Pastor Dale E. Williams
"Seeing God in the Midst of Adversity"
"I
remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is
downcast within me.” (Lam.
3:19-20)
So writes
Jeremiah of his grief over the destruction of Jerusalem. Why has this
tragedy occurred? How could God
allow this to happen to His people?
Where is God in the midst of this disaster?
Jeremiah
expresses the sentiments of many folks in 21st
century American society today who question God’s presence in the recent
Haiti disaster, in increased bombing in Iraq, in the endless fighting in
Afghanistan (and all over the world), in the cynical attitude toward
American politics that has swept the nation, etc., etc.! Questions about God are raised within
our own church family when we think about John Day’s horrendous accident, or
ponder Wendy Ryan’s worsening condition, or think of the numerous other
major setbacks endured by members of our congregation over the past year.
Jeremiah
did not end his reflections in despair.
He continued: “Because of
the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is
your faithfulness.” (Lam.
3:22-23)
God’s
faithfulness is great, and we have witnessed that faithfulness repeatedly in
the midst of adversity. John and
Mandy have seen God in their midst working through each of you in your
tangible acts of love and compassion toward them. Wendy speaks of being “blessed” by
the gracious support of her church family.
Folks from around the world have set aside differences to work side
by side to provide relief to the people of Haiti.
Yes, we
live in a trouble-filled world; but God is at work in our midst - working
through God’s people! Working
together in Christ, we are called to offer the world a vision of God’s new
heaven and earth, where “there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or
pain.” As we enter the Season of
Lent this month, may we resolve to show Christ to the world. May we be Christ’s hands, and feet,
and voice, that all may know our Savior and have hope, not only in this
world, but in the world to come!
Thanks
for all you do to live for Christ!
- Pastor Dale