Hi Church Friends and Family,
Shelter-in-place.
Three simple words can change an entire lifestyle, can’t they? There are benefits, of course. But the disruption in our lives cannot be ignored. It’s a different time and finding some sense of normalcy is something that we’re fighting for.
God is good. God is love.
Our life is full of three-word pairs.
It’s important to react and cooperate with local and federal laws as long as they don’t infringe on Scripture, but in the midst of isolation, it can be hard to truly believe that what God says really is true.
This is why I want to continue sharing the story of Esther with you this Sabbath. Esther is a story of reversal. It’s a story of a people in the midst of uncertainty. It’s a narrative of what God is doing in the background and in the foreground even though we may not even perceive His presence.
We talk about our future, our hope in Jesus’ second coming, which we absolutely should continue to do – but not at the expense of Jesus loving us here and now.
God sees your lost job. God sees the struggle to bring food to the table. God sees the small wins that you’re having each day. God sees how you’re feeling right here and right now. But let me tell you – God is the God of reversal.
It’s intentional, and it’s a challenge. But I’m asking you to join me in acting like these verses are real – even if you aren’t feeling it.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The most impactful three-word pairing that I have ever understood is that God loves me.
If God loves me, then He wants the best for me. If God loves me, then He wants to be with me even if I’m not looking or feeling too great. If God loves me, then he loves me for me.
So as you transition into this new normal, let the core of your reality be found in these simple yet magnificent words:
God loves you.
With love and courage,
Pastor Jonny