Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgement.
Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.
Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together, but doesn’t.
Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.
Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly perfect
families.
Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.
Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.
Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.
Church is hard for the preacher’s family, struggling to live up to expectations.
Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.
Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby of her own to love.
Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.
Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.
Church is hard for the sinner.
Church is hard for me.
It’s hard because underneath the layers of shiny and perfect, you find a body of imperfect people.
But here’s the beauty of the church –
Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.
Church is a body of people.
Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.
Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.
Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.
Church is a refuge of broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.
Church is a lesson in faith and trust.
Church is a family coming together, setting aside differences, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.
So even on the hard days…..the days when I’ve come to worship bearing burdens heavier than my
heart can handle, yet masking the pain with a smile on my face, I will always remember He has never
failed to meet me there.
Contributed by Jim Lloyd