"I am the Good Shepherd"

by Dr. Ann Pearson on March 16, 2020

These days in Lent continue to provide the enlightenment of God’s presence in our lives. God is all around and He keeps showing us He is right here with us. Sometimes we can’t see God working in the midst of the struggle and we ask the question, "Where are you God?" "I don’t see you." This may have been some of the same feelings Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane and as He faced the angry crowds that yelled, Crucify Him, Crucify Him. Feelings of being alone can be paralyzing and we wonder how we can go on.

The Love of God and His Son, Jesus’s love is far greater than we can imagine. Scripture tells us in John 10:11 Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." In John 3:16 it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life." As you read these scriptures they are stating the love God has for His people and it is without question He is willing to give and sacrifice everything that is precious to Him to show His love for us. That should humble us and cause us to see the deep commitment and devotion our God is bestowing upon us. He is not leaving us. We are the ones who would have to leave Him or turn our backs on Him.

Know that when we can’t see the full picture of our life we are called to believe and trust that God desires the very best for us. God is at work all around us if we will give Him the chance to complete the circle of the struggle. The moments when we see the great work He is doing on our behalf is one of the most humbling times that can bring us to tears. He is showing that He cares, He has not left us and He is blessing us in ways we never imagined.

Take this time in this Lenten journey to draw closer to your Heavenly Father in a more intimate way because He has a magnificent plan for your life. You just need to come to him and let Him guide you through your trouble waters. His love endures and lives on forever.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are grateful to know that you love us more than life itself. You have shown us in so many ways that you are always with us. Help us to trust and be in the moments with you as you bring our life to the fullness of your plan. In Christ’s Holy Name, Amen

Grace and peace,

Ann Pearson
Director of Caring Ministries

Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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