Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Hope and Grace.  By Pastor Tom Joyce

August 3, 2020

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

Exodus 33:14

Even on the best trips ever planned, whether cross-country or cross-town, as the destination nears, time drags. Well, here we are in an uncertain time with a pandemic of the likes we have never experienced. As our journey continues, it seems like the destination of living pandemic-free is further and further away and we feel like it will take forever to get there.  The COVID virus is not only making people physically sick, it is affecting everyone in ways we could never imagine; the changes and losses are beginning to take their toll. But there is hope. There is hope, and a way to cope; it is focusing on the eternal presence of God rather than those things along the way that can distract us from God’s eternal presence.  When the Hebrews left Egypt, everything was new, for a while. Then hunger set in, then thirst, then just general uncertainty about the future. The people were not even sure why they were going let alone where they were going.  But God intervened and refocused them to the reality in their lives that will never change; God.  “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” says the Lord. If you are tired, lonely, ill, or just plain sick of this pandemic thing, there is hope and that hope is God, through our living Savior Jesus Christ. God has promised to be with you, especially during the journey you are on right now. If you want a break, refocus on Jesus, and you will receive the rest you will need to continue along the way. So give this a try; take the same amount of time you watch the news or worry about the future and how life is changing and read God’s Word which is the Bible and be in conversation with God through prayer.  Turn the time of anxiety, worrying and stressing about the season of pandemic to being aware of God’s presence. When God says you will have rest, you will have rest. Make today a new beginning for you; take time celebrating God’s presence in your life, and you will find rest for your weary soul. 

Grace and peace in abundance,

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church