That Is Who You Are
While most Halloween things had been canceled, Pine Valley United Methodist Church’s Pastor Tim, Pastor Chris, and Mrs. Terri could not imagine our kids and the community not having Trunk or Treat here at PVUMC. There was much excitement among the staff before the word even got out! If you recall, during the 9:45 AM Sunday service, Pastor Tim prayed for the rain to hold off and told us to claim it. The rain held off until it was over. About 200 people were able to enjoy a rain-free Trunk or Treat! There were so many comments about how glad people were that we made it happen. There were awesome trunks decorated, many with Bible story themes. Pre-packaged candy was given out at each station. Our wonderful kitchen crew sent hotdogs home with people! As Pastor Tim said, we are being an oasis for our community during these times of uncertainty. Once again, PVUMC found a way, doing things differently to show God’s love. That is who we are!
At church, we often sing “Way Maker” by Michael W Smith. This song has such powerful words to me. "Even when I don't see it, you're working. Even when I can't feel it, You're working. You never stop, You never stop working." He is working all over our campus and through live streaming! He is moving in our midst! If we are walking by faith, we are trusting that God is at work even when we don't see it. Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Mordecai, Esther’s uncle and adoptive father, displays faith in God's ability to keep his promises. He encourages Esther that all of the events of her life have prepared her for this very moment. God has been working. Esther 4:14, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Mordecai knew God would deliver his people but not sure how. God takes an orphan, Esther, and has her save His people. Esther probably never knew what God was doing to have her save his people for such a time as this!
"Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, My God.. That is Who You are!” He is all of that and so much more! Jesus is our Way Maker when there is no way! Think of the Israelites trying to run from the Egyptians. He split the Red Sea for them! He is a Miracle Worker. With just five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed thousands! There were even leftovers! Luke 9:16-17, "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."
God is a Promise Keeper. The Israelites were reminded of God’s promise that He would bring them victory. The closer they came to this land, the more doubtful they probably became due to the obstacles. A victory would require miracles. Joshua 21:43-45, "So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all, the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled."
God is the Light in the darkness. When the Light of Christ shines on someone who is in the dark, they can see Truth. They see how to live and be free from their burdens. They learn how to have joy and peace. Isaiah 9:2, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
“Way Maker, Miracle worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness....God, that is who You are!”