“We walk by faith, not by sight”—2 Corinthians 5:7. It’s a short, familiar verse and upon reflection, it is a very true statement. There are many times in our lives in which we step forward by faith, even if we can’t clearly see the path forward. Accepting a marriage proposal, bringing home a newborn baby from the hospital, weighing a major career move or job change—all these situations require us to step forward trusting that we will have the personal resources to navigate whatever the future may hold. We say a quick prayer, take a deep breath for strength, and cross over that threshold into an unknown future trusting that with God, all things are possible.
Our church continues to walk forward by faith, having to make decisions and set up plans lacking a clear textbook or instruction manual for this difficult pandemic season. This month we hope to begin a few small congregational services of worship. They will involve invited guests and focus on specific liturgical needs, such as celebrating the sacrament of baptism. They will hopefully prepare us for whatever the next stage of re-opening might look like, including the possibility of returning to worship in our sanctuary in early fall. Yes, there are many things that could force us to change our plans, but we choose to trust that God is near. With prudent planning and creative alternative options (such as continuing to livestream our services), we can eventually resume being a worshiping congregation of faith.
In every time of transition of our life, there is what we can “see”—the literal reality around us and the difficult choices within our own minds. But there is also a larger perspective we cannot see with our literal eyes, but must see with our spiritual vision. This larger perspective reminds us that God loves us and longs for us to be well, and that whatever the future may hold, God is aware of it and will be beside us as we experience it. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus—another great reminder from the apostle Paul found in Romans 8:39. Confident of that promise, we can walk by faith even if it means traveling a road in which sight and human resources are difficult to come by.
In Great Britain’s darkest hours of World War II, the people there felt alone and unsure how they were going to survive the 1941 bombing raids from the German Luftwaffe. Harry Hopkins was the American adviser sent by F.D.R. to reassure Winston Churchill and others that American help would be provided. But Britain was struggling beneath the devastating attacks and America was being slow to act on its promises. Reaching a point of desperation, during a small gathering in Glasgow, Churchill pushed Hopkins for some definite assurance from his American allies. Getting up to speak, Hopkins replied, “I suppose you wish to know what I am going to say to President Roosevelt when I return.” Then he began to paraphrase the famous passage from the book of Ruth: “Whither thou goest, I will go. And where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God, even to the end.”
When sight falters or fails, may faith sustain us. For we do not walk alone into the future, and with God truly all things are possible.
—Randy Bush
As I listen to your sermons on my computer and observe you standing in the pulpit or alone in the courtyard, I watch you with admiration. I know my struggle but I can only imagine yours. I am grateful for your faith and courage in these trying times. I am certain I am not the only one in the congregation who experiences your sermons this way. I don’t know how to do “snap chat” and I’m not sure I would use it anyway. I prefer to express my appreciation for your your faith, strength and leadership privately.
Today’s message brought tears to my eyes. May God continue to bless you as you lead His flock.
Marva