robsingleton.net

15 August 2007

The Silver Lining Turns to Gold

“Every cloud has a silver lining.” Is that how the saying goes? I never used that one much myself. I wanted to make sure it meant the obvious, so I looked it up under English sayings.

Yep, it means that even the worst or most painful situations have some potential good somewhere.

Today I went to an incredible ceremony honoring the life of fallen Fireman, Todd Hage. It was an honor to officiate. Sure, there were tears. Of course there was sadness. It’s going to take some time to recover the smiles and the joy after such a tragedy. But God did something that only God can do.

He brought some beauty out of sadness. He showed His saving power even in the midst of pain.

Today 63 people gave their lives to Jesus Christ at the memorial service!

People cheered. It was a great moment—a silver lining on a cloudy day.

It made me think that this was the beginning of the unleashing of God’s amazing saving power that we will see more of this weekend as Clayton King joins us once again and shares of the love of Christ in the last of our iTunes series with the message entitled, “iBelieve.”

Do what you need to in order to get people to this powerful event.

You do your part.

We’ll do ours, and…

God always does His!

Can’t wait!

Share and Enjoy:

10 Comments currently posted.

Russ says:

As you said in your message today, Christ came to serve. He wants us to serve and love others. Todd got it and lived it. Praise the Lord for working through tragedy to save 63.

Our heart goes out to the family.

Michelle says:

I was reminded this morning in God’s word in Philippians1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
God promises to finish the work He has begun. He’ll use whatever He must to do this. Praise, praise, praise to God for those 63 people’s lives!

calculatorgames says:

Wow, 63 people, that is wonderful. I think Mr Hague was looking down upon you all. When I heard the news announced Sunday morning, my heart felt so heavy. I did not know him or his family but yet I felt so sadden by the news. Now to hear 63 people gave their lives to Christ, it does not take the pain away but it sure does put that “gold lining” on it.

i am looking forward to this weekend. I have been working on my ‘person” for two weeks now and I hope that my hard work will pay off!

I love Southbrook and all of your hardwork Rob. Being the vessel you are, you have made wonderful things in my family happen…thank you!

Chris Goeller says:

We truely serve an AWESOME GOD! To use a time of sadness to remind us of His presence and grace is amazing…WOW! I did not know the Hages either but felt a measure of their grief when I learned what happened, and then to hear that 63 people gave their lives at the memorial service it, brought tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to the Hages and all those who now have new life and call Him Savior.

I am looking forward to and praying about this awesome weekend that we are about to experience at Southbrook. Thanks Rob and Southbrook staff for continuing to tear the roof off to make the name of Jesus famous!

Jim says:

My heart goes out to the family, and I know this will sound cliched, but God brings so much good out of things that outwardly appear so bad, and possibly , tragic. I cannot imagine having to endure this kind of test of faith, but will pray for the family., and for the precious souls who came to know Jesus through this service.

JT says:

AWESOME!!

GOD IS GOOD!

Frances says:

Wow Rob! God is certainly using you in this area the way He used Rick Warren in California–Dan Southerland in Florida…etc…! You are a great leader–to God be the glory!

Greg Howey says:

We at WCVFD really want to Thank Rob for giving such a heart felt service at Todd’s Memorial. A lot of people were saved and will continue to be saved from this outpouring of Faith. I look forward to the reunion with Todd! Please continue to pray for his Family, as they will continue to need support and Prayer in the days ahead.

Michael says:

“The Lord will restore the years the locust have eaten.” - God

It is amazing how the Lord can only make and keep a promise like that. A friend, co-worker and fellow believer recently discovered that her husband had cheated on her a second time. Well, that is a cloud isn’t it. Today, we had the opportunity to sit down a talk and it is obvious to me that the Lord is restoring the years the locust have eaten. She is drawing her strength from Him like never before. She is learning forgiveness. She is seeing that only God can fill the empty places in our heart and have contentment as a result.

Todd’s funeral acted as a reminder of how fragile this life really is. People show that, but it was the Word of God and His Power that drew them to Him. They realized by the beckoning of the Holy Spirit that only God can give real hope, real security and real joy in life and in death. Praise the Lord that He is able to do what no one else can - restore what the locust have eaten!!!

Kate says:

One thing that I see from that is that God will use His faithful forever. Todd’s faith by no way ended while one earth, and obviously neither did his witness, in reality his faith and witness are now complete!

I will be praying for Michelle and the girls, my heart goes out to you.

Post a comment on this entry: