A Future with Hope ...

I received a lovely coffee mug, one of a number of gifts from people of this community, as I joined you in ministry last month.  It struck me particularly because the message printed on it was the same message I had received on a card from my mother, celebrating my Installation at Abiding Love. God says, “I have plans for you.  Plans for a future with hope.”  It’s from the prophecy of Jeremiah …

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).  

What a beautiful affirmation as we begin to walk this pathway together!  Nance and I and our family have never been as warmly welcomed, anywhere, as we have been by the people of Abiding Love.  It says so much about the character of this community – so much that is hopeful about prospects for shared ministry and service in the time to come.

Jeremiah is addressing a people separated from God, exiled and grieving, seeking a way back.  This is certainly not the context of Abiding Love, but it is the situation of many, many people around us, whether or not they’re even aware of it.  And I do know that Abiding Love has gone through some powerful transitions and met some significant challenges in recent years.  The good thing about wilderness experiences is that they invariably bring us to new places, of new possibility; stronger, deeper, wiser for having made the journey.

I believe we are in just such a place.  I see it in the spirit and the ministries already flourishing here.  I feel it in the energy, the optimism, the hope of everyone I meet here.  I see it in the work of Food Pantry volunteers and in the service of your kids, feeding homeless people downtown at 5:00 in the morning. I see it in people gathering in worship and for challenging studies of Scripture, wanting to engage God’s Word and wisdom for living.  It is the best hope of Jeremiah’s prophetic encouragement.  Most importantly, it is the very heart and mind-set through which God can work. 

God is already at work in the wider community we’re called to serve.  And God is looking for those who will join in that work. Joining with God in new, creative ways – reaching out in love to a world increasingly estranged from God – will be the thing that takes Abiding Love to the next level.

God’s promise through the prophet is to honor that willingness to welcome and embrace God’s priorities and purposes as our own.  As Jeremiah continues, “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.  When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.”

What a blessing to make our way together!

- Pastor Brad