This email finds you at the end of a week likely filled with sadness, confusion, and many questions. I pray, however, that this has also been a week marked by moments of extraordinary faith, hope, and love.
This summer several of the adults and youth involved in our ministry are reading Elijah's story, found in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Each week a staff person has posted their thoughts on our blog. Given the circumstances of this week, I thought it appropriate to share my thoughts with all of you today.
1 Kings 19 speaks a word directly to where many of us find ourselves this week. Elijah is at one of the low points of his life, so much sorrow has overcome him that asks the Lord to take his life. God graciously says no. In fact, God calls Elijah to do just the opposite. Elijah wants to lay down and die, God tells him to get up and go: to walk 40 days and then climb a mountain where he will meet the Lord. At the top of the mountain he finds a chaotic scene, a scene filled with fire, earthquakes, and fierce wind. Then, suddenly, in the midst of the chaos there is a moment of sheer silence. Elijah hears a voice, the Lord says, "Elijah..."
Whether you are at a great low point in your life this week, or whether your mourning is for your brothers and sisters right now, may this story from Elijah be your story for this week. May you listen for where the Lord might lead you, may you trust Him and go, and when you arrive may the Lord again meet you with the word you need to hear. A word for you, or a word for you to share with someone else.
None of us know exactly how to care for those who are grieving, but we do know that the Holy Spirit is with them and with us. Will you take a few moments in the midst of the chaos this weekend to create silence and listen? Who knows what God will do with that time.
I am immensely proud of our youth and families. I believe that just as Elijah was an agent for God in the Old Testament, that you are agents for God today, being used to bring the good news of Jesus to the world.
I am proud to be with you.
Yours in the ever-lasting and ever-merciful love of Christ,
Matt
PS - It should go without saying that the entire youth staff is available to you and your family during this time. We are available to talk, pray, or just listen to both teens and parents. It would be an honor to visit with you.
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