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| Thank you Holly for walking along on our spiritual journey. |
A few weeks ago hope left my church. Some revelations about our leadership became public knowledge, and controversial issues have caused people to take sides. It was looking really dark for a while. Nothing has really been resolved, but we are having many more conversations. People are beginning to feel that they are heard. Many are also suffering as they are thinking about what the future will bring.
A friend had tears in her eyes on Sunday when I asked her how she is doing. She was sad. She was feeling hopeless. She could not see how our problems could be solved without saying goodbye to many dear friends.
I, too, have felt this hopelessness. Often asking God why he would choose to allow the issues to surface at this time. How many more friends will I lose? What do I need to do?
I don't have answers. I am still pondering. Still asking God to guide me and our church. But after I read something that my friend had posted, I started looking things in a little different light.In her post, Barb reminded all of us that love--love for one another--is what will show the world that we are followers of Jesus. Not buildings or a style of worship, but our love for one another. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
I still don't have answers, but I have hope. I don't know how we will solve our issues at church. I don't know if I will lose more friends. But I do know that I need to have love for my fellow brothers and sisters. We might believe in different ways, but Jesus command is still to love one another.
Therefore, I have hope! I will look to Jesus to guide me. I will look to Jesus to show me the way. I will look to Jesus as my source for continued hope. He is powerful to change opinions, solve problems, and bring reconciliation even to a hopeless situation. I have hope.
There will be an answer, but it may not be one you like. Unfortunately we are all people. People mess up. People make mistakes. People hurt other people. Only in God can we find peace and truth and love. That is my hope for you. God's peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard when people disappoint us and fall short. The truth is, they'll always fall short. Margaret's so right - people mess up. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. We all have hope that your church will find grace with each other!
ReplyDeleteI hold this Psalm close to my heart, "Hope in the Lord and His unfailing love. Hope is infinite in His hands.
ReplyDeleteIn the past five months I have been disappointed by two men of deep faith. They were my guides in my journey, my friends, and one was my principal. It is hard...very hard. But our bible study group at school who was led by these two people, decided that we are what holds it together, not the leaders. Praying that you will find a way through this and become stronger along the way.
ReplyDeleteWhen we can't see what the future holds, and things look dark, Hope is what we hold on to. We know He will guide us, and the path can seem a little less scary.
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