Surviving

Last week, we talked about our desire to thrive rather than survive, but what if, right now, just surviving is a struggle. I feel like many of us, because of the events of the past three years, have done our best to survive. Thriving would be great but surviving may have been all that was possible. This week I want to encourage you to consider surviving a win.

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a story of survival and trust. In this second week of Lent we reflect on God’s promise that we can trust in God’s care and provision, even when we think all hope is lost. I remember sitting in my office when I received the email from the Bishop of the North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church instructing all churches to close their doors for in-person worship due to the threat of a rapidly spreading virus. It was said that it would be for a few weeks and then we could resume as normal. Well as we all know those few weeks turned into almost two years. During that same time I was appointed to this church and to be honest I was already feeling like hope was lost. At many times I’ve wanted to give up, but I know my calling and I have faith and trust that God would get us through. Despite the many hardships we have faced, I am proud at the way we have survived thus far.

Survival is about hope and trust. Hope and trust that the one who had created us and the one who calls us will also deliver us. I am thankful that we have survived. It gives me encouragement to know that God has been with us through out. Now, however, is time for us to move beyond celebrating our survival and take the encouragement to the next level. We have opportunities still ahead of us and we must do something with this new life! Join us this Sunday for worship at 8:30 and 10:45 am as we read the story of survival of Jesus in the wilderness and continue this conversation. We will also thank God with a celebration of Holy Communion for our survival.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church