This Far by FAITH

There are times in our lives when we look ahead and dread what may be on the horizon.  And when we see storm clouds gathering, and feel drops of rain, it heightens the fear.  Others around us stir it up even more as they make dire predictions about what they believe is obvious.  You see it.  You feel it.  The signs are unmistakable.  Your heartbeat picks up and you start to sweat.  You start to think about what you need to do.  “Where’s my umbrella?”  “What if the power goes out? Am I prepared for that?” Then a voice whispers within you.  He says, “Look behind you.”  And you realize that inner voice is God, and the divine encouragement is to remember.  You remember, this isn’t the first storm.  Your people have been through times when it stormed for decades on end, and they had no umbrellas or even reliable shelter.  You remember that your very existence, right here, right now, is because your ancestors made it through terrible times. Then you realize how they overcame when the lyrics of the old song rises in your Spirit.  “We’ve Come This Far By Faith – Leaning on the Lord”. 

Prayer

Precious Lord, we lift our hearts to You, our Creator and Sustainer.  We put our faith in You because there is nothing that You can’t do.  We put our faith in You, Heavenly Father, because we are your beloved children.  We put our faith in You Lord because through the years you have shown that Your concern is for those who are the least, the poor, the sick, the disabled, the oppressed.  We put our faith in You our God because in perilous times of the past you rescued Your people from slavery in Egypt and in America; You delivered Your servants from Babylon and from Jim Crow.  And so we lean on You Lord.  Our strength and our hope is in you. 

In Jesus name.  Amen