October 2021

     Hello, my friends, it is my prayer that this note finds you healthy and happy…

      And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Now I am certain of the love for God I feel at Fowler UMC, I have no doubt about that…there is a sense of trust that God is with us, in us and in control… and yet Life is not predictable, and it can be painful and scary at times. There are many ups and downs along the journey as we make our way.

     Now, I know that we all want to trust God, and when times are good, there’s no problem with that. But when times feel difficult when there are changes we are not comfortable with, trusting God becomes much, much harder. But it is exactly during those hard times that it is even more important for us to trust God. We know that God is unchanging and knowing that should give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain…as they feel right now for many of us. It feels like we are being battered and shaken up by this Covid pandemic. There is an uncertainty, a loss of control, a loss of community, a loss of familiarity even in church. We can’t sing, we can’t eat, we can’t hug, our space of worship is changing, People whom we have come to love, and trust are making life changes and are leaving, new people are joining to lead us… how do we trust that God is in these circumstances? How do we trust God when we do not understand what is happening? When we cannot see a resolution?

     These are valid questions, and God wants to help us navigate them. Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:34-36) Jesus Himself felt overwhelmed by what was before Him, and He went straight to His Father. We know God cares for our hurts. God pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to even me. Knowing that God is for us will strengthen our trust in  So even if we feel lost, alone, hopeless…remember that we don’t need our emotions’ permission to hold on and trust God. We just have to do it.

     Which of these promises do you need to hear today to help you choose to hold on to God? God’s presence forever. Deut. 31:18 – God’s peace. Phil. 4:7 – God’s comfort. Isa. 49:13 – God’s strength. Isa. 41:10 – or God’s fight for us. Exod. 14:14 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

     Peace, pastor René