Staff Corner – Greg Spires - Teaching Pastor
Dark Skies
As I write this, thick smoke obscures the sun rising above Roxy Ann. Even though I’m inside, it smells like I’m sitting by a campfire. Most of us in Southern Oregon have learned to try and put up with the smoke this time of year. But this smoke isn’t blowing in from some far-flung place. The smoke we are breathing is the remains of homes and business of people we know. The obscuring of the sun isn’t the only darkness. Darkness also lurks from the fear, worry, and heartbreak of loss.
Jesus’ desire for us amid darkness and loss is that we don’t lose heart. He wants us to find our firm foundation of hope that comes from resting in His unshakeable hands.
He told us as much in Luke 18:1, “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Jesus wants our hearts lifted in Him. He desires that we seek His lifting audaciously by boldly coming to Him for His help.
He told the parable of the widow seeking justice from a worthless judge. She finally got what she needed because she wouldn’t stop pestering the judge. Jesus asks us to consider this: if a useless judge responds to the widow, won’t God (who is good) respond to us, “who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Luke 18:7).
Is your heart failing? You might be discouraged at the seemingly endless stream of stories of destruction and heartbreak. You might be worried, with bags packed, watching, and waiting for news that your home is in Level 3 Go Now evacuation status. Or, you might be among the hundreds and thousands in our community whose home is gone. Cry out to the Lord. Pester Him with your cries. He will hear and will not delay.
There is a lot to be done. We need to set up shelters. Distribution of food and water must happen. Short term emergency needs for families are critically needed. Those who are able should consider supporting those agencies best prepared to provide for immediate needs, including the Salvation Army, Pregnancy Resource Center, Medford Gospel Mission, and the Red Cross.
But our help comes from God alone. Our hearts need the light that hope from God alone can provide. To find that light, we must cry out to our God in prayer. I’ll ask again, is your heart failing? Don’t lose heart! Cry out to God with the burdens that have piled up on your shoulders. He hears! He knows! He will act!
I look forward to being with you this Sunday as we celebrate the work of God in Jesus Christ together! This Sunday, we will be seeking God through His Word in Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8.
Praying with you,
Greg
