Dear HLPC family,
I have been reading through the letters of John Newton during this season, and stumbled across a letter he wrote to a faithful member of his congregation, Miss Medhurst, who was experiencing some unknown trial in her life. These words that he wrote have meant so much to me:
“While we are sighing, they [the saints] are singing; while we are fighting, they are triumphing; but their song, their triumph, their joy, will not be complete till we are called up to join them. (Heb.12:1) The Lord prepares us for, and hastens the happy hour….because He lives, we shall live also; because He shines, we likewise shine forth as the sun, in our Savior’s brightness.” (Letters of Newton, 50-51)
Our hearts are heavy during this season with many dangers, toils, and snares, but Christ stands victorious over the power of sin and death. I’m often reminded of the great worship that God’s people are already partaking in, and how they are cheering us on to finish the race as we all await the return of our Lord Jesus. That’s why the Psalmist can confidently say, “Those who sow in tears will reap shouts of joy!” (Psalm 126:5) Godly sorrow means sowing in the Spirit and reaping the everlasting life offered in Christ. Through Him, we will be a part of that great abundant harvest of worship and life for eternity.
That is why I will continue to pray for the HLPC family as we endure through this season. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our youth ministry, and for showing your support for them at the evening service this past week. We praise the Lord for another successful year at the RYM youth conference. The youth had a great time, plus the class I taught went well. Continue to pray that the youth grow in grace and apply what they have learned from our most recent trips.
I trust that over time we will gain a picture together of how God is forming us into new people by the grace of Christ. And I pray that we catch a glimpse of what is in store for us in Him.
In the grip of God’s grace,
Zach