Last week those police shootings of civilians that have happened in OTHER cities, the ones that I watched and heard reports about on TV, the shootings where I was sorry for the victims and so thankful that it hadn't happened in my town. . . well, all of that ended, and an incident DID happen in my town. Lightning fast, people were at microphones shouting and crying out for justice, protests were staged, and dire threats were made, some aimed at people I know and admire. The horrible scenarios were now part of my world.
For many months now, our church, along with most churches, has had a police presence whenever we gather together. Last Sunday as I watched a uniformed policeman with all his protective gear and devices looking over the scene during our worship service, I felt an ominous cloud. The worship itself was powerful and Spirit-filled, but the environment had shifted.
As the events in my community were coming to a crescendo, Hamas forces brutally attacked Israel. Now Israel is at war.
Personally, I can fill reams of paper with lists of my blessings and of God's blessings to my family, but outside of our bubble? Well, things are uneasy and uncertain. I needed reminders. I needed to be grounded AGAIN. I needed reassurance. And it came in the form of words from my pastor.
Blake Kersey is younger than my children, but he exhibits wisdom equal to that of my friends who are in their 80's and beyond. Steve and I are so grateful for his leadership and the direction he receives from God BECAUSE HE ASKS GOD FOR DIRECTION.
It is his habit to send out an email to the congregation on Tuesday of each week. The emails are always helpful and encouraging, but this week's message was exactly what God knew I needed, so I want to share it with you.
There seems to be a sense of genuine uncertainness in the air today. The tragedy that took place in our own community last week led each of us to hug our loved ones a little longer and make sure that we do not take our life for granted. As we watch the war in the Middle East, it causes us to feel uncertain about how this is going to end. Even when we go to fill up our cars or go to the grocery store or a restaurant, we feel a sense of discomfort and wonder how long prices will continue to increase. As we move closer to election season, it seems like fear and uncertainty is dominating our country.
I want to remind you, as God’s children, that even when things of this world seem out of control, the one thing we can cling to is the promise that God is on His Throne. Never once has He been distracted or looked away. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) We trust in God, and we remember that this world is not our home—we were created to live for our eternal home.
I also want to remind you that our ultimate hope is not found in any politician, government, financial institution, or individual. Our hope is found in the Lord and His promise that one day, He will make all things new.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, ESV)
“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT)
Things may be uncertain in our community, our country, and in our world, but we know how this all ends—God reigns and we are His adopted children. In the meantime, may we humble ourselves and boldly approach His Throne. If we do, He promises that He will heal our land.
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV)
Let’s continue to look to Him, depend on Him, and seek His will in all that we do. May the Lord bring peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Thank you, Pastor Blake. Your words ministered to me. Now maybe they can minister to others as well.
If you want to know more about Pastor Blake Kersey and my church, please go to the website -- https://www.fbcdecatur.org.
Or better yet, come and visit in person. Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. The address is 123 Church St., Decatur, AL 35601. I'll wave at you from the choir loft.