We could spend so much time guarding our health, our possessions, our safety that we miss the point of traveling this life at all.  But if Jesus’ life is our model, we dare not imagine that the safe path is always the faithful one." 

Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010.

We all seek to be safe, to maintain control, to know what’s coming up next.  In church life, especially around here, things are always changing.  It’s the same in our community. We can close our eyes and pretend it isn’t so, but it is.  This is a good thing.  It means that God has unveiled new opportunities and hopefully sent new people to share the gifts needed to serve.

As I think upon the Biblical stories we read in the time of Lent – the temptation in the wilderness, the prodigal son, and confrontations with the powers that be – I am reminded that Jesus did not cower in the face of challenge.  In fact, he bravely and creatively took it head on.  Jesus called a ‘spade a spade’ so to speak, and maintained his integrity throughout.  He brought attention to the wrongs in life that needed to be noticed.  He set forth a better way to live.  He set the ultimate example by giving himself. And the Father always looked out for him.

Faith is not timid, it is powerful.  Faithfulness is not hesitant, it is courageous.  Faith allows us to do what we thought we could not do and go where we never thought we’d go.  Sometimes this means a road of sacrifice, but it always means a victory for God’s purpose.

This Lent, take the journey.  Continue the steps of your walk of faith – into the places and among the people where God wants you to go.  Be willing to risk your level of comfort by pushing your boundaries just a little further.  See what God can do if you let him, and know he will always look out for you too.