The Wisdom of God’s People Who Choose Blessing (Watchnight Service)

As the year drew to a close, there had been a longing to see many in the congregation brought to the place God intends for them. Yet the word came that this very fretting, with all its disappointment and pain, was itself a form of selfish desire. Diligent teaching and faithful service do not change a person; that is the work of God alone.

It is God who blesses those who hear the Word and come humbly, rebukes those who judge in their pride, and brings judgment on those who have wandered far away. A pastor’s prayer and devotion, like a parent’s sacrifice for their children, is simply what love does; but according to whether that love is taken for granted or received with thanks, God himself answers in their place with blessing or with rebuke. The message, then, was to set personal feelings aside, lay down both the sorrow and the reproach, and entrust each one to God in prayer, calling them by name.

There followed a testimony of receiving the diagnosis of an extremely rare blood cancer and finding, instead, a deep peace. To be called home tomorrow would be a blessing, and to be given more years would be a blessing too; so there was no need to fear, but only to fulfill the calling where one stands. In the light of that word came the hope that the new year would be met with selfish desire laid aside and with trust in God alone.