ACTS 1:11
"THIS SAME JESUS,
WHO WAS TAKEN UP
FROM YOU INTO HEAVEN,
WILL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER
AS YOU SAW HIM GO INTO HEAVEN.”
General Overseer's May Encouragement
To the Saints of the IFCA,
Greetings in the name that’s above every name!
In Act 27:4 we read an incredible word. It says, “And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.” Now if you know anything about this story, you know that this is the beginning of a very difficult season for Paul. He’s not only about to encounter the hardships of a cyclone in the midst of a ship, he’s about to do so as a prisoner of Rome amidst a whole lot of unbelief.
Again, this wasn’t some gigantic cruise or cargo ship that Paul found himself on; this was a ship that was powered by sails. In fact, every time they set sail, they found the winds altering their course. If that wasn’t bad enough, Paul then had to face the doubts and threats of his captors. When he gave them warning that their trip would put both the ship and their lives at risk, they ignored him. Still later, even after telling them that no man would lose their life, the crew nearly abandons them only to face the soldiers wanting to kill them. But in the midst of all these contrary winds, Paul shares something which I believe we all need to hear. He says, “Be of good cheer, for there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar.”
Once more, as summer begins to dawn, I want to encourage you. As long as we are in this world, we are going to face tribulation. The good news, however, is that although we may find the contrary winds of life blowing us off our original course, we should be of good cheer. After all, the God whom we serve promises to never leave or forsake us. And as long as he is in our boat, we are assured of reaching our destination.
One final thought – our convention is just around the corner (All the information is posted on our IFCA website). Personally, I believe God is going to meet us in a powerful way. Take a few moments and register now. Don’t allow the winds of life to hamper you from coming!
May God bless each of you richly!
In His Service,
Bro. Rick George
IFCA General Overseer