A Special Devotional from Mark Baer: Rejoice & Persevere

But I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope.  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-23

His Grace is Sufficient

I was asked to give a brief update, as many of you have been asking when I will be back on air for CIAM mornings. Unfortunately, my health has suddenly and severely declined, leaving me feeling weak and tired most of the time. It has been exhausting navigating treatment options, medication changes, and medical trips, and it has been humbling to require help with all the small chores that I would easily do on my own, but God’s grace is sufficient for me. He has given me a loving and supportive wife, six daughters who are willing and able to help, and nineteen grandchildren. Praise the Lord. 

Having physical weakness has shown me how fragile my mental and spiritual health also are, and how quickly they can also deteriorate. Paul tells us in Romans to rejoice in our sufferings and be thankful for every day God gives us regardless of our circumstances. God’s peace can transcend my circumstances and His power is made perfect by my weakness. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ is a spiritual battle and I have to remind myself to be thankful for every new day that the Lord gives me. 

God is good, God is faithful and God is full of grace. He has promised that he will not walk away from me. “For I am confident of this that He who began a good work in me will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God is not punishing me with my suffering. “For I know this, that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 

I do hope for healing so I can go back to doing the things that bring me joy, however the hope that Jesus offers me is eternal. God can still use me for his purpose even if everything I once was has been stripped away. My purpose is much greater than me being on air at CIAM, feeding my cows, or driving my John Deere.

God’s purpose for all of us is to Love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, strength and mind; and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Praise the Lord, I can still do all of these things, through Christ who gives me strength.  

The promises of scripture are a lifeline for me right now, and I want to encourage you to look to Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of your life. He will walk with you through every valley and not forsake you. Remember to build up your treasures in Heaven.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

On Dec 2, 2023, Mark went home to the Lord. Please continue to pray for Rieda and the Baer family. 

Click above to read more stories, updates and devotionals in the 2023/2024 Annual CIAM Newsletter.