple of extra cups of coffee, I would be fine.
The day came, and off I went to be part of one of the most important days of the young candidate’s life. I was thoroughly overmatched by the others in the theology department (after all, I was a music major), so I came up with a practical question or two. But it was evident early on that the testimony and call were definite, and the answers were scripturally-based and shared with confidence.
When the time came for a vote, there was no doubt he would pass with flying colors. Then, it was time for dinner and the service. I briefly considered coming up with a polite excuse to make an early exit, but thought better of it and remained.
Finally, the program began. I did my part, sat back down, and they invited a gentleman from the hosting church to sing a special. When the track started, something caught my attention. This was a Southern Gospel song, which is right up near the top of my personal preferences on the music spectrum. But I was unfamiliar with the tune. Then he began singing the lyrics.
“Lately I’ve been looking back, along this winding road.
To the old familiar markers of the mercies, I have known.
I know it may sound simple, but it’s more than a cliché,
there’s no better way to tell you than to say…”
“God’s been good in my life. I feel blessed beyond
my wildest dreams, when I go to sleep each night. And
though I’ve had my share of hard times, I wouldn’t change
them if I could, cause through it all…God’s been good!”
I didn’t even make it through the chorus. I was a mess…tears streaming down my face as I reflected on what he was sharing, while sitting right in the front trying in vain to hold it all together! “God’s been good in my life!” To be honest, I was going through a period where I was beginning to question that very notion. One of those seasons everyone goes through where it just seems like nothing is breaking in your direction and you begin to wonder if God remembers what you are trying to do!
“Times replay and I can see that I cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me as I faced my greatest fears
You see I’ve had more gains than losses
And I’ve known more joy than hurt
As his grace rolled down upon me undeserved!”
Ecclesiastes 11:8 says, “Indeed, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all (CSB).
The very next part of that verse states that there will be difficulty and challenge, but that should never deter us from the praise for the good nor should it distract us from the promise that “weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5) In every year of life, 12 months are divided by weeks, which break down to days, which are an accumulation of 24 hours, which gives to us 60 minutes, and within those minutes are the moments that memories are made of. When the pictures of the memories of your mind rewind, would you find yourself echoing the words I heard that night? “God’s been good…in my life!”
So, here’s a homework assignment for you at some point during this month of Thanksgiving. Take out some paper and a pen (or simply use your MacBook if you must). Put at the top of one page, “Burdens,” and list the challenges that are part of your life right now. As you list them (and don’t leave anything out), take the opportunity to pray, asking God to work in and through the situation and move you to the other side.
On another page, put the word, “Blessings,” and begin to list all of the ways which God has shown favor in your life. Again, don’t leave anything out! Even the items that we take for granted in this country. What I think you will find is that your list of blessings will be far longer than the list of burdens. Even in the discouragement of loss we can remember and rejoice in the memory of what was. The bridge of the song says,
“For God has been my Father, my Savior, and my friend.
His love was my beginning and His love will be my end.
I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is,
but the best way I can say it is this. God’s been good!”
Hope that says it for you! Happy Thanksgiving!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Billy Walker became Lead Pastor of Calvary Church in 2006. He also serves as the Vice President of the Billy Walker Evangelistic Association and Hiawatha Youth Camp. Billy and wife Laurie have two adult daughters, Whitney and Kaylie, and a son-in-law, Eric.