The Power of "Yes"!
Greetings,
This past month we've been working our way through our 'Next Adventure' sermon series and as the series was approaching I found myself a bit nervous because adventure is not something I seek out. Adventure is something that raises my anxiety and something I tend to steer clear of. But this year my new year's resolution was to say "Yes" to opportunities in life that I would say "No" to or let my anxiety get the best of me. So far I have said yes to opportunities where I would have to travel on my own and that is something I would have said no to before. I have gone to prayer vigils and protests which I would of said no to before because of my fear of being trapped in a crowd.
Sometimes discipleship asks us to stand up and face our fears.
We are living in a world right now that is full of things that scare us. Every time we listen to or read the news there are stories that frighten or upset us. I know these news stories frighten me because they show a message counter to the one Jesus shares with us.
As disciples of Christ we are going to have moments like the disciples did in the scripture where we feel that Jesus or God do not care.
We are going to face moments in our life where we are afraid or frightened. But it is important to remember in the scripture Jesus calms the storm by offering peace. As disciples of Christ, we too, are called to offer peace to one another and to share with the world the lessons of our faith. Sometimes doing so means facing our fears and stepping outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes that means sharing our stories or taking the time to listen to one another's stories. Sometimes it means going to a prayer vigil at a prison or a protest at the capitol. But when it comes right down to it we are called to offer peace and to show love to a world and a people who are scared and frightened.
This year as I have embraced my resolution of saying "yes" in situations where I would of said "no," I have really learned a lot about who I am and who God is calling me to be. I have learned I am stronger than I give myself credit for and that if I let go of fear and give God the space to work, incredible things happen. But it all starts with saying "yes" and facing our fear. In doing so it is important to remember that we don't walk alone but God walks with us as we seek to offer peace in a broken world.
Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Alyssa
|