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VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The Gift of Friendship

3/19/2022

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
                                                                                                                                                     Galatians 6:9
We all experience weariness in our lives--not simply a measure of physical fatigue, by which we are strengthened by rest, but also a weariness of the soul that can lead to discouragement; that can cause us to lose heart, to give up, to throw up our hands and cry out, 'what's the use'? 

We understand the exhortation to do good, to engage in those things that align with God's Word and God's ways; works that are rooted in love and faith and established in the strength of our Lord.  But doing good can become wearisome.  There is much to be done and often we encounter misunderstanding, opposition and ingratitude, even when seeking to do that which is virtuous, that which blesses others.

In our day, this sense of weariness may well be the great enemy of our spiritual lives.

To combat this weariness we need to run to the One who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29); the One who promises...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).  

During those times when we can easily become distracted, weighed down, burdened by the cares of life and just weary, we need to hear the Lord Jesus say to us, Come to me, all you who are 
weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  There is a divine strength we can find only in the One who leads us to green pastures and beside still waters, who restores our souls (Psalm 23:2-3).

There is also a renewed strength we find in the love and support of brothers and sisters in the Lord as we live out our faith in community.  Paul would say of Philemon...Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people (Philemon 1:7).

As I write these words, I am finding strength and encouragement in the Philemon's of my life.  One friend and ministry colleague wrote to me this week....
Thank you for sharing your journey, my friend. I can read in your message a sense of weariness. Ken, I will be continuing to pray here. 

Another brother and fellow minister gave me these words of encouragement...
Continuing in prayer.  Thank you for the update.  This is well-doing…don’t be weary of sharing, we are not weary of praying. 

A close friend, who has walked with me for many years offered these words that have blessed me and lifted my spirits...please be aware we see it as a privilege to pray for you and bring your concerns to the Lord.

I read these words and the burden seems lighter.  I reflect on the love and support of family and friends and a caring church family and I am richly blessed.  

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) 

I share this posting, to simply say 'thank you for your friendship'! 
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    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice. They have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley, Charlie), Andrea & Jason (Noah, Luke).

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