Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26
Sometimes we say “yes” to God because we feel called, or we at least feel a little nudge, to do something. When this happens, it can mean we are about to move into new areas…areas of unknown or areas that take us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we even stall, or say “no” because we focus our thinking on all the reasons something won’t work or the reasons why we can’t do it.
Noah said YES when God asked him to build the ark.
David said YES when God asked him to fight Goliath with only a slingshot and some stones.
Mary said YES when told she was carrying God’s son, Jesus.
The disciples said YES when asked to drop everything and follow Jesus.
Although we aren’t stories in the bible, we are God’s people, continuing to answer God’s call. It has been a blessing to witness people at Community UMC saying YES to God in so many different ways during this time of shut-down.
Our Saturday ministries have continued – or begun – during this time. These new ministries, along with Engage and Upside Down Church offer new and different ways to worship. Each meets on a different Saturday and has a different leader, but they all had the same start. Our church leadership said “YES, let’s try that.” and someone else said “YES, I’ll work on that.” while the congregation said “Yes, I’ll support this ministry.”
Along with these new ministries, Sunday Services have continued online. The Food Closet and the Shower Ministry have continued to operate and serve. All of these ministries have been made possible because people have said “YES!” Yes, I will learn how to stream a service on multiple social media platforms with new equipment and systems. Yes, I can drop off food for the Food Closet! Yes, I will wash towels for the shower ministry! Yes, I will deliver communion, sermons and daily blessings to the homebound. Yes, I will drop off cleaning supplies to support the preschool. Yes, I can drop off a casserole and deliver food for the Southwest Community Center. Yes, I can deliver a craft bag for Messy Church! Yes, I will sing in the virtual choir. Yes, I can do VBC online! Yes, I will offer times for the congregation to buy scrip. Yes, I will lead a book or bible study. Yes, I will learn how to use my computer in a new way to attend a study online!
When we say YES, when we agree to work with God and let God work through us, amazing things can happen. Those things we feel are impossible, somehow become possible. Yes is a small word, but it often transforms us and those whom we serve or interact with. And, when we stretch ourselves and move outside our comfort zone, we can rest assured that God is right there with us opening doors and showing us the way.
As we again move into a new phase of this pandemic and begin to learn how to navigate new ways to be a community of faith together, I wonder what opportunities will arise for us. What will we be called to do and be in the world. Whatever it is, I feel blessed to be part of a community that says YES to God’s work in the world.
God who makes all things possible, we come to you asking for forgiveness for those times when we are too scared to say “yes” because we have forgotten that we aren’t alone and you are always there to guide us. Help us to focus more on what we can do and less on what we can’t do. We give thanks for the opportunities you give us to say “YES!” and we give thanks for this community that continues to say “Yes” to doing Your work in this church, with our neighbors and in the world.
Amen!
Leyla