tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post5211866624529522858..comments2023-10-29T19:03:11.547-04:00Comments on A Pilgrim's Progress: And So It BeginsErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-49687729674325572902011-01-04T18:00:14.624-05:002011-01-04T18:00:14.624-05:00Andy,
Thank you very much for the encouragement. ...Andy,<br /><br />Thank you very much for the encouragement. This has been quite a ride so far. I realize that this is nothing compared to what some Christians are facing around the world in places like Iraq, Pakistan, North Korea, etc. However, it is still a challenge. I appreciate your kind words.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-37291610432160794702011-01-04T17:19:21.095-05:002011-01-04T17:19:21.095-05:00Eric, I came across a story today in a book I'...Eric, I came across a story today in a book I'm reading, and I thought I'd pass it along in hopes of offering some encouragement. Randy Alcorn, the author, writes, "Twenty years ago, on nine occasions I participated in peaceful, nonviolent civil disobedience in what was . . . an extremely unpopular cause--speaking up for the civil rights of unborn children. I briefly went to jail, and abortion clinics brought lawsuits against me and others. It seemed possible that if the lawsuits succeeded, the abortion clinics might take away our house and a good part of our monthly income. In the several years we found ourselves in the middle of this stressful situation, Nanci and I would talk with our daughters--eight and ten . . . . True, I was no longer able to serve as a pastor or make more than minimum wage."<br /><br />I thought of your situation as I read this, Eric. While your specific reasons are different, yet you have a lot in common with this author: you both served as pastors, both took a dramatic stand based on what you believed God would have you do, and this decision affected you and your family and your career in sacraficial ways. Eric, know that the path of faith you are walking has been walked by others before you. God has always been faithful and will continue to be so. Fix your eyes on Him!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-2828625991739587272011-01-02T21:09:46.081-05:002011-01-02T21:09:46.081-05:00Joe G.,
Thanks so much for your kind words. God ...Joe G.,<br /><br />Thanks so much for your kind words. God has always shown Himself to be faithful and I'm sure He will continue to do so. I'm trying to thank the Lord for this trial, but I'm not too good at it. <br /><br />I appreciate your prayers. God bless.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-65766150531873942482011-01-02T20:58:40.177-05:002011-01-02T20:58:40.177-05:00Hey, Eric -
I applaud your faith and have fond mem...Hey, Eric -<br />I applaud your faith and have fond memories of working as a janitor myself in 1984-1985 while dropping in and out of seminary (finally dropped OUT for good) - we are Catholic converts. Good luck to you and hold on to your God-given common sense - things will work out, I'm sure.<br />- Joe G.Joe G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03836593204346420521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-67771752978613633362011-01-02T07:28:18.966-05:002011-01-02T07:28:18.966-05:00Jeff,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. ...Jeff,<br /><br />Thank you so much for your encouragement. Trials are interesting things. I feel so inconsistent in my response to them. I'd like to be riding a spiritual high all the time, but the reality is otherwise. I do hope that my example will at least cause others to ask questions. Thanks again.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-88839545815154255212011-01-01T21:59:46.752-05:002011-01-01T21:59:46.752-05:00Eric,
The test/trial has just begun. Why? You hav...Eric,<br /><br />The test/trial has just begun. Why? You have decided to not just talk but walk. Many talk, few actually walk. You walked.<br /><br />You will learn some things that God could not teach you as a salaried Clergyman. One day, people will say: "look what Eric did".<br /><br />You can trust God to take care of you and your family. You won't starve, go without shelter or clothing.<br /><br />I will be praying for you, Alice, Caroline, Mary and Bobby. May God be with you all. I have been following your walk for years, but haven't had time to comment as often as I would like.Jeff Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07593071009308101318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-17233154643502911272011-01-01T15:56:42.369-05:002011-01-01T15:56:42.369-05:00John,
Thank you so much for your prayers and word...John,<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. You are so right the the Lord is faithful. I know He will carry us through this. I look forward to the growth in us that He will cause through it. In turn, my hope is that we can be a blessing to others.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-17569854394500551442011-01-01T15:39:18.857-05:002011-01-01T15:39:18.857-05:00Eric,
"When will this test/trial end?"
...Eric,<br /><br />"When will this test/trial end?"<br /><br />Never!<br /><br />When the trials seem to be past in one area, maybe finance, they are often going on in others, for instance, in personal, or congregational relationships.<br /><br />The one thing I can promise is that God is ALWAYS faithful to His own, and will ALWAYS provide the necessary where-with-all to endure, and come through in fine shape.<br /><br />As Paul says,"I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."<br /><br />Am praying for you and yours.Aussie Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16199918171163666399noreply@blogger.com