Pausing to Look Up
There is a story about a new Sunday School teacher who couldn’t open the combination lock on the supply cabinet. So she went to the pastor for help. The pastor started turning the dial of the combination lock, stopped after the first two numbers, looked up serenely toward heaven, began moving his lips silently, turned to the final number, and opened the lock.
The teacher gasped, “I’m in awe of your faith, pastor.”
“Really,” he said, “It’s nothing. The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling.”
Don’t you wish the answers to all of life’s problems were on a piece of tape on the ceiling? Then, when we passed through a challenging time in our life, all we would have to do is look up!
The truth is that there are no easy answers to many of life’s problems. It is not all cut and dry, black and white. However, when we find ourselves in the midst of great stress, dilemma, or conflict, it is not a bad idea to pause and look up.
We turn to God in prayer, not because we believe that God is going to solve all of our problems like magic – but because we trust that God’s walks with us. And we trust that God will give us the courage and strength to face the hour.
Let us pray: Loving and gracious God, thank you for walking with us. Thank you for meeting us amid life’s greatest sorrows and challenges as well as in life’s greatest joys. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
