My Dear Friends,

Numerous persons in our community as well as our church are experiencing grave dangers.   Some are struggling after being deprived of certain basic rights.  Others are in peril of losing their property because they are unable to pay the mortgage.   Still others are encountering traumatic experiences, abuses and molestations. There may be those who are wondering ‘what’s next?  How am I going to overcome this ordeal?’

We must, however, remember that life demands that we face numerous challenges.  As followers of Christ we must endeavour constantly to rely not on our own strength, but on the strength and guidance of Almighty God. He promised that he would be with us in our struggles, as our Advocate and Guide.  Holy Scripture reminds us of the day when Jesus asked his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee and travel to the other side.   They were sailing through calm waters when suddenly a windstorm arose and the waves began to beat into the boat and as a result it was being filled. (Mark 4:35-37).  The disciples applied their skills but with little or no success.  It was when they called on Jesus, when they brought their troubles to him, that the storm abated.  Jesus spoke to the storm and commanded it to be still.

Satan does not wish for any of God’s children to survive, to overcome trials and get to the other side.  He does not mind us going to church, singing in the choir, serving on the vestry or being a regular worshipper.  He just does not want us to reach our God-ordained destiny.   But friends, hear this.  What is waiting for us on the other side is worth everything we are going through at the moment.   Let us be constantly aware that we are up against a formidable opponent who knows that God has a plan for our life.  But no matter how hard the enemy tries, he cannot sink the man or woman who has Jesus Christ on board, who prays and stays close to him.

So here is what we must do: make a commitment this very day to stand in God’s strength regardless of the situation. Always remember that spiritual progress does not come easily.  St. Paul writes, “When I was a child … I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways” (I Cor. 13:11 NRSV).  It is time that we stop thinking and acting like children, and grow up in our Christian faith.  We must understand that the more we try to live for Christ, the greater the temptations.  If we do not excel in Christian maturity we will not experience what God has in store for us.

So let us not focus on our trials, failures or desperate needs.  Instead, let us turn to God, and be assured that he will bring us through this storm and get us to the other side.

                                         The Very Rev. Rudolph Smithen

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