|
WE ARE REACHING UP, REACHING IN, AND REACHING OUT
|
December 11, 2011- "Late Winter Snowstorms"
Back in mid-March of 2004, Mother Nature just didn’t want to let go of winter. Making sure we were reminded that winter lasts a full three months, where we lived at the time we had snow or the threat of snow the last five days of winter – two of those days with significant accumulations. People were scrambling to find winter coats and boots already put away, to dig out (no pun intended) shovels and snow blowers that had already been stored, and to reattach plows that had been taken off trucks. Schools started late, dismissed early, or were cancelled. Many events and activities were called off or postponed. The dreams of Spring were quickly transformed into a winter nightmare for many.
Jesus once told a story about a rich landowner whose dreams also became a nightmare. One year this man was blessed with a bumper crop. In fact, his harvest was greater than his storage facilities. His solution was to tear down his barns and build others ones large enough to store all his produce. This crop was so great that he figured he could retire and live off it for many years. He thought he had it made. He thought he had it all figured it. He thought he was in control of his future and his destiny. The only problem was that he couldn’t control when he would die, and he died that very night. None of his plans came to pass and he never got to enjoy any of his newfound wealth.
Events in life, like those 2004 snowstorms, have a way of reminding us that we aren’t in control of everything, either. But the Bible teaches us what to do when our dreams turn into nightmares - we need to remember that ultimately God is in control over everything. So, as we dream for the future, let us always be mindful that God is in control when life becomes a nightmare for us instead. Rather than waste lots of time and energy complaining about or being anxious over changes to our plans for life, let us seek out what it is that God has in mind for our lives and for us. Rather than be disappointed that our self-chosen destiny isn’t panning out the way we thought it would, rather let us be open to learn from God what destiny God has in store for us. Rather than despair that a dream has turned into a nightmare, let us look for the power and presence of God that will redeem the nightmare into something good.
Join us here at Stewartstown United Methodist Church, where God is using quiet devotion time, Bible reading and study, small groups, Sunday Church School classes, worship services and many other avenues to help us discover and live out God’s plans for our lives.
Archives
Copyright 2009 Stewartstown United Methodist Church • 26 South Main Street, Stewartstown, PA 17363 • 717.993.2507