Pause

In the movie Forrest Gump, we hear that life is like a box of chocolates. “You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Life has its ups and downs. Not many things are guaranteed. Batters strike out. Pitchers give up the long ball. Our world has in it words like “cancer,” “failure,” “unsafe,” and “it’s over."

The uncertainty of life raises the question of whether there is anything certain. Thankfully, we do have the promise that God will care for the flock. Give your ear to the truth of God’s presence and the promise of an eternal tomorrow.

Listen

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.”

Acts 9:36-38

Think

Take a moment and imagine a scene of urgency.

Does the scene deal with a health issue? Is death involved? Or did you walk into a class where a test was being given that you forgot (causing thoughts of death to a good chemistry grade)? What feelings were aroused in you? Did you sense panic or anxiety? Situations of urgency demand a quick response.

The companions of Tabitha have a sense of urgency after her death. They hear that Peter is in the nearby town of Lydda so they request him to come, to “come…without delay.” In the apostle Peter, they saw hope that the current circumstances could be different. In Peter they knew there was the possibility of God doing something.

While an urgent prayer may not help the chemistry test not studied for, God’s presence can bring the possibility of hope in a situation that seems futile.

Jamie Mackey

Pray

God, give me your perspective when life seems urgent. Give me the peace of your presence. Amen.

Go

Go in the assurance of God’s presence;
Go in being God’s child;
Go in the strength of God’s hand;
Go in the hope of the eternal tomorrow;
Go in the ability to speak words of life into others.