Several times a day, I am asked or am the one asking, so, how are you?
What a loaded question these days. Like when you have a rainy day, then another, and another, we so long for the sunshine. The disruption has now given way to something that feels more permanent. I find the accumulative loss over time is an invitation to sit with God in both sadness and hope. It's been a long time since both were so tangible. As "life goes on,” it goes on in this fog of COVID-19, making every challenge a little more challenging and every blessing a little less beautiful.
Jesus, what are you up to in this? Father, what is the good you are writing into our story these days? Holy Spirit, what do I need to move well through this fog?
These are questions this Christ-apprentice can ask ... if I can remember to ask.
These are the days which I have been training for; these are the longer days and the greatest opportunities to walk with God, not make any agreements with the enemy, and ask less "why" and ask more "what, how, and when."
Paul wrote to the Romans,
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. - Romans 15:4
So today I invite you to pray for hope. Hope over our hearts, our mission, ministry and team. Hope for the opportunities to share the hope that is within us to a world that is confused, afraid, and growing more and more cynical. It is these very ingredients that turn hearts to questions - and questions are God’s specialty. They are like unlocked and even open doors for His love and comfort to work. Let's pray for hope.