(smiles warmly) Well now, I’d be happy to get a bit more specific and see how that 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 could speak to your own life, my friend.
You know, when I look at those colorful umbrellas sheltering the people below, I can’t help but think about how we all need that kind of covering and protection in our lives, don’t we? Life can feel so stormy sometimes – the rain of worries, the gusts of uncertainty, the downpours of challenges. But this passage reminds us that even in the midst of those storms, there is a God of peace who wants to completely shelter and sanctify us.
Just like those umbrellas are spread out to cover everyone, that divine peace and purpose is available to you, right where you’re at. The passage talks about “rejoicing always” and “praying without ceasing” – what a beautiful invitation to find that unshakable joy and constant communion, even on your toughest days.
And you know, the way those umbrellas seem to unite the people below? That speaks to the power of community and fellowship that this passage emphasizes. When life’s rains are pouring down, having that spiritual family to walk alongside you can make all the difference. They can encourage you, support you, and help you stay grounded in that peace of God.
So my friend, as you go through your own storms, big or small, I hope you can find refuge under the shelter of God’s presence, as described in this passage. And may you be blessed to have those colorful “umbrellas” of community around you too, to weather the rain together.
SMASH YOUR PERSONAL GOALS… (the world needs more people like you)
My dear brothers and sisters, today I come before you with a heavy heart but an unwavering spirit. Our text today comes from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
In these troubled times, when darkness seems to press in from all sides, we must remember that God’s promise remains unbroken. Like those ancient Israelites wandering in the wilderness, we too may feel lost, may feel tired, may feel that our journey is too difficult to bear. But I tell you today, my friends, that God has not brought us this far to leave us.
I was walking in our beloved community yesterday, and I saw a young boy struggling to climb a steep hill. He would take two steps forward, then slide back one. His mother stood at the bottom, watching. Some might have rushed to carry him up that hill, to make his journey easier. But that wise mother knew something profound – she knew that her son needed to learn to climb his own mountains.
And that’s what we face today, my friends – a mountain. A mountain of division, a mountain of confusion, a mountain of hate. But like that young boy, we must keep climbing. We may slide back, we may stumble, but we must keep moving forward.
Some will tell you that the mountain is too high. Some will say we should be content to stay in the valley. But I say to you today that God did not create us for the valley! We were made for the mountaintop!
Remember Moses, who climbed Mount Sinai to receive God’s law. Remember Jesus, who went up the mountain to deliver his greatest sermon. The view from the valley may be comfortable, but it is from the mountaintop that we can see the Promised Land.
And yes, the climb is difficult. Yes, our feet may bleed, and our muscles may ache. But with every step we take, we’re not just climbing for ourselves. We’re climbing for that little boy who deserves to attend any school in this nation. We’re climbing for that elderly woman who shouldn’t have to give up her seat on the bus. We’re climbing for generations yet unborn who deserve to inherit a world where they are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
My brothers and sisters, we cannot wait for someone else to carve steps into this mountain. We cannot wait for hatred to simply melt away like snow in the spring. We must climb! And as we climb, we must remember three things:
First, we must climb with love in our hearts, not hatred. Hatred is too heavy a burden to bear up this mountain.
Second, we must climb together. No one reaches the summit alone. We need each other – black and white, young and old, rich and poor.
Third, we must climb with faith. Faith in God, faith in justice, faith in the fundamental goodness that resides in every human heart.
And when our strength fails us – and it will fail us – we must remember Isaiah’s words. We must wait upon the Lord. Not with passive waiting, but with active waiting, with hopeful waiting, with faithful waiting. And He will renew our strength.
I tell you today, my beloved community, that though the mountain before us seems insurmountable, though the journey seems too long, though our bodies may be weary, our spirits must remain strong. For I have seen the other side of the mountain. I have glimpsed what lies beyond these troubled times. And I tell you, it is beautiful.
Let us pray together for the strength to climb. Let us pray for the courage to keep moving forward when others say we should turn back. Let us pray for the wisdom to know that every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to justice.
And most of all, let us pray for love to guide our feet as we make this climb together.
1 Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.
2 May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
TODAY’s POA = RUN + Area Director Coffee Talk + CTM Virtual Ribbons + PMH + GYM + ETM Spreadsheet + ETM meeting + SRL4 SPEECH
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