The sun is shining and the air is brisk today. It is a glorious fall day. Thanksgiving is looming around the bend and a hint of Christmas is in the stores. It is a season of hope and expectation. This is also a time when many are walking for the first time without a loved one who celebrated with them last year. Or perhaps some are in the midst of a transition with their job or a relationship that has become difficult and even more so because of all the outside pressures around them. Some are finding their focus on their studies more difficult, because the future seems so far away and the promise of future employment seems so distant.
Yet before we become too overwhelmed with our anxieties about the future or the troubles of our present it is helpful to remember the faithfulness of God in the past. Yes, sometimes it is important to recall how God has met us in the time of our great need in the past so we can make it through the present and even look forward to the future.
This month we have about twenty people participating in a class on “Telling Your Faith Story.” We all have different stories and in we have different times in our life when God has been more evident than others. It is helpful to write down those times we have encountered God. It is also helpful to rehearse those time in our mind or sometime even before others. It is not only helpful for us but it is essential for our body, the family of believers, to hear the words of encouragement and inspiration when God has touched others in their lives.
Perhaps you don’t think you have much of a story or your faith seems shaky at best. As I have gotten older, I have found out that everyone has a story. Also everyone has had an encounter with God, sometimes it is recognized right away and sometimes it is years later, but we all have a story we had an encounter.
I want to encourage you to write down at least one time that God has touched your life. It may be useful to you later or it may be useful for someone else, but it will be useful.
Perhaps this Thanksgiving or Christmas does not seem so bright, but as you enter the holidays remember that God is with us, God is with you. May your story bring you comfort as you remember how God has touched you and maybe someday you will bring comfort to others. For remember you have had at least a glimpse of God’s faithfulness. You have had an encounter with the living, loving God of the universe, and God is there for you, both today and tomorrow.
Enjoy God’s presence and celebrate God’s love,
Peace to you and yours,
Pastor Randy
