Greetings Church,

Well here we are in the month of July and instead of enjoying summertime as many are in the habit of doing, we are continuing to experience the challenges of COVID-19, social unrest, and political turmoil. It would appear that just when things are seeming to slow down and get back to some kind of normal another wave of chaos knocks us off our feet. We are in a season and cycle of storms that are once again bombarding us.

The times we are living in reminds me of my days of growing up on the beaches of South Florida. In the summer there were always the threat of storms. You could expect them each day like clockwork. Because of the extreme heat and humidity, storms would naturally stir up on those hot summer afternoons. Some of these storms would be mild producing rain and little more, while other storms would turn severe producing lighting, strong winds, waves, and deadly undertows. The real danger with those summer storms were the fact that you never really knew what you were going to get.

Looking at our world today the parallels are shocking. There seem to be daily storms hitting us on all fronts. A constant onslaught of trials and tribulations that continue to grow in frequency and severity. Like the waves that are produced by an ocean storm this world can knock you right off your feet. There is no question that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to live for Christ. There seems to be more and more trials, tribulations, and persecution than ever before (at least in our lifetimes). As disciples of Jesus we are getting knocked off our feet from unexpected waves of discourse, discouragement, and despair.  

However, what will carry us through is the reality that God is sovereign (in control of all things and knows all things). His Word reminds us that in times of trouble, He is near, He is our refuge and strength and we are never alone.

(Ps 46:1) God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. NKJV

The Apostle Paul also reminds us  

(2 Cor 4:16-18) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NKJV

So, let us encourage each other with these words. Life is temporal, eternity is forever. There is much more to be seen than with the eye. So, let us see with spiritual eyes. Affliction and sufferings are but for a moment, but our inward man is being renewed daily.

Take the time to be still, know that God is who He says He is, and this is but a season we find ourselves in. Keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:1,2). 

In Christ, 

Pastor Greg Schaffer