There's still HOPE!

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word."

(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

These are crazy times. The Coronavirus just had it's largest single-day of new infections worldwide yesterday (yikes!) - 4 months in to our "safer-at-home" precautions here in California. State and local leaders across this nation are debating whether or not to fully open all areas of society again (a delicate balance, I know, between economics and the continuing health & safety of citizens). The US is still in a tense season of heightened awareness of our pervasive racism in this nation. Activism has (for the most part) been inspiring, and change seems to be genuinely possible... but we haven't quite reached that mountaintop yet.

In the midst of all of this uncertainty, I was blessed to read 2 Thessalonians 2 today. The author, speaking to a church beset with both doctrinal and behavioral problems, finishes the 2nd chapter with a powerful benediction. For starters, God's love and grace is reaffirmed for us - along with the long-term comfort of eternity with Christ. But moving beyond merely settling for "the great by and by," the author asks that God would comfort the people's heart and "strengthen them in every good work and word."

I love this.

Overwhelmed? Feeling out of step with the world? Disappointed with what you're seeing in society? Not sure how to proceed? WE'RE ALL THERE RIGHT NOW! 2 Thessalonians 2 reminds us of (at least) two things: 1) God loves us and has prepared eternity with Him... 2) God will strengthen us for both good works and good words. When nothing seems right in this world, KEEP DOING GOOD! Do what you can, not what you can't. And speak words that strengthen, encourage, build up, and bless others. Don't say things that are mean-spirited, rude, inconsiderate, or hate-filled. Seriously, don't.

We'll get through this, people. The Kingdom of God will overcome all obstacles. And we have an opportunity to contribute to that change!