September 2020 – From the Pastor’s Desk

Posted on Sep 1, 2020 in General, Newsletter |

It has been a month that did not turn out the way I had planned. Instead of spending it trying to find renewal and breath, I was filled with a full month of loss, love, concern, grief and family. In the midst of it, God’s presence was even more obvious than normal. It made me think even more deeply about how God is present especially in those moments when we need him the most.
 
You might have read a piece in John 4 about a soldier who had asked Jesus to go with him and heal his son who was very sick. I read this in a recent devotion, and I thought it a great piece to share with you. Jesus had commented something to the effect about how people only believe what they see. He turned to the soldier and told him to return home and his son would be okay. The scripture then says that the soldier took him at his word and departed.

Two things stood out for me in this piece. First, the comment Jesus made about having to see signs and wonders…the other, when the soldier took Jesus at his word “and departed.”
 
I had to sit and think about this, especially in light of the month I was having…how often do I ask Jesus to give me a sign. As I pondered that, I reflected about how early in my faith my need to see signs and wonders was much more childlike…” send me a sign, Jesus, I need to see how.” As time went on, it has become more like a sense of peace in all things, and a reassurance that the signs and wonders come without having to ask…but the important part is that I don’t have to ask, I simply need to believe they are there.
 
The soldier, after having asked Jesus to help his son, waited for a word from Jesus, received it and then went back to his family. There was no pleading, no questions, no disagreement. Nothing like I remember from Jesus as I struggled to grow my faith, just a simple acceptance. We know that when the soldier returned home, his son was healed. The soldier’s faith had served him well. His prayers were answered, and his request was granted.

For us, it is a peaceful feeling to know that as we grow, our faith is strengthened, and our journey
deepened with every experience we encounter. It is a peaceful feeling to know that in every moment our God is present, and it isn’t necessary to have to see signs and wonders to validate our faith. It is so much more peaceful to know that God’s presence comes to us especially in times of need.
 
God is Good!         Be Blessed!