The upcoming installation service fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement as I anticipate sharing this special day with all of you. Even during my vacation, my mind couldn’t help but drift towards the work of the church and the potential impact Wentz’s can have as a partner in this endeavor. However, returning to the office after a long break has its challenges. Over the past couple of days, my mind has been flooded with a multitude of thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate. I’m sure many of you have experienced a similar situation, where the sheer volume of thoughts becomes seemingly impossible to manage. As a church family, we find ourselves navigating through uncertain social times, health issues, and financial drama, often leading to feelings of despair and gloom.
But in the midst of this, as we embark on our “what’s next” journey as a church family, we must consistently search for hope, lest we fall into despair. Our responsibility extends beyond just those who call Wentz’s their church home; we have an obligation to serve our wider community. To do that effectively, we must better understand the power of Christ within us. We need to recognize that our God is not weak or powerless; rather, He is a God full of strength and influence who can impact every situation and circumstance. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, was a revolutionary, challenging the status quo, bringing hope to the weary, and standing against the powerful.
As humans, we are susceptible to discouragement, fear, depression, and anxiety. However, in these trying times, we must remind ourselves, like King David, that we serve an all-powerful God who can do anything. He holds not only the world but also our future in His hands. Our role is to put our faith into action, allowing Christ to work through us. As the church, we possess the power to comfort the brokenhearted, to stand firm against injustice and manipulation, and to address various societal issues such as homelessness, violence, and food insecurity. The power of Christ within us gives us the ability to advocate for those who have been rendered voiceless and to tackle thorny issues like racism, mass incarceration and the adverse effects of climate change. We have the power to bring healing not only physically but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
This moment calls upon us to go beyond merely attending church and sitting passively. We are all called to play an active role in leading and making a difference. Who among us will bravely face the contrary winds? Who will step forward to reclaim what life’s struggles have stolen? Who will stand up for the vulnerable, including the seniors in our community? And who is willing to roll up their sleeves and work so that everyone in our community can live in peace and free from fear? In response to these questions, I confidently say, “Send me. I will go.”
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20