“That according to the riches of Jesus’ glory God may grant you to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 16-19
Something was bugging me, and no it was not an annoying mosquito! At first, I was not sure why I kept looking at my schedule, noting that I needed to meet with a congregation, and I would be traveling. Was the traveling making me uneasy?
No, it was something else. After, some prayer, a name came to mind: Cadott. Then it struck me, I needed to call the supply pastor and check in. When I called, and before I knew it, I had made an appointment with him. I arranged for us meet the next day.
As I traveled, I prayed for the congregation, their leadership and community. Driving into Cadott, I realized that something major had happened. A tornado had struck the night before, and folks were cleaning up the mess. There were trees down, roofs torn off, homes and cars damaged, and electrical lines torn down.
I drove up to the church, surprised that it was untouched by the tornado. I met with the pastor and his wife in the dimly lit fellowship hall, conversing about the tornado, God, and ministry, all while we held the community in our hearts and prayers. As we prayed – in that place at that time – the Spirit was surrounding us.
This was the “why” I had the nudge – to allow me to be a supportive and loving presence to the Cadott United Methodist Church and community. My firsthand witness also allowed me to share what I saw with others and promote engagement and action.
God was nudging me, prodding me, prompting me into action. I have not always been attuned to these promptings nor have I always followed through on them. But when I do, I feel empowered and my soul rejoices with obedience to Christ.
My invitation to you is to be open to the whisper in your heart and soul; listen for the breeze of encouragement; follow the path with courage and hope. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit move mightily in our lives so that we may connect and grow in faith and compassion. Amen.
May this devotion provide you with a moment of faithful reflection and care. You are involved in ministries of justice and witness, in ministries of standing up and standing with people working to create better systems and communities, in ministries of learning and searching and researching to become more aware and awakened, more technologically savvy and proficient, more virtually and personally present in your churches and communities and world. Each of us who serve as members of your Wisconsin Cabinet write these devotions in grateful prayer for you – for sustenance and buoyancy, for strength and courage, for safety and just actions, and for faith and love to be full and fulfilled in your daily lives. God’s grace and blessings, God’s challenge and healthy discomfort, God’s Spirit and energy be with you, in the hope Christ offers us all.