“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2
It’s easy in times like these to go down a rabbit hole of discouragement, yet our faith invites us to a different story. Please join us as we reflect on the book of James in the New Testament through the month of September. I invite you to dust off your Bible and read the sermon/letter written either by James or in his name, then sent out to the known world as an encouragement and corrective to false teachings that had begun to circulate among the early churches.
It's curious how an ancient writer so adeptly captures human character, understands human psychology and provokes the hearer to change their behavior. After a particularly challenging sermon one year, a parishioner commented how much he appreciated the message, yet lamented that change is hard.
We humans resist change at every turn. According to a recent edition of CEO Magazine, “The primitive reptilian part of our brain called the amygdala interprets change as a threat to our safety and control, putting us into fight, flight or freeze mode.” We see all three at work right now.
Our congregation moves towards a significant leadership change with the retirement of the Senior Minister this year. Some reach for a useful tool to navigate what can’t be controlled, hoping to hit a positive outcome. Others lean back, one foot ready for flight in case the next doesn’t seem as safe or satisfying as the more predictable now. Others pretend it’s not going to happen, as if that day of departure will never come.
Compound our human tendency to respond to change in one of these ways with our personal circumstances, and the national scene which at the moment seems anything but secure. Now we catch a glimpse of the general dis-ease we experience and also observe among those around us.
We humans have a tendency when we feel threatened or anxious to retreat to the last place that we felt safe. Yet God urges us forward from the future like a mother encouraging our first steps. “Come on, you can do it, you’re going to alright.” We remember the promises of God through scripture. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And from James to the churches he loves: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”
It takes tremendous courage to move forward into an unfamiliar land. Yet God, who loved us into being, invites us to walk by faith into God’s promised plans for our future.
Prayer: God, Source of our being, we live in such uncertain times. Yet we pray to you, our rock and our redeemer, and hear your invitation to not be afraid. Give us the assurance that all manner of things really will be well, and even now, all is well with our soul. With thanksgiving, we pray….Amen
God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you,
Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland
Senior Minister, The Community Church of Vero Beach, Florida
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