Hope

Hello and how are you!?

I pray you’re well.

I’m doing well, myself.

I live in St. Louis, MO, and we just got hit by a tornado the other day. God spared my family and our home, and I praise Him for it! But so many homes and buildings were destroyed, and several people lost their lives. I knew one of those people. We were in praise dance ministry together at church. Because of her, and because of how hard our church building was hit by the tornado, and because of the many people I know who have been displaced and just don’t know how to move forward, and because of how my city is reeling, I am experiencing a mixed bag of emotions.

Yet I have hope. I have hope because God is still God.

I see God in so many ways during this time. In the people who are helping neighbors and strangers remove downed trees and debris. In the people who are giving away food and blankets. In the outcry against the unequal media coverage and distribution of resources. In the smiles. And even in the tears.

I also see God in my writing. I didn’t sit down to write about the recent tornado. I sat down to write about how working through my book coaching course has prompted me to read more and to write more. But God had other plans.

So here I am contemplating how God shows up in the midst of adversity, and writing about it to share with you.

I don’t have all the answers (or even any of them), but I know God does. And He’s not bothered by the questions and grief that weary your body, mind, and soul. To you, He offers rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) reads, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”

Rest is a gift from God, and we all need it. Whether or not we are in the midst of adversity, God wants us to rest. To relax in the knowledge that He is all sufficient and will supply all of our needs. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to work. Of course you do, It means you also get to rest in the midst of your labor.

I know that is a word for me, and I hope it’s a word for you, too.