I just concluded a great “book club” study of Max Lucado’s “You’ll Get Through This.” He uses the story of Joseph in Genesis 47-50 as the basis for discussion. We took note of the near-perfect application of Joseph’s life journey to our own. Joseph dealt with sibling rivalry/jealousy. Being cast by those siblings into a pit, left to die. Solitary confinement. Indentured servitude. Leadership responsibilities. Forgiveness. Seeing that what man intended for evil, God re-purposed for good. So much of his story is personally relatable to us. His story is our story. It is true because it happened and because it happens. God will bring us through this pandemic, out of the darkness of our pits and isolation. It is so encouraging, and a great morale boost, to hear people say that once they get their double-dose of vaccination, they can’t wait to venture out again – still being masked and avoiding large, close gatherings. (In-person worship attendance, by the way, could be one of those ventures – just saying).

The Biblical story (stories) isn’t just stuff that happened eons ago. Rabbis talked about these stories like a gem with seventy faces. Every time you turn it, you get a refraction you haven’t seen before. The collection of stories is called The Good News for good reason. If it isn’t Good News for everybody, then it isn’t Good News for anybody. You’ll get through this. We’ll get through this. I heard this past year’s experiences compared to WW II. Major sacrifice and adjustment were required. Stories of unspeakable heartbreak and loss, but also the sustaining power of faith and hope. A glorious aftermath of victory, relief, and joy. We do well to push aside all the negativity and political vitriol to receive and embrace the Good News. Suffering is not disregarded, notice. But it is not the final say. God’s beautiful love pushes through the brokenness; grace overcomes hatred. We share our common stories and the one common Story. All of it: struggles and dreams, “crappies and happies”. I pray for a church, a faith community, that is authentic and interesting. God’s redemption and unconditional love continue to unfold. Allow that knowledge, that truth to sustain you as you live out the stories of your days.

Pastor Art