The Pastor’s Blog – HOLDING ON

I am not the best photographer so I may have to explain the picture for today. It shows a tree with roots sprawling over top of a huge rock face. There was no place for the root to go because of the rock, so it grew on the rock, finding little crevices to hold on to. The tree is 50 to 60 feet high and it is anchored to this rock by the root that grew on the rock. I can imagine that when the winds blow from the south the roots will strain and pull hard to keep the tree from toppling over.

Ever feel like you are holding on like that? Maybe it is a situation at work, at home, or even at school. Maybe it is the seemingly never-ending stress of COVID regulations. Maybe it is a health problem that blows its ill wind into your life, trying to topple your life. Maybe you are being tested spiritually and you are barely holding on to the faith that once brought hope and joy to your life.

Many years ago the Apostle Paul had to deal with a campaign of misinformation in the church in Thessalonica. Some were trying to say the Day of the Lord had already arrived, and the people were confused. Wasn’t Jesus going to set everything right when he returned? But things were still a mess! The people were confused, and some were discouraged. What if they missed the Day of the Lord?

So the Apostle Paul writes these believers a letter, one inspired by the Holy Spirit. In it he says this:

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth… So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teaching we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God the Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 15-17 NIV)

I read here that there is something to hold on to, a rock that will not give way no matter what we are facing, and that rock is Jesus. Our faith is in His salvation. Hold on, don’t let go. Jesus will soon return and the winds of adversity will stop blowing. Hold on. 

– Pastor Gary

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