The Anchor of Hope

Governor Cuomo has some overarching plans for how to “reopen” the State. They believe a phased-in re-start is good for our health and necessary for re-engaging our economy. Based on what I read (you can read it for yourself here) we’re not going to be back together before June. Then, even if all infection rates are in decline, it is unclear whether churches are going to be considered more or less essential. You can bet that even if we are allowed to congregate in person, it will be with limitations, including limiting size of gathering and making provision for wearing masks among other potential provisions.

Where does that leave us? In a virtual world for at least another month, but probably well into summer. That is some depressing news! During devotions today my wife read something from Ann Voskamp. In that devotional, Ann was recounting how people who have endured prison camps survived. Vice Admiral James Stockdale survived 7 years during Vietnam in just such a camp. He recounts that there was a difference between looking for hope in the calendar and the events, versus having a hope in the outcome. Dates would come and go, and some who trusted in them eventually gave up hope. Those who accepted their situation, but simultaneously embraced hope in the big outcome were the ones that didn’t break. (Read Ann’s full devotional here).

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” What hope? Jesus Christ and His victorious life. How does that hope change our view about COVID-19 and isolation requirements? First, it takes our minds off the calendar. We don’t need to count the days. Those that do are simply going to be frustrated, and struggle all the more if the timelines do not follow their expectations. Second, we can embrace the debilitating, frustrating, and life-sucking circumstances of our lives right now knowing that they will not define us forever. Third, we focus on our ultimate hope and what His plan is for all of this. As members of His divine and eternal Kingdom, we press into what we can learn, how we can change, and how we can use this time to further His Kingdom. It’s as much a season of preparation as it is of isolation. Even reframing that idea could be helpful for many.

We have a firm hope that Jesus Christ is Lord of All. That hope may not change our circumstances in the present. But, it can change our focus. Let’s not focus on the calendar, or missed events, or holidays passing us by. Let’s embrace the reality of our situation. You don’t have to like it, but stop fighting it. If you like, enjoy it. Wherever you’re at, just know that we can get through this. In fact, we will get through this. Ask the Lord to help us be the people He wants us to be when this is all said and done. We will be changed, but may it be for God’s glory.

Ann uses two phrases that stick with me and I’ll repeat them for you. “Optimism can be excessively oppressive.” YES! We don’t need to be optimistic, but realistic. According to Ann, “it is the realists who thrive because they accept the reality of a close God, on a long timeline, writing a good story.” Today, let those words ring in your hearts. May we be realists, filled with hope that the end is worth fighting for.

I am with you! Please reach out to me if you need anything. I will do my best to offer what I can.

With Love and Prayers,

Pastor Scott