Tag: baptism

By Pastor Andrew Farland

One of the most effective ways that God heals and saves us when we’re troubled and near the gates of death is by sending people into our lives at just the right time. How do I know this? Because it’s exactly what He did for me.

When I was at my lowest, a friend decided to fly hundreds of miles to and from my home, on a monthly basis, to walk alongside me through my depression. At first, I didn’t want her help. But, over time, the visits became a sort of candle in the darkness.

On one of my friend’s visits, she spoke words of truth that I need to share with you today. She taught me that God doesn’t always show up in big ways as He did with Moses in the burning bush or in a rainbow-like He did with Noah. Instead, you have to search for glimpses of Him; you have to find Him in the whispers.

She told me to think about how the sun and the moon function. When the sun goes down, the moon comes up and reflects 15 % of the sun’s light. God has literally built the world so that His creation is never without light. Imagine that! The light of the world created a place that can’t exist without Him!

In our lives, especially when our depression weighs heavy, God ensures that we are never completely without light. And He does this through the people that He puts in our path. Just like the moon reflects the sun’s light, our friends reflect God’s light into our lives.

Today, and in the days to come, be cognizant of the men and women He might be putting in your way to disrupt your routine and bring you closer to Him. Spend time asking God for wisdom to recognize His hand in your life. And remember, God knew the struggles you would face and He is sending the right people at the right times.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

Whether you’re a musician or not, you intuitively understand how music works. You know how you feel when the tempo slows down or speeds up. You can’t explain it, but you know that certain notes or rhythms make you want to dance or reflect on the mysteries of the world. The amazing thing about music is that it crosses all barriers and speaks a universal language that can affect people deep inside their souls.

Music is just like our circumstances.

Life happens to everyone. Every man and woman knows what it’s like.

What I mean is that life slows down and speeds up. It plays certain notes and it pauses at inopportune times. Life is full of highs, and if you’re struggling through a season of depression right now, you know that it can be full of lows.

You need to know that you’re normal and that you are joined in the valley with millions of other people who are trying to make sense of the music.

You also need to be encouraged with this truth: not every day is a stadium event. Sometimes life is boring or the opposite of what you want it to be. You might see other people post pictures on social media that make them look like they have it all together. Trust me. They don’t.

The depression and anxiety you are experiencing are normal. I know it’s not easy, but you need to know that you are not crazy. It’s just the music of life. And, if you can keep taking small steps forward, you will get through it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

I spent a year in Uganda doing mission work, caring for women with HIV, planting a brand-new church, and ministering to the people in the community. It was amazing to see how much God was doing among the Ugandan people. After that year in Uganda, my fight against depression and anxiety began. And when it started, it hit me hard.

Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. You were living your normal life and out of nowhere, you were in the battle of a lifetime. You might be going through it right now.

I want to tell you how God prepared me for the challenges I would experience in my depression. I tell you this not to brag, but to encourage you. Over and over, God spoke one specific Bible verse to me.

The first time was when I arrived in Uganda and there was a notecard in my room with Joshua 1:9 written on it: “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.” The second way God frequently spoke to me was when I logged onto Facebook and saw only 1 message and only 9 notifications.

I believe God was saying, “I know what you’re about to go through. And when life rocks you, remember to be strong and courageous. You will lead yourself out of this. I am with you.”

I learned two big truths from this experience that you need to hear:

If God repeats something, He knows you’re going to need it. This will require some listening on your part. But, if you can find time to listen to God on a daily basis, you’ll give yourself a chance to hear him. I was able to recognize His voice through social media.

Before you head into depression, God will prepare you with everything you’ll need. I know this is difficult to understand when you’re already in the middle of your fight. But, trust that you have what it takes to get through it because your Heavenly Father has given you all the tools you need.

Today, if you’re struggling, stop and think about the work God might be doing in your life. Believe that He has prepared you. Believe that He is whispering truth into your life.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

When I was young, my mom and I would pray the words of Psalm 23 together so much that I had it memorized.

As I got older, I began to realize that what seemed like a happy, fluffy prayer was actually a challenge from God about how big He is and how small we are.

In verse 2, the author says that God makes him lie down in green pastures, He leads him beside quiet waters, and restores his soul. Take a moment and focus on the words, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

God wants us to take time to recharge, away from distractions, to connect with Him. Some of my best moments over the last few years were when God took charge and made me lie down. I was too sick to leave my house and was forced to open my Bible. Those days were amazing because I spent the entire time with my Heavenly Father, refueling my soul for ministry.

Christians talk a lot about the free will that God has given them. They praise God for the grace that He gives freely to every man and woman on earth. Those are beautiful parts of the Christian faith, but what Christians usually forget is that God is both loving and sovereign.

God is in charge. What He says goes.

Now that I’m older, and I’m aware of the sovereignty of God, I think Psalm 23 is less of a suggestion and more of an order.

God says, “If you aren’t going to listen to me, I will make you do it!” And I believe He had to make me lie down and spend time with Him.

Remember this Truth today. If you aren’t willing to pause and recharge your soul, God will make you sit down! And trust me from experience, it’s a lot easier if you intentionally pause and meet with God before He has to force you to take a break.

Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.