Article 6 Volume 13 Sunday, February 12, 2023
Today's Preacher: Reverend Stanley Bradby, Assistant to the pastor, Reverend Matthew J. Pearson
** Today's message was centered around overcoming obstacles that hinder us from achieving certain goals. These goals include education achievements; choosing a church and community to worship and live in; choosing and preparing for a work career and many other goals we may desire to achieve.
Often, we become discouraged and don't make any more effort after the slightest challenge confronts us.
The preacher was encouraging the congregation to keep on pushing so they can overcome difficult obstacles. Don't be quick to say, I'm black so that's not for me.
He used 2 Chronicles chapter 20, verses 3-15 for reference (read your bible, the whole chapter)
When Rosa Parks got on the bus, she was just tired and wanted to rest her feet. She had no idea that sitting in that empty seat would cause a nationwide uproar. We just have to remember to be mindful that God can help us, regardless, of race, if we just put our trust in him.
Although we are celebrating Black History Month, we can find comfort in knowing that God will be our guide, just like He was for the Hebrew children.
Before I get into the sermon, I want to share with you a story, once told by a lady in an open church gathering meeting.
* She had an appointment for a job interview at 9 a.m. on a hot summer day, for a very important position within the government. This job was very important to her because it was a passage to advance to a senior-level position. The competition was fierce. She left home early that day to make sure she wouldn't be late. She arrived for the interview 30 minutes early. The outside gate was locked. It stood about six feet tall. She was wearing a brand new expensive white dress and white patent leather shoes. She was prepared for the challenge. She saw lots of people going into the building, but not one of them could help her. The open gate was a ten-minute walk, from here to the other side of the building. She felt as though, she had been intentionally given some wrong information because she was the only Black candidate among the 7 finalists. Then, she nearly started to cry and walk away.
She looked up and saw a flock of black birds flying and going about their business unimpeded. She wondered, was the birds a sign for her to find a way to cross that fence, because if she missed this interview, this opportunity may never come again.
She turned around and walked back to that gate, said a prayer, and then...
(to be continued on February 20, 2023) We will share with you how she was blessed immensely.
Now let us go to the sermon:
" The preacher talked about God being on our side. When we faced all kinds of odds against us in civil rights marches in the south as well as in other states,. We prayed and we prevailed because we marched with faith. There are no overwhelming odds for those who put their trust in God. When we come together and pray to God, He is able to deliver us.
Be not afraid, for the battle is not yours, but God's. He has blessed us through the years, so don't get afraid now. God answers every prayer. Nobody is able to stand against God and prevail. Read Psalm 121 (in your bible). God will make a way, even when the odds may be overwhelming against you. Maybe, not when you want Him to come, but you can be assured that the day will surely come when he will answer your prayer if you are in pursuit of something that is righteous and intended for you to have. Amen."
** Generally odds are used in talking about bets of some sort. But today the word is used in a positive way to deliver a timely message about what God can do. It is not about gambling or taking chances.
* The story is based on a true occurrence. It was slightly augmented for reading enhancement.
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