My Only Sanctuary
Originally Posted by Cary Schmidt, 1/13/10
This past Sunday, my path intersected with a gracious man who has served the Lord in our church for many years. He’s been steadfast—even through much personal pain and many trials.
When asked “How are you doing today?” He promptly replied:
“I’d better be doing great! I’m at church! And this is my only sanctuary in life!”
With that, he moved on, not knowing how his words impacted me. “My only sanctuary in life.” Sanctuary means “A place of refuge or safety.” I was deeply challenged by his response. Here are a few thoughts that came to mind:
1. How many people come to church every week looking for sanctuary! Do we provide it? Do we encourage, minister, and uplift them? Is the music, the message, and all of the ministry prepared in such a way that it becomes a sanctuary to all who come?
2. Do I view church as my sanctuary? Do I value it, receive from it, and enter into God’s presence in that way? Or am I just going through the weekly motions and carrying out weekly duties?
3. What a privilege we have to provide sanctuary to people who need it! Serving in the ministry sure is an awesome privilege and responsibility.
4. Thank God that our church is a sanctuary. Because of a faithful pastor, a biblical vision, authoritative preaching, servant leadership, and a gracious church family—this man and many others like him can find sanctuary.
Ironically, that evening, in my Bible reading I came to Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”
2 comments:
Awesome post! Yes, church is my sanctuary (especially living overseas) --Thank God for missionarires whom serve our Soldiers & Families. Today, I am not in church because of two sick boys...but I feel exactly the same way!! Sad not to be in church today!! Pray that my boys get well soon and stop the passing of little bugs (sickness). Thank you!
Yes, Jessica I feel the same way! Singing in the choir or helping with 3rd grade Sunday school allows me to thrive in our church community and to do my part as a member. Mark & Xayvion also participate in their Usher & collection positions.
For me it is a place where what i do is guided and proper for the glory of God. Each Sunday is another opportunity to learn and try to live my life as God would want, difficult as it is out in this society; truly one can not live as a Christian on one's own! We need all the support we can get ourselves into and participating has opened that door for me. So is it a Sanctuary? Yes it is. There is a song,SANCTUARY,that's always on my mind that we sing:
LORD PREPARE ME TO BE A SANCTUARY;
PURE AND HOLY, TRIED AND TRUE
WITH THANKSGIVING, I'LL BE A LIVING SANCTUARY FOR YOU!
LOVE YOU! XOXOXO AJF
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