Devotional - October 5, 2022
Scripture: James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Now that we can breathe a little easier, now that Ian has passed. We can refocus our lives knowing what we know ...now. At this point last week, we did not know. Up until that point, the models were split and the forecasters would say one thing and then give an alternative. Had the storm tracked toward Cedar Key, we would have been affected, but it would have been a lower level hurricane. Had it tracked into Tampa Bay... The question is, what now? Why would James call the person who endures trials blessed? Obviously, James makes it clear that those who persevere and maintain their faith will be rewarded by God. James describes the event using the metaphor of being crowned. I hope we understand what God is saying through James using that metaphor. The suffering and trials we go through in this life, and persevere through, are major events, major undertakings. God knows that and considers those who do so, worthy of a crowning event in the end. Even with all that has occured in relation with the passing of the queen, I think we have lost some of the prestige and significance surrounding a crowning event. In Jame's day, it was huge. God feels our perseverance in this life is worthy of just such an event. Those who were in the path of Ian will spend the next few years dealing with what Ian did in hours. For some, what they had was the result of many years of work. As many of you know, the effects of a storm affect us mentally, physically, economically, and yes, spiritually. Any or all of which can cause us to give up. Being a person of faith comes with times when we are ready to give up, we may even step away from the faith for a time. But, because of the Truth that is within us, the God who does not give up on us (Matt 18: 12-14, 28:20, Luke 15: 8-10, and Heb 13:5), we persevere. Such times have inspired people to write poems like Footprints in the Sand. Yet, we who are here in Citrus County, did not get the brunt of this storm. What does that mean for us? I hope it makes you see the things you have in a new light. It is a blessing to enjoy the ways you have been blessed. Just to open your front door and walk into your house, is a blessing. It is something to be thankful for each day.
Let us pray..., Holy God, we pray for those affected by Ian. As they seek this day to put their lives back together and move forward, bless them with vision and understanding that all things are possible with You. May their hearts be filled with hope. We pray for our loved ones, bless them according to their needs. Hear our prayers for our church, continue to lead us that we may be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
