In the past several months, most of us have had to deal with the pain of unmet expectations. Graduations, senior year activities, travel plans, family events, sports, and even church services have been canceled. Hitting our family particularly hard was receiving the news yesterday that Prairie Camp has been canceled this summer. We were greatly looking forward to spending the week ministering at this youth camp and seeing the Holy Spirit move powerfully in the lives of the campers. Our prayers last night were prayers of lament, “Why Lord? Camp is such a transformative experience in the lives of many youth and now they won’t have the opportunity to meet You in this way. Why, why, why?!”
During times of loss, I find it helpful to remember that it is appropriate and healthy to grieve. Jesus cried over a loss he experienced and he certainly cares about our losses (John 11:35). Jesus told us “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). The first steps to grieving are acknowledging the pain that we are experiencing and crying out to God with our laments and disappointments. From that place of pain and honesty, God begins the work of comfort, restoration, and healing in our hearts. What has been your experience with COVID-19 cancellations? Are you coming before the Lord and grieving those losses?
Submitted by Pastor Jay
