Dear St. John’s Friends and Family,
It seems as though we have been living in uncertain times throughout this pandemic. I’ve lived through uncertain times before. We grapple with uncertainty when we face loss or we feel like our life is spinning out of control. Often times we feel alone in our uncertainty. We may not share our worries because of a fear that no one will understand or we don’t want to be seen as weak. We’ve all faced uncertain times publicly and privately. When we get overwhelmed, we wonder how we will ever overcome and we might even wonder where God is in the midst of our heartache and fears.
Every story in the Bible is riddled with uncertainty. Childless Abraham and Sarah were uncertain of God’s promise of an heir. Joseph’s world was turned upside down when his brother’s betrayed him by selling him to merchants as a slave. The disciples scattered and ran for their lives at Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion. Surely uncertainty is a part of the human experience. Yet, in the midst of the uncertainty, we read in our Bible that God was at work in every uncertainty. God continued to promise Abraham and Sarah many descendants beyond their childbearing years. And they had a son that was the first of many descendants that became a tribe and then a nation. God blessed Joseph in every hardship so that he would prosper whether he was a slave or imprisoned. In God’s timing, Joseph met Pharaoh and became the hero of his people by saving them from famine. The disciples are thrilled to learn that Jesus has been risen from the dead! Christ’s crucifixion wasn’t in vain. It was for the salvation of the world. God was working in every disappointment, tragedy, loss, injustice, and overwhelming circumstance. And God continues to work in our uncertain circumstances too. On that, you can be certain!
As you come into a space of worship, open your heart to the wonder of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Come into worship with certainty that God is meeting you right where you are. God is right where you are!! Praise God for God’s goodness! Praise God for God’s faithfulness!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Stephanie