Weekly Devotion & Prayer - November 7, 2022

"Staying Connected"
 

For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end and does not lie.  If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay . . . the righteous live by their faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:3-4).

In my quiet time this last week, I have been reflecting and brooding over what it means to be a disciple.  Every year at this time I am challenged by some words from The Saviors of God:  Spiritual Exercises by the Greek writer, Nikos Kazantzakis.  I invite you to reflect and brood with me: 

“My prayer is not the whimpering of a beggar nor a confession of love.  Nor is it the trivial reckoning of a small tradesman:  Give me and I shall give you.

“My prayer is the report of a soldier to his general:  This is what I did today, this is how I fought to save the entire battle in my own sector, these are the obstacles I found, this is how I plan to fight tomorrow. 

“My God and I are horseman galloping in the burning sun or under drizzling rain.  Pale, starving, but unsubdued, we ride and converse. 

“’Leader!’ I cry.  He turns his face towards me, and I shudder to confront his anguish.
“Our love for each other is rough and ready, we sit at the same table, we drink the same wine in this low tavern of life.”

The images of this passage that jump out at me are the images that are earthy and working.  They remind me that faith gets worked out in the every day tumble of life.  Faith, or a relationship with God, is not reserved for simply the quiet pristine moments.  It is meant to be lived out in the midst of the messiness of life.

The part of the passage that challenges me is the report of the soldier.  Every day that I read it, it invites me to question, “what am I doing for God today?  What am I doing to live faith and over come obstacles in the midst of living today?  What do I need to do tomorrow?”  This passage reminds me to be intentional about living faith.

It is my hope and prayer for you, that you will reflect and brood about your faith.  What are the obstacles in your way?  What do you need to do live faith?  What can you do to be intentional about knowing God?  What can you do for God today?
 
Prayer
Holy One, thank you for calling us and your church to be witnesses of your love and grace in this world.  It is often too easy to think that our life of faith is a private transaction between you and us.  Help us to remember on this day that you call us to live our faith in this world.  Teach us to live out loud.  Help us to go beyond the safety we have become comfortable with and to share the hope you have given us with a world in need. In the hope that Jesus offers us. Amen