Q and A with Pastor J.

It is a fact that we all accumulate personal baggage – emotionally and spiritually. We carry these things through life, and they weigh us down and hold us back.

We endure burdens that we don’t have to carry, but it is hard to let them go. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul tells us that we don’t need to be anxious or burdened, but we present them to God and trust that He will meet our needs. We should not be afraid because we understand that God knows us and our trouble. God wants to give us peace in exchange for our baggage. We must let it go and allow God to free us. This means that we stop pretending that we are in control and trust God who is in control. When we do that we let go of our baggage and know God’s peace.

God cares about your struggle. He doesn’t expect you to figure it all out alone. He created the community of the Church to help you. No one can make pain and anxiety disappear with the wave of a magic wand. However, in the Church you are not alone. In His Church are people who understand and want to help. We all struggle but we don’t have to struggle alone. In community we can find hope and healing in Jesus’ name.

We would love to meet you at First Baptist Church! We meet for FBC Wednesday Nights at 6 p.m. On Sunday’s our Small Group Bible studies meet at 8:45 a.m. and we worship at 10:00 a.m. There is a place for you with us!

Know that you are loved! Pastor J.Ingram First Baptist Church of Eufaula, OK www.eufaulafbc.org