If God is for us, who is against us?
This is clearly a time of uncertainty. How long will all this last? Will we have what we need? Will we be ok? So many questions, so much uncertainty. And when we are uncertain, we get anxious.
There is always uncertainty – about our health, our finances, our future. What makes this time more intense is that we’re all uncertain at the same time.
But into that uncertainty comes a promise. A promise more certain than any other. The Apostle Paul says it:
If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not with him give us all things? (Nothing) will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-32, 39
Now that’s a promise. In all times and especially uncertain times, remember His promise. It’s the one and only guarantee we have.
The most important prayer for me in my 20’s was based on this powerful promise. I commend it to you. Learn it by heart.
Lord, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending by paths as yet untrodden through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love is supporting us. Amen
Nothing is more certain than this.
Remember our Sunday and Wednesday Lenten Services are on our website at bflchurch.org/sermons, click on church media, sermon.
God Bless you all,
Pastor Ken
Do Not Be Afraid
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is surreal to look out the window and see the snow left by the blizzard knowing that kids are home from school and much of the world is hunkering down.
I had a video conference yesterday with Bishop Dan Selbo and the North American Lutheran Church deans. Congregations across North America are experiencing the same challenges – how to worship and encourage one another in a time we are not physically together.
The situation is a challenge. But it’s also an opportunity to grow deeper in faith. As your schedule has changed, take time to read your devotional book. If you don’t have one go to the NALC website and check out the devotions there. Yes, keep up with the news but don’t watch too much. The news will give you a cup ½ empty. With the Lord the cup is always ½ full.
As we look forward to worship, read the lessons for Sunday. Meditate on Psalm 23 in your Bible. Our troubles are real (I walk through the valley) but our strength is always in the Lord (I will not fear for you are with me).
Also read John 9. It’s the story of the man born blind. It raises important questions about suffering. But focuses on the work our Lord is doing right now in giving us life, hope, and healing. Remember, ‘In all things, God is working for good (even in this time). Romans 8:28
I also encourage you to read 2 Kings 6:8-23. It’s the text I used for our Council conference call last night. Elisha and his servant are surrounded by enemy forces. The servant sees them and panics. But at Elisha’s word, his eyes are opened to the presence of chariots of fire (the hosts of heaven) that surround the enemy Elisha’s words to him are still true for us: “Do not be afraid. There are more with us than there are with them.”
Be prudent. Make good decisions about yourself and others. Remember the President’s guidelines in the 15 days for slowing the speed. As Vice President Pence said, “Don’t be afraid. Be vigilant.”
Everyday we are surrounded by news that can make us afraid. But we need not be afraid. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38
In Christ,
Pastor Ken Hohag