“We’ve never been here before. I wonder how long this is going to last. I’m scared. I’m just trying to take it day by day. I wonder what it will be like when it's all done. Maybe we will learn something through this - I sure hope so.”
I’ve heard these statements a lot lately. Maybe you have too. Maybe you have made the very same statements - or thought them. I know I have. These days are different and confusing, unpredictable, even frustrating.
Some are fearful for multiple reasons. For those of us who like or need to be in control, we are realizing how little is actually within our control - other than washing our hands, covering our mouth when we sneeze, practicing social distancing and calling/texting/Face Timing those we care about, are concerned for or who need our support. The statement does seem very true - “we have not been here before.” This is a different place on our life journey. I’ve heard some compare it to the time before or after hurricanes. But this time, we can’t see a storm track or a cone that tells us when to expect the storm to be over. And this “storm” has a worldwide path which probably adds another level of concern for many.
There are portions of scripture that talk about, “a faith that can move mountains” - one even refers to the power of faith to “move from here to there and nothing is impossible for you.” I once heard it suggested that the references to faith moving mountains may not be as much about relocating a large chunk of earth and stone as it is about moving through mountains. When we look at a mountain range and begin to walk through it, it doesn’t take long to realize that there are going to be ups and downs, peaks and valleys. Finishing the hike takes patience and persistence, focus and commitment and faith in one’s strength that often comes from a power outside ourselves.
The walk we are on today may take everything the mountain hike demands - as well as memories of other times of challenge and change that we have survived, learned from and grown stronger in the face of. I believe God promises to be with us in all things. My memories of past struggles, changes, disasters, crises, losses and transitions have taught me that God is faithful to the promise of His presence. God gives us strength and faith as we cling to the pattern of new life seen during Lenten season, a season that culminates in the ultimate valley and peak of Good Friday followed by Easter and new life through God’s Son.
I pray for blessings of health and peace, endurance and quiet times for you as we hike through a mountain range we’ve never been before.
