The Persistence of Faith

By Pastor Wes Poole

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of[b] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV

Perseverance, persistence, conviction, “sticktoitiveness”, the proverbial “stiff upper lip” and Keep Calm and Carry On, as the Brits might say. All of these things have been required of us lately, whether we wanted them or not. At this point, we have spent a full quarter of 2020 locked down and/or quarantined in some way. This has required a great deal of sacrifice and commitment from all of us, not to mention patience! We haven’t been able to gather or worship as we would normally. We’ve had to physically distance ourselves from many of our friends and loved ones. Yet we know that it is what was required of us a community. Regard for neighbor and concern for his or her well being is at the heart of the Christian Vocation. To everyone who has taken this responsibility so seriously and without excessive complaining, (I mean, we’ve probably all complained a little!) let me express my heartfelt thanks and personal admiration. We’re getting through this as a family of faith and I am grateful beyond words that I have been able to be a part of the Good Shepherd community through these trying times. Take heart, our efforts have not been in vain! The numbers are looking somewhat better. As long as we keep the health and safety of our neighbors as a top priority, I am convinced that we will be able to regain some sense of normalcy again. We still have a long road ahead; truly a “race that is set before us”, but trusting in Jesus, we will emerge on the other side as a stronger and even more caring community.
We are in the process of determining when and how we can reopen and worship together. It’s a truly exciting prospect. The new Sunday “normal” may not look or sound exactly like the Sunday services we’re used to, but we are doing everything we can to be able to gather around Word and Table once again. There is more info to come on that, but for now, as the Apostle tells us, we look “to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. When our resolve, or patience may falter, Our Lord is right there for us; providing the strength, comfort, and inspiration we will need to run this race. God is always with us, and in Him all things are possible!
For now, as I have been saying since all of this began, be well, be kind, and be safe. Times have been tough, and the days long…but we are an Easter People…and Sunday’s coming!

Let us pray…
God of all goodness, we thank you that you never forsake us, and are always there for us when life gets difficult. Help us to keep hanging in there; caring for one another and building each other up. We know that in Jesus Christ, we are the Church, buildings or no. Inspire us always to greater deeds of kindness and generosity. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Blessings! I look forward to see you all soon!
Pastor Wes †