Faith in God requires us to be active partaker

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

Spring Greetings!

This past week, I mowed my grass for the first time of the 2023 season. At this time of year, it always looks so lush, deep green, and healthy. After finishing the mowing job, I step back with my chest out just a little further and gaze at the beautiful carpet-like tapestry in front of me. I do my best to take it all in as I know that while now is a time of plentiful rain and healthy grass, there will be times where it is dry, it will lose its “lushness” and I will long for it to look like it does right now.

This can be similar to our faith. We have times that we step back and realize how blessed we are. We are devoted to spending time in His Word. Our focus on Sunday morning is church and worship. We seem to be unwavering. Yet, we also know that the season will come that challenges the “lushness” of our faith. It is in need of watering, cool air, food. With the right care, it can be restored. It takes sacrifice. We can’t expect a healthy lawn without the right amount of rain and sunlight, nor can our faith grow without “watering” through prayer, devotion, “Spiritual food”, and surrounding ourselves with other Christians through worship, Bible studies, fellowship, etc.

In John 16, Jesus has been speaking with the disciples about his departure from the earth.

Particularly, He is speaking to the fact that their “grief will turn to joy” when He is gone from them. He says “TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD”. So, TAKE HEART, the lushness of your grass will return. Sufficient rain and sunshine will come. Your faith will be restored and God’s provisions will not leave you. He knows just what you need and when you need it.

May you be strengthened and reminded that our faith in God also requires us to be an active partaker. Open The Word, take time for devotion, attend worship. It is “food for the lawn” of your faith.

In Jesus,

Pastor Pete Wyttenbach

Photo: Pastor  Pete Wyttenbach South Zumbro  Lutheran Church Kasson