By Gerold McBride
When I look at my life and consider where I’ve been, I see a long stretch behind me, and what lays ahead, not so much. My memories take me back to my childhood and those wonderful Christmas mornings. Even more wonderful were those Christmas mornings when my children were young. I have truly been blessed as I traveled along life’s pathway. Not just because of the wonder of children but primarily by the wonder of He whose birth we celebrate. He has given me a wife and four children, and He has guided me on life’s pathway.
Our path is not always smooth. We all experience those rough spots, and if we have faith in God it is then that we learn that truly “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23)
For the past 36 years I have been pastor of Lithium Baptist Church and the path I have walked has been smooth, with the exception of my wife’s death. But even that deepened my faith and helped me know heaven awaits when I shall be with my Savior, but also I will be with all of His children, and my wife.
Paul wrote “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called accordig to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NKJV Faith and an honest look back to the times when our way was difficult will illustrate the truth of that statement. If God is truly our shepherd, the path we walk, even though it has some bumps, will draw us closer to God.
Why do I write of my life? I write of my experience with the Lord because He has no favorites. He loves each of us. He wants to bless you. I also write of my experience so that you may know the Lord and you will know the peace and joy He brings. It matters little whether you claim to be Baptist, or Methodist, or Assembly, or Catholic or Lutheran. What does matter is that you know Jesus as your personal Savior. It’s not just what a preacher may say, it’s what Jesus has said.
In Second Peter, chapter 3, verse 9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (NKJV) He loves you and wants all of us to trust Him. Do this and find that He will be with you, guiding you and forgiving you.
Rev. Gerold McBride is pastor of Lithium Baptist Church in Perry County. He may be reached by email at geroldmcbride@gmail.com or by phone at 573-547-8954.
