Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me, he will put to shame those who trample on me. Selah God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness. ~ Psalm 57:1 - 3 I have often wondered what God's experience was like prior to the initial words, "Let there be light." Darkness as we know it, can be defined in many ways. Probably the darkest part of my life has been the times when I simply felt alone. It must have been overwhelmingly dark during that time for God. Sometimes I wonder if God looks back and thinks, "I remember that time..." Darkness effects all of us in different ways. We know that there are clinical reasons why we need light, just as there are reasons that we need one another. Some of us fill our lives with "stuff" to avoid those times, and some people even need "white" noise just so that they feel normal. God experienced a new loneliness through Jesus. When Jesus came close to his own death, he cried out: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Still in love he held on to the truth that God was with him and said: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The loneliness of the cross led Jesus to the resurrection. As we grow older we are often invited by Jesus to follow him into this loneliness, the loneliness in which God is too close to be experienced by our limited hearts and minds. When this happens, let us pray for the grace to surrender our spirits to God as Jesus did. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams Dear Lord, even on the darkest of days, may Your light help me to remember that I am never alone. Amen. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps. ~ Psalm 85:10 - 13 I generally get up each morning and begin the day by sitting and writing my blog and praying. It has been an unusual weekend. I think that I have shared that I have been dealing with some health issues. Without going into details, it has been a bit of a struggle getting used to new medications, and making some lifestyle changes. So, I find myself at the end of day, spending time reading the Psalms and thinking about the week ahead, while giving thanks that I am getting healthier. I sometimes wish that scripture shared what evenings were like for the disciples. As the sun was going down, and those that had been following Jesus and the disciples return to their homes and taking care of their families, they all gathered. Discussing the events of the day, as well as, talking of those who came out to hear Jesus. Evenings with the disciples must have been interesting. I know when I first began serving at my first church, Sunday evening was the time that I would return home late after youth group gatherings, worship, and all the day's activities. Often I would be exhausted, but I also knew that the next day would be Monday and the kids would be on their way back to school, and a new week would begin. For the disciples it would be another day of discovery, miracles, and unknowns. I guess in many ways, tomorrow could be that for each of us. While we plan meals, get outfits assembled, and perhaps, gather items to take to the office together, for any of us, there are still unknowns. It's times like these that I find that I am thankful that while I don't know what tomorrow will bring, there is one thing I can count on. I never have to face any unknown alone. For me, that is a huge comfort, especially when I am not feeling 100 percent. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, thank You for another day. Amen. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. ~ Psalm 113:3 I think we often take for granted so many things. The sun rises. Our alarm clocks go off. The water pours out from the faucet. We expect the Kerig to make the same noise prior to making that first cup of coffee, and you expect to hear the cheer of a crowd as the morning television show begins. We simply expect this because we create habits, and all of this is in response to what we have come to know to be "normal. Today has been an interesting day. I slept in this morning, and found myself having to pull myself out of bed today. I have been struggling with my health this week, and I must admit, I have been looking forward to being able to sleep in today. I just can't believe that I actually did exactly that! Today's psalm is a reminder that while the day has many normal features, God has already been tirelessly doing extraordinary projects to ensure my day begins with the sun, water, and all of the things that bring comfort to my life. While all along I realize that I want for nothing, and I find within, two words... "Thank you..." So often we spend our life wanting for nothing, because as another Psalm, the 23rd, also reminds that "surely goodness and mercy shall follow each of us." While I hope that each of us find our life filled with comfort, I do realize that if our encounter with the day becomes challenging, even in these moments God is working to make things better for each of us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, each day is a gift. Thank You for your extraordinary presence in my life in that gift! Amen. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! ~ Psalm 130 When I was in my first unit of clinical pastoral education at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky, there was a couple that wanted to have their baby baptized. The child was still born and one of the local clergy refused to baptize the child because the person did not believe in baptizing the dead and so he refused. The parents were not only grieving the loss of their child, but they also were grieving the fact that they felt abandoned in their time of need by their church. It was a day of crying out to God for some understanding. As a resident working in the chaplain department I was called to the bedside of this family. When I entered the room it was somewhat dark. A few silhouettes from across the room could be seen, sitting against the wall. One person had her face buried in her hands. The other two, just sat staring. I moved closer to the bed, and found the young mother, holding her baby, and the father sitting beside her. The silence was painful. "It wasn't supposed to be this way," the father told me as I approached. "Will you introduce me to your son?" I asked. "His name is William," the baby's mother told me. I looked, and saw a child that was disfigured. At first I found that my mind immediately thought, "I'm grateful this child didn't have to live in this world looking like this. It would have been cruel." And then I thought, "How could one of God's servants not recognize the holy in this child and the moment?" Sometimes the church is the unnecessary source of our pain, and when that happens, there are not words to describe what that feels like. The parents cried aloud, and I found that I had tears building in my eyes as I took the child into my arms, and with the tears of each parent, I dedicated William in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. There have been moments in my life when the encounter with the Holy is so overwhelming that even surrounded by the cries of those who mourn, there was a sense of sacredness that could not be denied. When we cry out, God hears us. I have to believe that God understands our pain. On that day I learned that the church can be a source of pain, but even in that pain, God still hears those who cry and responds to our needs. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, I don't always understand why things happen the way that they do, but when I consider that You know each of us personally, it is easier to share both good things and bad with You. Amen. "Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." ~ Psalm 119: 105 I have recently shared that I am working through some health issues. While I want to say that everything is "okay" this morning I find that I am struggling. It's funny how prescriptions work. The doctor diagnoses the health issue and then writes a prescription to work towards restoring health to the patient, or alleviate the symptom or issue. But then there are other issues. The side effects associated with taking the medication. Oh, now that list can be quite long, and if you have ever taken a drug for a period of time, you soon may learn what some of those side effects are all about. I would like to think that everything would be smooth sailing, there are sometimes currents that want to take us elsewhere. Our faith is God's attempt at being healthy all the time. There are things that happen in our life that outline the boundaries of that faith, or bring about new challenges, ultimately the hope is that we have a healthy relationship with God and with one another. Enter in the side effects. Sometimes when we find that we are living out our faith in a way that is healthy for us, there are things that emerge that can sideline our focus. I have a friend who prays daily for all kinds of things. I recently realized that she sometimes gets "stuck" on a particular prayer concern. It is all she can talk, think or pray about. It has suddenly overpowered her ability to spend any time on anything else! I recently had to ask, "so, what about this situation over here?" While scripture may provide us with the words, or direction that we may need to go to remain healthy, ultimately it is our faith in God that illuminates our steps on that journey. Finding ourselves healthy and living out our faith in that manner is ultimately what we all hope to achieve. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, help me to live out my life today in a way that makes my faith healthy and strong! Amen. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ~ Revelation 21:4 One of the hardest things to understand is when we have pain. While at a retreat this last spring I met a woman who lives with constant pain in her feet. "It feels like someone takes a hammer to my feet every single moment that I am alive." She has undergone several surgeries to try and isolate the group of nerves that causes the pain, but has had little to no success. She is unable to walk, and has had to withdraw from daily life. As she shared with me she often mentioned, "Why doesn't God just take me home? I would be just fine with that." Human suffering is something that each of us have thought about and hope that we never experience. Working with hospice patients, I often hear them relate to me what the next life will be like. "Heaven sounds like such a perfect place," but then they talk about the process. "I hope that I don't suffer." While no one wants to suffer, the scriptures are full of stories of persons who have suffered at great lengths, not just spiritually, but physical pain as well. No pain is alike. Jesus' own story of suffering reminds us that pain exists. Writers throughout scripture, even when they were suffering, try to find ways to relate hope during such times. Even Jesus shared with the man hanging beside him on the day of his death, "Today you will be with me in paradise." The understanding that we may encounter pain in our life, is filled with promises that through our faithfulness eternity will bring a different condition. One where we will never suffer again. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, while I may encounter pain or suffering in my life, may I never forget the promise that You will be with me always. Amen. Tell everyone who is discouraged, be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue! ~ Isaiah 35:4 One of the most difficult things to understand is when we face challenges that we simply have no control over. Years ago I watched several friends who were seeking treatment for a particular kind of cancer go through some amazing treatments, only to be cancer free, but then die of an opportunistic bacteria that invaded when their weakened immune system and they died. It was a struggle to watch, especially when they thought the worst was behind them. It's very easy to let things become overwhelming when you find that what you had hoped for doesn't seem to evolve the way that you had wanted, or even prayed to receive. I'm not able to understand why some things just happen this way. I used to think that I would have a list of things that I would ask God when I arrived in heaven. Somehow thinking that I would have the opportunity to have a face to face with the great Creator of ALL things and for me to ask, "On this day, why didn't YOU do THIS?" Yeah, right? But we do things like that. I don't know if it is some way for us to understand why it is that something happens, or if, there is some way that we are holding God responsible for when things don't go the way that we had hoped. The human condition is sometimes just what it sounds like, "conditional." We live in an imperfect world and we make poor choices at times. When it comes to our health, where we live, and even who we hang out with. For every decision we make, there are often options. It's just the way that the world exists. Some how we must be the living Christ for others in this existence, while striving to understand when our own life situations may not turn out the way that we hoped. I don't want to say that it totally depends on God, but our dependence on God helps us when things don't work out. So often we are quick to say that "It was just God's plan." It's an easy response to a much bigger picture that often we look at with limited vision. Praying that each day we find ways to include God in all moments of our lives. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear God, help me to understand all the plans that You may have for me, and why my hopes are different than Yours, help me to find peace. Amen. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances . . . ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 I have often wondered what it must have been like for Paul to find himself being such an outcast in some places, have his life threatened, be imprisoned, and ridiculed in so many ways during the course of his ministry. While we all have our challenges, he writes during the worst of circumstances to give thanks always. I'm not always able to do that the way that I would hope. Occasionally the glass seems to be a little less than half full, and let's face it, some days are just difficult. I guess that being in constant prayer also helps us through these moments. Sometimes we forget that at one point in the time of humanity, that God walked among us. Jesus knows first-hand what it is to be human, and what the human experience is all about. While we know that Jesus went off to pray alone, there were also times when the crowds gathered and he spoke aloud as he pronounced that what he was doing was in the name of God so that people might know that what he was about to do involved God. I'm not so sure that many people would understand if you announced every time you were about to do something that it was because God has lead you to say, do, or believe a certain way! Our ability to always rejoice while praying without ceasing, sometimes involves us seeking to find the things that bring us joy. Even in the most difficult of circumstances. Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice! Everything that is, is given by the God of love. All is grace. Light and water, shelter and food, work and free time, children, parents and grandparents, birth and death. All of these things are given to us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, help me today, and each day, to discover the things that You have done. May I rejoice in Your presence, and may I find that I bring Your presence closer to my life through my daily conversations with You. Amen.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ~ John 14:3 This past week I have encountered the dying process with patients as young as 1 month and as old as 96 years. The spectrum of preparation for both the patient, family and friends takes on many forms. However, in each case there seems to be a search for meaning. A child is born and has a rare genetic disorder and suddenly, the parents aren't planning for a lifetime of memories, they are holding on to each new day and realizing that this might be the day that their child leaves them. An older person who has lived a long and full life has made all the final arrangements and when asked "if God calls, will you be ready to go?" To which the person responded, "Yes, but I may have to tell God, 'just wait a minute.'" While we all hope that we live long and fruitful lives, the truth of the matter is, that our mortality meets us unexpectedly. Sometimes I have blamed the church for not talking more of death. We plan for Good Friday, remembering Jesus' crucifixion, but can't seem to wait to raise him from the dead. Death is something that our culture just simply doesn't discuss. I'm not saying that it should be the topic at every dinner table, but even Jesus tells the disciples that he soon will not be with them, and that the place where he is going, there will be a room for each of them. The power that raised Lazarus from the dead, is the same power that receives us when we take our last breath. The reality of our faith reminds us that death is but a threshold to the streets of heaven where we will no longer tire, and where we shall rise up as eagles. It is simply the unexpected lessons of mortality that we have difficulty understanding. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, I pray that I find peace in knowing that You will always be with me. As I take Your hand and take my first step into the next, I will trust You always. Amen. The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23 We all have had moments where we have encountered loneliness. It happens to all of us at some point. Even folks who seem to be surrounded by people can find themselves being drawn in, or away, from what is happening. I used to be afraid of being lonely. Oh, not for the lack of friends, or family, it was the idea of being alone. When my daughter moved away to college and I found myself downsizing from a home that had gone from having a lot of activity to just me and my dog, Sully, I encountered loneliness. I realized that it had been over twenty years since I had lived completely by myself. I don't know if I were more lonely or afraid! It's like learning to love yourself. It's not always easy. I would find that I would leave the television on, or would be inviting friends to come over, because I simply didn't want to be alone. I wasn't necessarily comfortable with me. It wasn't until about a year later that I started discovering that there were things about being alone that I grew to appreciate. If I didn't want to do the laundry that day, I didn't! If I didn't feel like going to the mailbox, or making my bed, I didn't! Now don't get me wrong, I didn't turn to a life of being a slob! Far from it! I still had my old habits of having things in their place! I began to notice that my time with God was also changing. I discovered that in my solitude I was suddenly engaging God more in my thoughts and in my prayer life as well. I suddenly turned my prayers for some things into simple prayers of thanksgiving. For having the life that I was now living. That my children were becoming more independent and that they were discovering more of who and what it was that God wanted them to be. I learned that being alone was going to mean that I was going to be okay. While I still experienced moments of loneliness I never felt as if I were alone. So often the 23rd Psalm would remind me that even in my lonely times, "You are with me," seemed to become my mantra. Being reminded that I was still being brought to still waters and green meadows, even if they looked like the four walls of my apartment. It's not the literal understanding of God being with us, it is the reminder of the spiritual presence that God has in our lives and that we are never left to ourselves. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Just thinking, Lord
G. Todd Williams Lord, last night I thought of You, and I began to wonder, "Why do you always seem to hear me when I call?" You are there, always giving; You are always so willing to hear my thoughts. For how many ages, has humanity turned Your creation inward, producing emotions that tarnish that which was once pure? How long will humanity look itself in the mirror and continue to practice conditional love? I know that all of humanity has been created for YOUR purpose, and for that reason, You take the time to listen. In moments when I find myself uneasy being one of Your creation, within creation, I lie awake, unable to sleep or find rest, searching my own heart and hope to find peace in the silence. What of this life I live do I share with others, Lord, when those I love have closed their doors to me? I know that I must trust in You to guide me through this journey. So many of Your creation once turned to me for answers, but now I am that part of creation with only more questions for you, Lord. I am seeking You, Lord, to answer the questions of my heart. Lord, please shine Your light upon those requests, and for those whom once trusted in me, Let ALL of YOUR creation find a greater joy, that will go beyond the blessings which You so freely continue to give. Lord, because I sense Your presence, and I seem to hear You say, "Peace, I am still near and with you always," I will accept this moment as a moment of peace. For You alone, will provide a way for me. Amen. "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." ~ Proverbs 27:19 We are created in the image of God. That image has an amazing way of presenting itself throughout the world. I've often wondered what it is about each of us that God notices. When a drop of water finds itself in a puddle, it is absorbed. When in a crowd of people, I am still me. And in this, I realize that's just how special each of us are. God knows each of us, no matter how large the crowd. Being true to who we are can be difficult. Especially with pressure, fads, and opportunities that may present compromising moments. Each of us are unique, however there is one thing that we can share that when brought together can bring about remarkable change, and that is the love which God has for us that God desires for us to share. To be encouragers. To be unifiers. To be bearers of the good news. All of these things can and should be reflections of God's love in us. While there are so many things that can muddy the waters, so it is with our hearts as well. Spending time with God is like a purifier that removes sediment, chemicals, odor, and all the other things that water can possess, making our hearts open to what God is attempting to create in us. May our lives be reflective of God's heart which is always available through our own. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, may what You see in me be more reflective of who You are. Amen. No one plans to be labeled as one thing or another. The world loves to point and name you. I think for some it is a coping mechanism so that they can forget their own issues. Black and white. Poor and rich. Gay and straight. God and the godless. We all have labels that we use. What labels do you suppose that God uses on us? I listened to an amazing sermon yesterday by a young girl in church that is just a sophomore in high school. Yes, out of the mouths of babes. But this was no mouthpiece. It was a voice crying out to the church. A wilderness of some sort, reminding us that God's love for us bears no label. It is infinite and real. It is for all walks of life. For all of creation. Prepare the way of the Lord by sharing the label of love for all. You are all my brothers and sisters and I love you. Put a label on that! Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 God’s 21st Century John by G. Todd Williams Dear Lord, today I thought I heard a voice Crying in the wilderness, A prophet’s word, demanding change: “Prepare the way of the Lord; release the captives, raise up those who are beaten down, straighten crooked paths and remove obstacles. God’s glory can now be seen, And every eye shall see it.” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. In the wilderness of the world community Joined by electronic roads and overshadowed by architectural monuments, Where greed fills politicians, And is lost in great waste, Where a numbered society hides within a work-force, And broken spirits converge through social programs, For a moment of respite: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. In the wilderness of third world nations, Where the destitute scrape out their existence While great powers amass grand riches, The strong play with the weak, Where once-proud cultures conform, Their daughters and sons are robbed of tradition, And placed in sweatshops that provides pennies for their handwork: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. In the wilderness of educational institutions, Reading, writing and arithmetic have Been traded for survival training, Where young minds absorb everything Except how to be children of God, Fertile expansions of their minds, but their souls remain barren; Diplomas proclaim success, not wisdom, Honors, not love; “Prepare the way of the Lord!" Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. In the wilderness of politics A field of wheat and tares is bordered by momentary fame, Where large interest groups freely support campaigns, And candidates have the nerve to shout reform, While even those with the best of intentions are devoured By dark forces and are compelled to take a back seat Until cynicism builds within, like a horrible virus: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. In the wilderness of our faith traditions, Where theological trends come and go, Buildings and people are fashionable, And pomp and circumstance are priority, Where evangelism is silenced, Prayer and sacrifice are optional And even Jesus is labeled a “fundamentalist.” “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. We cry out to the voice in the wilderness, “What shall we do?” “Run, turn to the Lord. You who have two suits, Give to the naked; you with a feast upon your table, feed MY hungry. In the markets and governments, work through compassion And be ready for the One who comes with fire!” Dear Lord, calm my spirit, And let Your infinite love prevail. Dear Lord, help me live as if the Kingdom of God is present! Amen I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. ~ Psalm 89:1 - 2 Years ago Thomas Merton wrote this prayer that I have shared this morning. I keep a copy of it in my wallet. It is worn and is one that I have often prayed. Following in the footsteps of Christ sometimes means that we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith is a choice. It's a choice to trust in God even when the road ahead of us is uncertain. We don't always know what that might mean. Yesterday afternoon I was blessed to join three close friends in the hospital. One of them had a sister in the hospital that had spent years dealing with a genetic disorder that had effected her heart. She had traveled to Houston to have surgery by one of the finest doctors in the field. The surgery seemed to be successful, but complications made it impossible for to get well, and the doctors gathered and realized that they had exhausted every opportunity. While I am a firm believer that God works best when the odds are the worst, the reality was, she had fought the good fight, and this one would result in God having the victory. It's not easy walking in uncertain steps, but one thing is certain, we never walk alone. As we held hands and prayed, encircling the sister of my friend, with her mother present, we began to lift our voices in song as the room became silent as machines were stilled. While the stillness of waters is where we often think that God leads, stillness also comes in the quieting of our surroundings. Listening as her heartbeats calmed, the room embraced silence, and the journey that day found us faithful, and present for one another. We may not know where we are being lead this day, but trusting that God knows us, loves us, and is by our side, helps us as we consider the day ahead. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, lead me.... Amen. When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic — “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” ~ Mark 2:1-12 I think this is one of my favorite stories from the gospels. The paralyzed man is still seen today at many street corners, holding signs, and asking for help. We drive by, seeing him, but not really SEEING him. The blinders that we have created for ourselves are more than just blocking our views. They prevent us from seeing anything other than what lies in front of us. The extraordinary efforts of some folks take the person to a new place. On top of a roof. Where they then dig through mud, straw, and clay to reach Jesus who is just a few feet away. The man is lowered down through the roof to the footstool of Christ, and all watch as Jesus tells the man to take up his mat and walk. The moment comes and the man feels his legs lift him up, and he is then able to bend over, take up the mat that once held him, and walk from the place where a miracle has just occurred. Someone once asked me, "What's the point of the man picking up his mat and walking away? The room was already a mess from the men digging a hole in the roof. What would one more piece of debris mean?" My response? The mat held the man, paralyzed for a number of years. Just think how powerful it was for the man to pick up the mat, the very thing that once held him, and to know the power he now has over it as he carries it away. We all struggle with things that paralyze us. The things that hold us and keep us from being something other than what we are meant to be. Drugs. Alcohol. Violence. Disappointments. All things that paralyze us. Having the ability to hear the words, "Take up your mat and walk," means the difference between the way a life once was, and the miracle of God that is waiting, even if it means that we must take our blinders off and get dirty ourselves. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, help me to recognize the things that paralyze me, but also, that which holds others. Help me to at least pray for a change, and the courage to take up my own mat when You have given me the strength to do just that. As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. ~ Mark 1:29 - 39 Jesus just meets Peter and Andrew, and he already has the fishermen, James and John with him. They have spent time in church together, and now they are hanging out at Peter's place. His mother-in-law has a fever and simply isn't feeling well. They tell Jesus of her illness and he goes and heals her. Immediately the men go out into the community and begin telling of Jesus and his abilities and the house overfills with people with a variety of issues, including demons! Can you imagine what Peter's mother-in-law must have seen when she walked out of the bedroom after having been ill? Her house is full of people, including the demon possessed, in her living room! It reminds me of the commercial years ago of the mom who gets the proper medication and begins feeling better only to walk out into the family room and find a complete disaster because her husband and kids had cooked on their own, and hadn't picked up after themselves. The actress playing the mom looks like she has just witnessed a disaster as she walks in. I get a sense that Peter's mother-in-law may have seen something similar. The next morning before anyone wakes up, Jesus leaves the house and finds a quiet place to pray. I can't even begin to imagine how Jesus must be feeling. He is doing what he was sent to earth to do, but I have to remember that part of Jesus is human. The events the day before surely has left him tired. While we don't know how many people he saw the day before, I have a feeling it was many. The men come looking for him. They are still excited from the previous day, and are a little concerned when they wake up and find that he is not there. Jesus is their new friend, and he is amazing! Think about what it is about your best friend that makes you want to spend time with that person, then raise that level by ten! I think Jesus realizes that Peter's mother-in-law needs a break and so they begin traveling the countryside seeking others and spread the news of what Jesus is doing. He also realizes that the plan for his life isn't about this one community. One thing that I always point out to others is that Jesus didn't return to the house and set up a place with four walls and a steeple. No, he went out to the people. For him and his followers it was about reaching as many people as possible to share the news of Jesus and what God was doing among God's people. It's our reminder today that we are to be sharing the news of Christ with others. Not just by word, but by our actions as well. And not just in church on Sunday but through each day. The other reminder is that sometimes we need a deserted place to be quiet with God. In a world full of signals and people asking, "Can you hear me now?" God has a need to be heard as well. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2017 Dear Lord, Your presence in my life helps to guide me each day. Help me to find you in quiet and busy places. Amen. |
AuthorRev. G. Todd Williams is the author of the book, "Remember Me When..." and is a former hospice chaplain and pastor. Archives
February 2024
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