Jesus always shows up and reveals what God has been doing when nobody was watching. There are those who are out there bringing hope and healing with confidence that our God is working. They have not despaired even when they cannot see. 

People would rather be unhappy than uncertain. We resist change even if it might be good for us. God is always willing to do a new thing with us if we allow it.  He will look beneath the surface to see who we really are and who we can really be. 

“I’m thirsty! I’m hungry! I’m lonely! I’m broke! I’m hurt! I’m sick! What will you do about it, God? Are you with us or not?”

The wilderness is not just a geographical place. The wilderness becomes a state of mind for anyone who attempts to have faith. The landscape has no edible plant life and no visible water, but it does have lots of rocks. Moses cries out, “What shall I do?”  And, God answers.

If God is calling you to something big, He will see it through.  He will give you what you need.  He will lift you up when you need lifting.  It’s more likely that God is calling you to a whole lot of small installments of kindness, mercy and care for your neighbor. It is much more likely that God is looking for you to let go of your own strength, so you can experience His immeasurable strength. 

Uncertainty makes your brain amp up anxiety and fear. You may feel depressed, angry or doubtful. That happened to the Israelites being chased by Pharoah’s army. They were pushed to the edge of the Red Sea and afraid to go forward. Some people will put matters into God’s hands when they have no control over a situation. But how many people do you know who are willing to move forward into a place of pure chaos and tyranny?

How good is your night vision? Are you bringing light into a dark world? Are you brave enough to put on the armor of light and love the neighbor you fear?

Millions believe they know what God wants. Religion will separate you from God if it tells you to only pray a certain way. Instead, show justice, mercy, kindness and love. These things endure.

The unknown is dark and scary. It’s easier to stay in your cage and not risk what might be out there in the unknown. Then God’s light bursts into your cage — and everything changes.

Go with the flow. It’s often easier said than done. Earth’s oceans flow at the direction of mighty currents. The Gulf Stream brings water from the Gulf of Mexico to the Norwegian Sea. It has been estimated that capturing just 1/1,000th of the available energy from the Gulf Stream, which has 21,000 times more energy than Niagara Falls in a flow of water that is 50 times the total flow of all the world’s freshwater rivers, would supply Florida with 35% of its electrical needs. Unnoticed by most people, it warms the ocean, carries nutrients and tempers climate along thousands of miles of coast line.

The Holy Spirit moves in a similarly unseen manner. Guiding and protecting those who are open to feeling its power in their lives. Those who stay focused on the Spirit are a part of that massive, unequivocally powerful force in this world that brings warmth to all that is cold and melts all that is hard.

Banished. Driven from your home. Exiled. Pastor Mike talks about the feelings of exile we share during the COVID pandemic and reminds us that God is always present.