You lift me up on the wind, you make me ride on it, and you toss me about in the roar of the storm. — Job 30:22

Job was a man who knew what it meant to be tossed by the storms of life. Through no fault of his own, and through the seeming capriciousness of heaven, Job lost his children, his livelihood, his savings and his health. His friends berated him and exhorted him to confess his sins, give up his arrogance and get right with God. Job answered his friends and defended his character. Finally toward the end of the book, Job loses his patience and begins a rather vehement conversation with God demanding an explanation or at least a response of some kind.
As I listen to your life stories, including the dire predicaments many are in right now due to the economy, I’m reminded of Job. Most of us know what it feels like to be battered by the storms of life. Many of us feel uncertain about how we are going to survive. Joblessness, uncertainty, mortgage payments, health, family troubles can feel like crashing waves threatening to sink our boat. We wonder where God is. Who will save us? How do we keep our faith?
As I reflect on my journey of faith, the truest thing I know about God is that God can redeem all things for good. Even the worst things that people do to us, God can hone into compassion and gentleness. Even frightening economic times and poverty can be honed into a passion for justice, faith, and excellent stewardship. The people with whom I most enjoy being in relationship are those that have a deep wisdom and compassion that comes only after weathering some tough storms and coming out on the other side.
After Epiphany, we will begin a 6-week sermon series called “The Things That Survive the Storm.” One of the key metaphors that will help guide our worship is Sea Glass. Sea Glass was once trash thrown overboard in the ocean or left discarded on the beach. After years of being tossed in storms and bashed on the rocks, the very thing that was once trash is transformed into beautiful and much sought-after pieces of art. In our worship we will study the scripture and identifies the things in our lives of faith that survive the storm when everything else is washed away. How are the storms of life a tool that God can use to shape us into something beautiful and allows God’s light to shine through us? What are the essential things about us in our life as disciples that won’t be washed away?
I trust that God will use this series to bless and encourage you in the storms you are facing now. I encourage you to invite a friend who is struggling to join you in worship. In the meantime, may you grow in grace as we continue our preparation for and celebration of the birth of God’s Messiah.
Walking with you as we follow Jesus,
Debra