My friends, as I sit and write this on Tuesday, I struggle as many of us do. Many days, I worry for our future, for the future our nation, our denomination, our communities, our churches, and my own family. But today, I struggle between worry and prayer. And then the Spirit of God quickens me, and reminds me that no matter what tomorrow brings, or next week, or whenever the results come in, that we can still depend on Jesus.
In the wake of tragedy and great loss, a 30-year old, newly widowed Louisa Stead penned the words, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word.” As the weekend begins, and Sunday fast approaches, I invite you to say these words out loud. Speak them into your atmosphere. Remind yourself, that we can trust in Jesus. That all is never lost with Christ. That hope springs eternal in our Resurrected Savior.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecute, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed!” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Regardless of what election results might be, which side people stand on, there be animosity, division, hope lost, hearts troubled, and God only knows what else. But as you stand before the people of God to preach, to lead, to sing, to chair meetings, or whatever you may do, remind the saints of the hope. As people continue to grieve through this year, searching for answers and a light at the end of this dark tunnel, remind them God is with us through it all.
A friend texted me earlier today and said, “I don’t understand the line, ‘how I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er.” I reminded her, that in our life, our dependency on Christ, we prove Him every time we trust Him. Because time and time again, grace activates in our lives and He proves that He is who He says He is. He is faithful. He is forgiving.
He is kind. He is just. He is true. His love never ceases. And my friends, every time we get to witness our faith, every time we get to share the gospel, we get to prove Him yet again. As a matter of fact, the best way to trust Him, is to try Him. So, try Jesus. Step out on faith. Be bold. Cry loud, and spare not.
I know, many times people expect to hear from me on the techniques and technical things of worship. But this weekend as you labor over what to say, how to approach, how to engage, I invite you to prove Him over and over.
Testify of the promises of Christ. Witness to the presence of Christ. And encourage the people with the hope of Christ. We have work to do. This is not the season to hide under the bushel. This is not the season for silence. We have a charge to keep, a God to glorify, and an ever-dying soul to save.
So stay in the race my friends. Keep sharing the Good News. And until we meet again, may the grace of God be with you now and always.