From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke Chillax Chillax (verb)- to calm down Sometimes… well, if I am truly honest, most of the time the news raises my blood pressure. So many stories of suffering, loss, violence, hopelessness, grief, people arguing, and, as if that were not enough, sensationalism at its finest. We have a 24-7 news cycle- it never stops and it never sleeps. So how do we, as people of faith, respond in this reality? Not just the news cycle, our own lives are so incredibly full. Time is a rare and precious commodity. It seems like for me, as a parent of two teenagers, there is always a place to be and things to do. Many of you have encouraged me as a parent and reminded me to enjoy this season of my life- thank you. Still yet, a full life is demanding and challenging. I would bet that most of you are facing some type of significant challenge in your life right now. Maybe a significant health crisis, a looming decision, or maybe relational strains- the list of possibilities are endless. If so, how is your faith helping you? Authentic faith is wrought in struggle. In the crucible of life’s messiness is where faith grows legs. I have the great privilege to witness people living out their faith through their struggles almost daily. Each of you have inspired me by the way your own faith carries you through. Our faith is not a fickle thing, when and where God is involved we have power far beyond our own capacities. It would do us all well to remember that daily. In 1 Peter 5:7 it says: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” In a world that is loud and full and broken, this verse reminds me to “chillax”. Let us have enough faith and wisdom to do so daily. -Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter October 2020
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