“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” –2 Kings 6:16–17
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
September. September used to be the month where we would purely think about the joy in our children going back to school. September used to be the month where we would have our last weekend fling for a long while as we celebrated Labor Day weekend.
September used to be the month that marked the end of the fresh corn in the store and the last of the good and sweet watermelons. September used to carry with it the wonderful memories of sharing with your children what it was like when you went to school as a child.
Now it seems like instead of the joys of September we are bombarded with struggles, both in our personal life and in the world around us. The world is unpredictable, unstable, and shaky. Countries are at war and international conflict is being talked about on the news each day. Homelessness is on the rise and we never know who we will encounter each day. We WANT to believe that God is stronger than the world we are living in, yet what we see and experience seems to tell us that we are surrounded by enemies at every turn! Churches are closing as people say there is nothing there for them anymore. Is the real enemy winning? Many young people have never been taught of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Is the real enemy winning? Children are growing up too fast as they hear and see things which destroy their innocence. Is the real enemy winning? I want to say a loud, “NO! The real enemy is NOT winning!” Remember who we belong to.
It is important for us to stretch our memory further back through the centuries to know others found themselves in a world that was unstable and filled with hatred. The people of Israel were often facing enemies who were “seemingly” winning. One example we can find is in 2 Kings 6. The King of Aram was angry, ready to destroy Israel. They were surrounded, yet the prophet Elisha told his servant to look to the hills and he saw the army of God surrounding them. It says, “he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” God’s army was present but not visible to the human eye.
As you face the world around you every day… remember God’s army is surrounding you. As you find yourself wondering if the enemy is really winning and you have lost your battle… remember God’s army is surrounding you. As it looks as though the church is dying… remember God’s army is surrounding the church.
As we begin the month of September make a new commitment to being part of God’s ministry in new ways. Wherever you go remember God’s army is all around you and you represent him. Join in on the 10th of September for God’s Work Our Hand’s Sunday while we pack bags for the homeless! Then celebrate with us the marvelous ministry Mila has shared with us over the last 18 years in a potluck and party on that same day! (Bring food) You will be able to look at the baskets that will be available for Casey Howshar’s Fundraiser on the 15th. Much is happening… so jump in!
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
Listen to Michael W. Smith’s song, “Surrounded!”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbN4Ba2R-c4
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