The Weekly Epistle 7/22/20

The new normal.  I don’t particularly like that phrase.  I am not even sure what it means.  But it is used a lot as it relates to our present-day reality of the pandemic crisis.  But what does that mean for the church?  I have craved for the day that things go back to normal. 

But should we go back to normal?  Is that healthy?  I can wish all I want for things to go back to normal in my home of the days when my daughter was 10.  But my youngest is 16.  And driving.  And has a boyfriend.  This is not “my first rodeo” and yet embracing the changes that come with parenting a 16-year-old don’t come easy.  But that’s how life is.  Whether it is in a family or in the life of a church we have to progress through one change after another.

The matter at hand is not about settling into a new normal, it is about change and progress.  Is God using this pandemic to awaken us to new and different opportunities?  I found the words from pastor Mark Sayers helpful.  He said, “My encouragement for leaders at this moment who are feeling frightened, scared, or a loss of control is to step into this moment.  This is an incredible moment- God wants to do something- so step into it.” 

The truth is, if we stay stuck on normal, we will miss the opportunities God has placed before us.  Life should not ever settle into normal.  The goal is to progress through the changes in life. 

This is why it is critical we are seeking the Lord for what it is He has for us in these days.  Next Tuesday night, July 28 once again we will meet from 7:00-7:30 in the gym parking to pray as a church family.  I cannot overemphasize the importance of this time of prayer and the expression of unity as a church. 

I know that current events in the world can get you down.  I know that any requirement to wear a mask can be frustrating.  I know that not being able to see loved ones and friends because of this pandemic is hard.  I know that Sunday morning is not the same.  Let’s (and I speak to myself) get our focus off of getting back to “life as we knew it” to seeing the One who will make all things new.  The Lord Jesus wants to be our sustenance.  He is the Good Shepherd who will lead us, feed us, guard us, and bring us safely to our eternal home. 

Cling to these words from Jesus’ lips, “In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Yes!  These are difficult times.  But it isn’t a “new normal” we are looking for or getting back to normal but growing through these times and gaining a greater understanding of what God has for us in this world. 

We may not like it but “it is what it is.”  I don’t particularly like that phrase either!

Blessings to you, church!

Pastor Brian