Crumbling Foundations

On Mother's Day I began a series of messages based loosely on the biblical principles from Tom Eliff's book, Unbreakable. These biblical pillars define kingdom families. Since I began, it seems that literally all hell has broken loose against many of the families in our church. Earlier this week a young person in our church narrowly escaped a potential date-rape experience. Two of the young men I recently baptized are being used by their dad as pawns in a significant power struggle with his ex-wife- their mom. Several of the older couples and elderly widows have shared with me some troubling developments between their children- jealousies, some life-threatening health concerns and the like. Just from observation I can see some of the families in our fellowship struggling- carrying some sort of weight in regards to their family.I'm not certain that there is a direct correlation, but I do know that in the midst of this series I have become more aware of some of the weight of these issues.
As I've observed these stresses and strains I have been leading our leadership team to rethink and refocus our ministry. We are asking one question of everything we do- What adjustments is God asking us to make to more effectively be His people in our community and in our world? I can't help but wonder if what some of these families are experiencing are results of asking that question in their own lives? In my reading of God's Word this morning I came across this: "But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself (Psalm 4:3, ESV). Are these circumstances God's work in setting these individuals apart for Himself? As pastor how can I be of more assistance to the families in our church? And if these are the kinds of experiences families in our church are living through, what is happening in those families who are unsaved and unchurched? How can we as a people of God be available for God to use in strengthening and supporting those around us?
All of these are difficult questions. Listening to God's answers is the next step.