We do not always understand God, but we can always trust Him. “Showers of Blessings” do not always come in abundant material wealth. Nor does God guarantee a life without trials. On the contrary, God’s grace shines brightest when our lives seem darkest.

This issue is filled with the stories of those who have wept, feared, fallen, endured, but through it all kept their hope in God. They are men of faith who clung to God in the middle of adversity.

In “Through the Fire,” Dr. R.B. Ouellette gives lessons from Judah’s captivity. Even though God had brought them into Babylon, He told them He had “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). In love, God chastised the people of Israel to regain their hearts.

John Bishop lost his memory in an unusual case of aseptic meningitis. He could no longer pastor; he lost his motor functions; and he didn’t even know his own family. Through that dark time in his life, he learned of God’s amazing goodness. He tells of another man, David, who went through so much pain in his own life and yet kept singing the praises of God.

Life as a young evangelist is a daily walk of faith. Dr. John Goetsch in “Our Submission: God’s Supply” tells of God’s miraculous provision in his own life. Sometimes he doubted; sometimes he pouted; but he learned that when a Christian obeys, God will  provide.

Dr. Don Sisk also learned to trust God as he served as a pastor and missionary. He took a break from his regular column to answer some direct questions about faith, giving, and service. What is his secret to joyful giving? “I give to get, so that I can give more.”

Also in this issue, Cary Schmidt explains why godly Christian music is important to our spiritual health, and Terrie Chappell shares the importance of family and making memories during the holidays.
God is so good. He has blessed me with a wonderful family, a loving congregation, and He has given me everlasting life. The last gift alone would be enough for eternal gratitude toward God, and yet He still gives so much more.

Dr. Paul Chappell
Executive Editor & Publisher
paulchappell.com