Ministers Message – March 2021
Faithful in the wilderness…
Over the last 12 months God has given me much strength and comfort through reading scripture. The stories scripture retells often explore human experience of God in light of crisis or uncertainty. From the panic of the Israelites as Goliath stood before them, to the crisis Ruth and Naomi faced through grief and famine – scriptures story proclaims the truth of a faithful God in all seasons of life.
One of the stories I’ve read and found most fruitful spiritually is the story of the Israelites after escaping Egypt, passing through the red sea, and then spending 40 years in the desert (Read all of Exodus!) Every aspect of the communal life together was changed as a result of their Exodus and passing through the waters.
Despite the struggle this community that God calls ‘mine’ faced, despite their sometimes complaining, despite their taking matters into their own hands and making a golden calf, God was faithful and continued to be faithful to them:
“‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:7, NRSV
2021 began with as much uncertainty as 2020 ended with. As I write (on 16th Feb) we know little of what the next few weeks, let alone months will look like. By the time you read this, perhaps next week’s long awaited ‘road map’ will begin to give us some idea, at least, at the sort of terrain we will be travelling on.
But no matter what comes, there is one truth we can depend upon – that out changeless God is as faithful to us now has he has always been – and despite our uncertainty and worries about the future, God will continue to be faithful to us.
As always, while restrictions distance us, you are regularly n my thoughts and prayers. If you find yourself in need of a conversation about life, faith, uncertainties we face, or would like me to pray for you, or even with you over the phone, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
In Peace and Hope for the weeks ahead, Dan