Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Along with a number of other pastors in the area, a local radio station recently asked me to share a 2 minute devotional to encourage listeners in this challenging time. Here is what I put together (it was part of our newsletter this week as well):

In this time of uncertainty and change, many are looking for answers. What much of the world values – health, wealth, education, government, etc. – is under duress and proving limited in ability to meet the growing challenge of this virus.

Please don’t misunderstand – all of us should appreciate the many who are working tirelessly to respond – I thank God for them! Yet, ultimately our hope and trust must go further, deeper and higher than anything this world offers – to the one true God who made us and loves us.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Honestly, some are hoping just to survive this virus, but I believe this is a time for the church to thrive. Wars, famines and plagues were all too common in past centuries, yet God sustained His people and built the church in spite of them. In such trials, God’s people showed their true colors – like Jesus, they sacrificially and lovingly reached out to help those in need, tend the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and offer hope to the hopeless. They prayed to our Almighty God for grace, mercy and an end to suffering, witnessing changed hearts, changed lives and miracles along the way.

The great hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" has a number of great lines, but one of my favorites right now is: "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside. Great is Thy faithfulness!"

This is the time to let our light shine and offer hope to the world, my friends!

Heavenly Father, by Your Spirit, inspire and empower us be the Church, for such a time as this. Amen.