Pastor, I Have a Question January-February 2018

QUESTION: I feel alone when tragedies strike. Does God leave me?
ANSWER: The obvious answer is a resounding “no.” Jesus promised, “Lo I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The answer doesn’t change the feeling. When the storms of life devastate us, even Christian hearts and minds can be overwhelmed. We know we always have hope and help from God, though at times we may feel alone. With your home falling in pieces around you, despair shouts helpless thoughts into our minds and our hearts sink and ache.
This pastor recently experienced such a struggle. Through the storm, he and his wife did what they could to stay safe and protect as much of their home as they could. When the sun came up, his house was a terrible mess. The wind continued to howl. He wondered what he would do, what he could do. The night had been filled with prayer, but God’s answers were hard. How quickly the question invades our hearts: “Where is God?”
And God appeared not like He did on Christmas when He was incarnate to live, die, and rise to redeem the world of sinners. God appeared, not like He does when He comes to us with His love and grace through the preaching of His word and administration of the Holy Sacraments. There He comes to us to create and sustain faith in our hearts whereby we receive the salvation He earned for us. God appeared this time when a neighbor came over and offered assistance. He was with us when friends and fellow believers climbed the roof to cover the damage with tarps to keep future storms out. He was there when a friend and contractor and others went to work almost immediately repairing the damage. Unseen people from all over the country traveled to Florida to work on the recovery so that electricity could be restored, so that water, food, and gas would be available for those who were struggling because of the storm. Unseen people, some known and most unknown, provided financial assistance. The insurance company, for a profit, went to work to settle claims to pay for the damage. The government was ready with help through F.E.M.A. Other organizations joined the work, all of whom were sent by God. God hid in them to be our very present help in trouble.
Feelings can be overwhelming. Feelings are difficult to ignore. God is even more difficult to ignore. By faith, we know His promises to take care of us in all things. In the past, He has proven Himself. He rescued us all from sin and death, promising us the forgiveness of all our sins and life everlasting through His Son, our Savior. In past struggles, He saw us through. By faith, we see Him hiding in every worker, friend, neighbor, and fellow Christian as they do the mundane things of life to earn a living. They are working. We are working. God is working through our labors to care for His people and all people. Thanks to all who helped us in Florida as well as our fellow citizens in Texas and Puerto Rico. Thanks be to God.
Rev. Charles Keeler
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Winter Haven, FL
cjohnk@aol.com