Understand The Times, International

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."

Comment:

This portion of scripture is the one we use as our theme for our Understand The Times Bryce Homes Program. It was August of 2001 that our son Bryce was suddenly killed in a car accident in Saskatchewan. Our loss of our son who was in the prime of life caused unbearable pain and sorrow. While it took some time, the Lord Jesus Christ led us to a program that makes a difference in the lives of the poor, especially widows and orphans. Over the ten years this program has been in place we have seen God�s hand at work in different countries. There are over 300 children and adults who were in hopeless situations who now have hope. Without the loss of our son this would have not happened. As the scriptures state the Lord has taken mourning and turned it into joy.

Application:

The Bible states that God works all things together for good to those who love Him. While Christians experience times in life when it is difficult or impossible to understand why hardship or sorrow comes, a sovereign God has all things in control. If you are experiencing one of those times now, please remember that the Lord is sovereign and has not forgotten you. In time you will see that what I am saying is true.