Philip Yancey tells the story of a friend of his who went swimming in a large lake at dusk: “As he was paddling at a leisurely pace about a hundred yards offshore, a freak evening fog rolled in across the water. Suddenly he could see nothing: no horizon, no landmarks, no objects or lights on shore. Because the fog diffused all light, he could not even make out the direction of the setting sun.”

Yancey’s friend splashed about in absolute panic. “He would start off in one direction, lose confidence, and turn 90 degrees to the right. Or left – it made no difference which way he turned. He could feel his heart racing uncontrollably. He would stop and float, trying to conserve energy and force himself to breathe slower. Then he would blindly strike out again. At last he heard a faint voice calling from shore. He pointed his body to the voice and followed it to safety.”

What a metaphor for our so often frantic lives. Often we wonder, what would God have us do next? What’s the next right step for me to take? How do I handle this confusing, scary situation? But then again, how often to we pause to sit in God’s presence and truly listen for that still small voice?

In Psalm 46 we read this, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Let us pray: Holy God, In the midst of the chaos and confusion of life, help us to be still enough to hear your voice. Even as we hand you our burdens and needs, heal us and guide us we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.

Today’s message was written by my friend Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

I remember an old story about a family who had twin boys. One son grew up and became an alcoholic. When someone asked him why, he said, “Because of my father.” The other son grew up and became a minister, and he dedicated his ministry to working with and helping alcoholics. When someone asked him why, he said, “Because of my father.” The two sons grew up in exactly the same environment. One was trapped, shackled, paralyzed, pulled down by his situation. The other turned to God and rose above it all.

Sometimes we hear people say, “I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances.” Well, friend of Dial Hope, we don’t have to live under the circumstances. By the grace of God, we can rise above them. We don’t need to remain victims. God can make us victors. We know that with the help of God, we can rise above our circumstances. The Apostle Paul said, “l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Lord, thank you for keeping us moving and growing and alive, but Lord, life can seem so complicated. We pray that in dealing with all the complexities of life, that you would help us to learn the steps and the timing that will make us your effective workers and lead us each to develop his or her own choreography.

Let us pray: Loving God,

Help us to know when to embrace and when to let go;
When to lean, when to stand alone;
When to rest and when to dance;
When to sit back and when to take a chance;
When to follow and when to lead;
When to doubt and when to believe;
When to push and when to pull;
When to take charge, when to flow;
When to reflect and when to react;
When to think and when to act.
Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord, thank you so much for the gift of this day. Help us to make it a masterpiece. Now let love and hope break out like an epidemic. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some years ago in the devotional Bits and Pieces, William Schultz wrote about a time when his daughter Laurie was about three.  One night she called to him, “Daddy, can you help me get on my pajamas?” He was downstairs and she was upstairs. “Laurie, you know how to dress yourself,” he reminded her. “Yes,” she explained, “but sometimes people need people anyway, even if they do know how to do things by themselves.”

Oh, the insight of a three year old! Yes, it is good to be able to take care of ourselves. It is important to enjoy our own company and be able to do things alone. However, in life we do need other people. Even when we can do it on our own, sometimes it is important to reach out to ask for help, or to invite others along, simply for the companionship.

I pray today that you would ask for help or companionship when you need it. In these pandemic times, that may look different than it has in the past. But remember, most people like to be needed.

Let us pray: Loving God, we remember that you created us to be in relationship with others, and that it is not good for us to be alone all the time. I pray today for those who feel lonely. Give them the grace and courage they need to reach out to others. And, may they know your presence and love even now.

I pray also for those who may need some time apart. Grant them the grace and courage they need to carve out time spent alone with you. Fill each of us with your Spirit that we would be instruments of your love. Amen.

Today’s message was written by the Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkle, founder of Dial Hope.

Do you remember the lines from “My Fair Lady,” when Eliza turns to Professor Higgins and says:

Don’t talk of stars burning above,
If you’re in love, SHOW me.
Sing me no song, read me no rhyme.
Don’t waste my time, SHOW me.
Don’t talk of June, don’t talk of fall.
Don’t talk at all. SHOW me.

With apologies to the composers, I hear God saying,

Don’t talk of faith,
Don’t talk of love
Don’t talk of hope
and Heaven above,
SHOW ME!

Friend of Dial Hope, God’s love for us is extravagant and unconditional. In John 3:16 we read: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” There is nothing more God can do to SHOW us that reality of his unlimited love. May our response be more than mere talk, more than words as we strive to make today a masterpiece.

Let us pray: God of love, comfort your people, not with cheap grace, but with the assurance of the joy and hope in your Son, Jesus Christ. May we be instruments of your peace and disciples of your love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Phillip Barry in the Handbook of Magazine Article Writing, tells the following story. “Alex Haley, the author of Roots has a picture in his office, showing a turtle sitting atop a fence. The picture is there to remind him of a lesson he learned long ago: ‘If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help.’  Says Alex, ‘Any time I start thinking, ‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done!’, I look at that picture and remember how this turtle, me, got up on that post.'”

Jesus often reminded his followers of the need for humility. He even said, “The greatest among you will be servants,” and, “To those whom much is given, much is required.”

May we always remember the help that we have had along the way. May we give thanks – and ever find ways to respond.

Let us pray: Almighty God, In you we live and move and have our being. We thank you today for your sustaining grace and love. We thank you for the people in our lives who have loved us and challenged us and sacrificed for us. Help us never forget that we have received blessing upon blessing. May we in turn bless others. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.