| “Get through it to get to it”—Admiral Barry Black (Chaplain to the US Senate). Some things in life can’t be dodged, avoided, or sidetracked for they must be faced. It has been my experience that when faced with those decisions or circumstances it is better to reach a place of resolve and journey forward step by step. Unfortunately, people mistake the slow process of one step at a time with inertia. They are worlds apart. Although the process is slow, one step at a time is still moving forward. The Israelite leader, Moses, would agree. After leading the Children of Israel out of Egypt he was faced with the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Some wanted to return to Egypt resulting in slavery. Others wanted to sit still and do nothing. However, God told Moses to journey forward. Step by step, little by little, they pressed. With each step, they faced different obstacles, one by one, until eventually, they saw the boundary of the Promise Land. Sometimes one must get through it to get to it. What is promised is not the number of steps traveled or the length of time it takes to reach the end, but that God will be with you throughout the journey. Remember this for it is a great blessing. I remind you of this because you might be in a situation that looks daunting and insurmountable. Don’t run from it. Resolve yourself to the journey before you and trust that God will be with you every step along the way.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – James 4 *Tuesday – James 5 *Wednesday – 1 Peter 1 *Thursday – 1 Peter 2 *Friday – 1 Peter 3 Prayer Requests: *Teachers, students, and parents coping with anxiety. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |