Pump the Brakes

Greetings, This week I am sharing a blog post from a friend and fellow LMC Pastor, Joshua Jefferson. I found his timing to be spot on. As we consider our responses to COvid-19 amid the growing realizatioin that someone we know will be affected, let us also consider our Hope in the midst of trying times.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Have you ever experienced hydroplaning? On an icy or rainy day, you hit the brakes, but the car just kept moving forward! What did you do? If you remember what you learned in drivers ed, you pumped the brakes, considered your options, and cranked the wheel in the direction with the most room for your car. If you didn't remember, perhaps you slammed the brakes even harder and stared a hole into the object in front of you as you drifted closer and closer. Whether you hit the object or not depends mostly on factors outside your control, but either way, your best odds are in pumping the brakes and focusing on the best way forward, rather than panicking and pressing harder to resist the inevitable. This room for response, however small, is the critical factor that Wisdom is directing our attention towards with the following warning. "What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted." (Proverbs 10:24).

In light of the current health concerns and hostile political climate, let's not waste our time wondering about things that are outside of our control, or our energy on things that don't even make a difference. Let's pump our brakes and crank the wheel! As far as it depends on us, let's be good managers of our health, and let's avoid unnecessary risks. But since we cannot even make one hair on our head turn black or white, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our ears tuned to his Spirit. Remember what we believe together: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

When we focus our attention on our resurrected savior, the fear of sickness and death no longer hold us hostage. When we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, the powers of this world are exposed as playground bullies, who can't even tie their own shoes.

My friends, do not be afraid of things that can harm the body, but cannot harm your soul. Let's fear the One who has power over both body and soul, thrones and dominions, and who takes all things into consideration, even the sparrow. Your life is worth even more to him than it is worth to yourself, and nothing in all of creation can ever separate you from his steadfast love."For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Sincerely, Joshua