Hang in There
Today’s message was written by guest pastor, Rev. Eric Wogen.
It appeared during my daily, early morning walk. Initially unaware of its brilliant presence, a fellow early riser called it to my attention. A quick upward gaze brought the truly magnificent sight into view — a rainbow, a full rainbow as stunning as any I could remember ever seeing before. Perched ever so delicately, but boldly, on the distant horizon, what a refreshing, uplifting greeting that colorful arch offered to a new day.
Rainbows never fail to fill me with a sense of wonder and awe. Rainbows have a magical way of capturing the eye, exciting the mind, and warming the heart. But, rainbows do more than temporarily treat us to a beautiful sight, they remind us of God’s biblical promise that he is always with us and will always provide. Rainbows are God’s way of saying, ” Hang in there!”
So, my friends, when the inevitable storms of life threaten to drench us when family members disappoint us, friends frustrate us, employers confound us, health concerns restrict us and death claims one precious to us, remember the rainbow, God’s reassuring sign that he is ever-present and offers us a hope that never wanes.
Let us pray: Loving God, sometimes we feel like just giving up, all but overwhelmed by circumstances that seem to be more than we can handle. When moments like that come, Lord, speak to us in ways that remind us we are yours and that you will see us through even the darkest hours. Grateful for the renewing love you stand ready always to share, we pray these things in the name of the Good Shepherd, your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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
