Challenges to Changes
Today’s message was written by guest pastor, Rev. Eric Wogen.
Life is packed full of challenges. They come in many sizes and shapes. Some relate to our personal life. Some involve family and friends. Some connect to the workplace. Some may even stem from our faith. You know yours. I know mine.
There are times when we may feel swamped by the knotty challenges that come our way, all but immobilized to deal with them. When such unwelcome moments come my way, I am reminded of something I observed years ago but have never forgotten, a life lesson that has stuck with me.
It happened while I was working in our vegetable garden back in Pennsylvania. I noticed a small bit of debris moving ever so slowly but steadily across the newly turned earth as if it was motorized somehow. I wondered what energy source was responsible for enabling that movement. A closer inspection brought a smile to my confused face. I quickly discovered that a tiny ant was bearing the burden of transporting a rather heavy load totally disproportionate to its size. Determination, perseverance and divinely given strength made the apparently impossible a reality.
God has packed the potential into each one of us, into you, and into me, to do amazing things, things we may feel are impossible. He equips us and empowers us not only to cope with the myriad of challenges we experience but to overcome them. If that ant could accomplish its amazing feat, just imagine what God can enable us to accomplish.
Our Creator calls us to see what can be, to move beyond what is, to be freed from what seeks to stymie us. New beginnings flow from current challenges. Use his gifts to make a meaningful, difference. Surprise someone. Surprise yourself. Do it today, and tomorrow, as well.
Let us pray. Giving God, you have gifted us in countless ways. You have gifted us with what we need most to serve you and others. You have blessed us so we might be a blessing. Use us to move a few mountains, or perhaps a few molehills, so others may know the wonder, awe, and power of your amazing grace. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Eric Wogen
Pastor Eric Wogen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and claims mid-western roots, even though he lived in many different places while growing up due to his father’s employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. A graduate of Radnor High School in suburban Philadelphia, he received an AB in History from Gettysburg College and a MDiv degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first call was to a wonderfully affirming congregation in Sellersville, PA, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, where he joyfully served until being called as Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod (LCA). He returned to parish ministry in 1979 when he was called to serve St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, PA. After more than twenty years at St. Matthew, he was called by St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida to be its pastor and served there until his retirement in 2008. Full Bio
