I love the stories of the faithful found the Old Testament of the Bible. I love to read about Abraham who was called out of his comfort zone into a life lived for God. I love reading about Sarah who bore a child of promise even in her old age. I love to read about Noah who built an Ark on dry land because he believed in God’s word. Then there are the amazing stories of Daniel in the lion’s den, King David facing Goliath, timid Gideon defeating a huge army with only a few, Samson and his strength and weaknesses, and Elijah on Mount Carmel defeating the priest of Baal (Just to name a few). Oh for the faith of the men and women in the Bible, who developed such a reliance on God, that all else faded in comparison.
At the end of last month, we started a Bible Study, chosen by the Education Team, written by Max Lucado called Unshakable Hope. I will be taking excerpts from this study to use in a preaching series, which will last until the Advent season begins. The introduction to this study reminds us to keep God ever before us since we cannot gain hope without first acknowledging and embracing a deep faith and unwavering trust in God.
How do we develop a deep faith in God? By staying close to God… A boy asked the father: What’s the size of God? Then the father looked up to the sky and seeing an airplane asked the son: What’s the size of that airplane? The boy answered: It’s very small. I can barely see it. So, the father took him to the airport and as they approached an airplane he asked: And now, what is the size of this one? The boy answered: Wow Daddy, this is huge! Then the father told him: God, is like this, His size depends on the distance between you and Him. The closer you are to Him, the greater He will be in your life.
Stay close to God, develop your own deep belief and unwavering trust in God…only then can you experience your own “unshakable hope” in all circumstance that invade your life.
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
Pastor Linda’s Cell Phone: 585 330-0618
Pastor Linda’s Office e-mail: pastorlinda11@gmail.com