08-08-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 8, 2020
Guest Writer: Rev. Paula Gembala
Scripture: Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul is sharing some important information in the scripture above. He is admitting that life is not always easy, however even during difficult times we need to look for the blessings in our lives and remain faithful through prayer.

We are living in some of the most difficult times we have ever known. Between learning ways to cope with the pandemic, being in the midst of an active hurricane season, making decisions as to whether or not our children will return to school or study from home, so many people losing their jobs and those having to worry about being evicted or having their homes foreclosed on. In Texas alone we have had over 432,000 reported cases of Covid 19 with almost 7,000 deaths.

Can we remain hopeful in times such as these? I believe the answer is yes, with a lot of work on our part. Be mindful throughout your day to look for those glimpses of God in your life. They are not always easy to see, however if you look each day you will see these God moments easier over time. A glimpse of God could be seen in another person doing a good deed for another; a child coming up and giving you a hug and saying they love you for no apparent reason; an unexpected card or email saying someone is thinking of you or praying for you. Perhaps it is sights we see in nature or the love our pets give to us.

I’m not going to say that I never become hopeless, I will say that I don’t allow myself to remain in that state for long. My faith tells me to lift up my concerns to God, to share my struggles with him and know that he is with me. I hope you will also give this a try. Write your God moments or glimpses in a journal and look back every now and then.

Prayer: God of love and hope, remind us to share our struggles and concerns with you. Our burden is lessened when we share the yoke with you. Allow us to have eyes wide open when looking for glimpses of God in our daily lives. We know that when we are hurting, you are right here beside us, that you will never leave or forsake us. We find hope in this O Lord, we find hope in You and your love for each of us. Amen.

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