Read: Exodus 3:1-10

A recent news story out of Pennsylvania caught my attention recently.  On July 10 during a rainstorm, a couple who lived in a century old home heard water running down between their walls. When they investigated this peculiar noise closer they realized that what sounded like water was really fresh honey.  A colony of 30,000 bees had formed a hive in their attic and walls and the honey was flowing.  As one report said, “the only sting they have received so far is the estimated repair cost of $3,000 to move the bees out.

In Exodus 3 we read about the call of Moses from the burning bush at Mount Horeb.  God told him to lead the people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land that was flowing with milk and honey. Many other times in scripture we see reference to this concept of milk and honey which communicates a better place, a more prosperous place, and a place of blessing.  I’m not sure this year of 2020 would be on most people’s list of places flowing with milk and honey.

It has been a hard year. It has been a challenging year.  It has been a year like none other. But somewhere in the future is our promise of milk and honey.  Somewhere in the future is a place where we can see each other’s faces again in public places, where family members can hug without asking questions, and where good friends can shake hands again without wondering if it is socially acceptable.  Somewhere in the future we can attend ball games and concerts again and have fellowship meals with our church family.

We are all anxiously awaiting this new 21st century milk and honey reality. In the meantime we will continue to look to Jesus and learn how we can grow through these trials and tribulations that we now face. On the way to the Promised Land the Isrealites had many challenges along the way. Many of them were brought on themselves due to their disobedience and lack of trust in God. Let’s learn from their mistakes and stay obedient and trusting as we journey this difficult road together.

Make it Personal:  What has been the hardest thing for you on this Covid-19 journey? Have you been obedient, trusting, patient, and hopeful?  The Lord will see us through this just like the Isrealites through the wilderness. On the other side we will find fresh milk and sweet honey!

Read: Hebrews 13

What is one thing that is constant when traveling the highways and interstates of our country?  Road construction zones.  We often complain about these construction zones that cause us to slow down and form one lane of traffic.  We sometimes will say, “when are they ever going to be done with all of this construction?”  Well, the answer is…. Never.  As soon as one section of highway is done there is always another that is in need of repair.

We can think of our lives in this way as well.  Adam Holz writes this, “Something similar is true in my spiritual life. Early in my faith, I imagined reaching a moment of maturity when I’d have it all figured out, when I’d be “smoothly paved.” Thirty years later, I confess I’m still “under construction.” Just like the perpetually potholed roads I drive, I never seem to be “finished” either. Sometimes that can feel equally frustrating.”

We understand what Adam is saying.  Our faith, our spiritual lives, our trust and reliance on God, are an ongoing work in progress.  We are under construction because we want to become better, we want to become more like Jesus.  In Hebrews 13:20-21 it says, “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”

God is not finished with us yet.  The Lord will continue to equip us with everything we need to grow in him and become more like Jesus.  We are a work in progress and that work will continue for the rest of our lives.  Let us not be frustrated that we are under construction but let it encourage us to continually become better followers of Christ.

Make it Personal:  What area of your life right now is under construction?  How are you using that to become a better person, better spouse, better parent, and better follower of Jesus?

Read: Isaiah 12

In the 2000 movie “The Perfect Storm” the true story is told of the Andrea Gail commercial fishing vessel.  This vessel was lost at sea in 1991 during a storm that brought many elements together at the same time to create perfect conditions for a devastating storm.  The crew of the Andrea Gail were caught in that storm that produced 40 foot high waves in hurricane winds and driving rain.  No one survived.  One of the problems for the vessels crew was that they took too many risks and eventually lost contact with others who could help during the storm.

In many ways 2020 has felt like the perfect storm to us.  A worldwide pandemic, racial tensions, a presidential election, protests, riots, and many other unknowns have all come together at the same time.  How do we face this storm?  We need to take care and we need to keep in contact with the one of who can help us through this time.  In Isaiah 12 we are told, “God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.”  These circumstances we face are concerning and should be taken seriously, but they are less troublesome when we think about placing ourselves in the hands of God.

As David Roper once wrote, “If our world and our lives were governed by a thoughtless and indifferent force, we would have good reason to fear.  But the hands that control the universe, God’s hands, are wise and compassionate.  We can trust them in spite of our circumstances and not be afraid.”  We can call 2020 a perfect storm or we can call it a perfect opportunity for us to grow our faith and trust in the Lord.  Isaiah 12:2 says, “The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.” 

Make it Personal:  How are you handling 2020 now that we are half way through it?  Are you depressed, frustrated, impatient, angry, or scared of what the future holds?  I think many of us have dealt with some of those feelings this year.  Continue to pray and continue to look to Jesus during this time, he has seen other generations through many perfect storms and he will see us through ours.  Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)!

Read: Haggai 2:1-9

In a recent online meeting with other pastors one of the participants suggested that many leaders and those in decision making positions through this Covid-19 pandemic have been suffering from decision fatigue.  This suggests that no matter what decision is made there will always be some who will not agree with that decision.  This dilemma has always been but it has been elevated greatly during this worldwide pandemic.  Leaders in all areas of life have felt it.  In fact, I think all of us have felt this fatigue in many different ways.

In Haggai 2 we hear encouraging words for those suffering from decision fatigue.  Haggai is giving this message to the people during the Festival of Tabernacles in the fall of 520 BC. His basic message is one of encouragement.  He is encouraging the people to look to the future and to not dwell on their past blessings or present struggles.  Even though the new temple was not as big or as glorious as Solomon’s temple of the past he promises that God’s glory will be evident and the future will outshine the past.   Sure enough, 500 years later Jesus the Messiah arrives on the scene and the world was changed forever.

It is easy to get down and discouraged during these days of trial.  If you have experienced that I will say that I am right there with you.  However, we must not let those discouragements keep us from the hopeful days that are still ahead of us.  They are coming, and God’s glory and provision are going to be seen in even new and better ways.  These verses in Haggai 2 also promise peace and strength to the people.  God will grant us peace, God will keep us strong, and God will be with us. Don’t allow the current feelings of fatigue to blind you from the bright future ahead.

Make it Personal:  When you feel stressed, fatigued, and worn out, its time to turn to Jesus.  God will see you through this time of trial and God will grant you peace in the midst of it.  The future is being prepared for God’s glory to shine in new and brighter ways.  You might not hear that on the nightly news but you will hear about it in God’s Word.