In The Cave

"In The Cave."

By Pastor Jack Schneider

 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.  He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised!”  [Romans 4:20-21, NLT]

A dear friend would shake her head, roll her eyes heavenward and say to her then early-teen son, “Michael, you’re wartin’ me!”  Translation for those of you not familiar with Old Americana/Southern expressions: “Son, you’re about to wear me down; you’re more worrisome than an old wart on my skin!”

Through the years I’ve found myself coming back to her phrase more often than I’d like to admit.  Our kids are now all grown up, so they usually escape the implication.  Others things, however, along with circumstances at times beyond description, continue to “wart” on me daily.  Those are the times I turn to David the Psalmist, and revel in his 5-minute pity-party tidbits -- like Psalm 142.  Stop for a moment and read it yourself, right now…

Wow!  See what I mean?  Wrote it while in a cave.  Not “describing what it’s like to be in a cave of depression,” but IN THE CAVE.  This is inspired Word of God, by the Holy Spirit, with David in the middle of the event.  And guess what?  David is saying “Lord, You’re wartin’ me!  Why aren’t You listening to my complaint?  Set me free from this mess, answer me, because no one [not even You?] cares about me!”

Ah, but He does care.  He kept His promises to Abraham…and to David…every single one of them.  Just not in the expected/desired time frame or in the expected/desired manner.  David knew this [read Psalm 138 next!] and was not afraid to express both his doubts and his faith in this loving, gracious God.  That’s real…that’s love…that’s faith.

How big is your God?  This Wednesday we begin the season of Lent, using Sunday mornings to talk about “Restoring the DNA” God gave us through Jesus Christ.  Wednesday evenings [7:00 p.m.] will feature “The Passover Paradigm,” addressing how we can make a difference locally and globally as we become personally involved through our presence, our gifts of service, our assets and our stories of love. 

Please remember, until the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen are re-worked [over Spring Break] from water damage, only pizza and salad will be served in the church foyer for a Lenten pre-service meal 5:30-6:30.  We expect to resume meals in the Fellowship Hall after that time; watch for announcements.  Thanks for your patience and good spirit -- you’ve done beautifully!

- Jack