University Blog

Friends, 

I am seldom lost for words. But they seem to be failing me presently. I do not know what to say about yesterday and really about this past year.

I take courage from the wisdom of scripture that we are not alone and that when we lack even the words to pray the Spirit steps in and carries the message of our hearts.

I confess that at times I argue with the Lord (okay, whining might be more accurate) about how hard this world, these days, and some of these neighbors are to love. Yet, it is these neighbors and to this present world, we have been called to bless. We have been given these days to love, share hope, and proclaim the hope-filled truth of Christ.

Paul was well acquainted with struggles, frustrations, and the pain wrought by living in this fallen world. The 8th chapter of his letter to the Romans has been the well-worn path for the grief-stricken, the fearful, and those confused and dismayed at the state of the world or their own lives.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed...We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

University, we are a people who hold on to a hope we have yet to see fulfilled. We are a people who pray even if all we can utter are groans. We believe that the very fiber of creation aches to be redeemed and brought back from its fallen state of rebellion into unity with its Creator. And, we know that not all things are good, but that our God is so good that he can and will bend even the awful and the ugly in the service of the good.

This is the time, these are the neighbors, this is the world we have been sent to bless and love.

In hope,
Pastor Ben