Dear St. John’s friends and family,
We are all frustrated as we watch the COVID cases rise once again. We thought we were already through the worst of it and now we have begun to wonder whether we are or not. In the midst of this, I am certain of God’s unwavering goodness. The certainty of God’s goodness is what keeps me going every day whether my circumstances are good or just plain awful. This is what gets me out of bed after a really hard day and I feel like the world is against me.
I am also certain and extremely grateful that God is not like me. I don’t think like God. God’s ways are different than my ways and different than anybody else’s. Sure, I have questions about why there are mosquitos and cancer. I have questions about why COVID is on the rise again. It feels like a cruel trick after letting my guard down. Yet, in the midst of questions, uncertainty, and all the unknowns, I know that God is good and that God is love. God knows the complete picture and I do not. And no matter what, I trust God and God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. That’s why I get out of bed in the morning when my heart is crushed. It’s why I take one step ahead of the other when I really am uncertain of where I’m headed. It’s why I can stand my ground in the midst of the unknown.
As we open our hearts to give God praise in the midst of uncertainty, we also open our hearts to receive and know God’s unchanging love. May you draw upon that deep well of God’s grace that will give you the courage to face today and all the unknowns in every tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Stephanie
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| Aug 8th 2021 Traditional Worshipyoutu.be |