Fields United Methodist Church

August 21, 2020

“In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:11-12

Where do you find hope when so much appears hopeless? For some, the pandemic we are experiencing has not had much effect on their day to day lives; never went out much before so staying at home is no big deal; do not have people around them who are especially vulnerable so COVID is not on the forefront of their minds.  Yet there are others, including me, who are challenged in the change of lifestyle not to mention having people in their lives who have either been affected by COVID or could be in very serious ways. The pandemic at times seems to be nothing more than a rolling coaster; goes up, then down, then just when we think it is over, back up again. Then there is social unrest, political rhetoric, not to mention the normal everyday things of life like what is for dinner…. But there is hope; there is a different way to not only to look at life but to live life to its fullest even and especially during these unsettling times. When we set our hope not on world events or the end of the season of pandemic, but on the grace and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is comfort and the confidence of knowing that no matter the direction our lives take, Jesus is there to offer what the world cannot: hope. As the prophet Jeremiah proclaims, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Jesus goes one step further, we are offered a “present with hope.” In the midst of the challenges of the day Jesus is hope realized today. You are blessed today, extremely blessed by God through the gift of Jesus Christ, who breaks the chain of guilt and doubt, who redirects our journey and changes our focus to experience the transforming grace of Jesus Christ that makes all things new. Set your sights on Jesus; in him there is a freshness of life and a new way of seeing the world around you. You are a new creation, as St. Paul writes, “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away: see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) You have been chosen by God, especially you, to experience the never-ending love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ now. God loves you far too much not to give you hope for this day and the days to come. You have been blessed, and when you set all you your hope on Jesus you will continue to be blessed “even to the end of the age.  Thank you Jesus!

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church