Being faithful in challenging times

This week’s readings from I Samuel 8: 4–11, 14-20 and II Corinthians 4: 13– 5:1 are stories that call us to be faithful in challenging and uncertain times. A suitable message as we wait to hear what the future might bring. In Second Corinthians verse 16 says: “So we do not lose heart” and the affliction they are suffering is called “a slight momentary affliction’’ when compared with what is eternal and lasting. This letter and others sent to communities who were suffering was a word of encouragement to keep their Spirits up and know that God was with, and for them, and that the bond with Christ and the Spirit was unbroken. We too like the early church communities, in uncertain times need words of guidance, compassion, and comfort and can draw from the wisdom in our Scripture stories that reminds us we are not alone.

What word for our souls do we need personally and communally to help us to not lose heart? Can we hope too, that God is near to us as things and circumstances beyond our control unfold? And do we still trust that Christ Jesus is present with us as his body, the church, and in all people of faith bringing hope and justice to the world? I often draw strength too from those who have gone before me, the faithful women and men who endured uncertain times and learnt lessons about community and caring for one another.

We also can discern what might be needed as we face uncertain times and make new choices. Sometimes we might not make the best choice as in the story in First Samuel Chapter Eight where the people choose a king as their new leader. Yet God does not abandon the people of Israel even though they make some unwise choices. Instead, there is a word given and received from the prophet, alerting them to what may happen consequently, and the people have free will to choose.

As we read this ancient Scripture story, we might imagine what the prophets of our day say to us about how we should live, and how we too are often slow to heed their call. For instance, in the contemporary need to be sustainable and care for our planet in ways that can help our children’s children. I hope our children’s children will still be able to explore green spaces, and still be able to know that polar bears and apes and so many species are alive and well when in our time their habitats and lives are under threat.

So, I find in this time of lockdown and when reading the Scripture stories, we are still being called to be faithful in ways that acknowledge our failings, and as we seek to reconnect in our spiritual lives. So that, as the words of the prophet Micah 6:8 we might “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God”.

Peace be with you.

Rev Lynette Dungan