Dear Tabernacle Family,
“And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” John 12:47
When I was younger, I looked at life very differently than I do now. I’m really not that old, but I am certainly weathered by life and circumstances. I saw my life in a very wide open, aerial view of rainbows and butterflies. I mean, what could go wrong? I was fortunate enough to have a loving family who supported me in my endeavors, pushed me to rise up, and challenged me to build my character. Life was an endless sea of possibilities. I was ready to conquer the world.
What happens when the opposite happens and the world tries to conquer you? Hmph. An idea that never entered my mind. I miss the carefree, fun-loving, and even at times ignorant way of looking at life. It all seemed so simple. I was kept safe in my invisible bubble.
Uncertainty is the worst. It is. Living with a lack of conviction, confidence, hesitancy, doubt, and indecision has the power to spiral you down further and further away from your identity in Christ, causing a great divide. What is there to hold on to if you have no certainty in who you are and what you were created to be? Our identities are constantly being challenged. What is it that you hold on to? Where is your truth? Do you have one? Have you found it? Will you search for it?
I’m learning now how complex we truly are. How every decision impacts your life. How every moment matters. How interconnected we truly are even in all of our differences. We ALL want to feel love, compassion, joy; and of course safe, protected, and cared for. Who am I to deny these things to others when Christ so freely has given them to me?
Life comes in seasons in moments. It can be harsh, brutal, unbearable, and unpredictable; while at the same time beauty is being birthed inside of you. A paradox I will never fully understand but one that I have and will continue to embrace and experience. My hope is that you will too.
Where I am today, at this moment, I never thought I’d see. For you too, I’m sure. ALL of our worlds have been turned upside down. Can we take a moment and recognize that we are all surrounded by uncertainty? How do you feel right now? Take that and build compassion for those around you. Open your heart and your mind to those who may not agree with you. Recognize that they are living in uncertainty too. Have true compassion for one another. Take the time to listen. To seek to understand one another. This is all hard work that takes great intentionality and internal checks and balances to be sure that we are positioned in a place to learn, and not be offended.
Uncertain seasons are usually the most powerful God moments we experience. They often put God on display more than other seasons, demonstrating that God exists and rewards those who seek him. “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
I am certain of one thing. You are loved. I am loved. We are ALL loved. We are loved by our Heavenly Father, our Redeemer, our Savior - Jesus Christ.
Cheri Leight
Media Director