PASTOR’S CORNER, Pastor Phillip Dow, New Beginnings Church, Liberal
A few weeks ago, I found myself on a long drive from Eastern Oklahoma to Liberal after about 40 hours of travel from an overseas trip to Africa. I was tired. Actually, to be brutally honest, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I pulled over at a gas station and grabbed some caffeine, a quick snack, and jumped back in my truck for the final two hours of my trip. I rolled down my window as I turned onto Highway 412, turned up my podcast, and about that time, my phone began to ring. I answered it because it was a 620 number and assumed it was probably someone calling to talk as I drove.
The phone call was actually from the staff at Southwest Medical Center. There was a need for a chaplain to come minister to a family and I was on the list to fill the need. I whispered a quiet prayer (but kept my eyes open) asking for grace from God for the energy to get there because showing up matters more than most things. In that moment, I was reminded of Romans 8:26 (NIV), “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
If you ever find yourself at the end of your knowledge of what to do or how to do it, I implore you to reflect on Romans 8. When we don’t have the words or the energy, Jesus is faithful to provide what we need. On that night, I found strength and energy that I did not know I had. That same strength is available to you. In fact, the Bible is pretty clear throughout the Old Testament and New Testament that when we finally acknowledge our limitations of understanding and skill, God puts his strength on display. It is a paradox of faith that in our weakness, God’s strength shines brighter.
To the one who feels like their entire life is in upheaval and you aren’t sure if anyone even sees you struggling; Jesus does and he cares. To the one who is celebrating a huge win in your life and you find yourself in fear of the fall that follows a big win; Jesus sees you and he sustains you. To the one who is struggling with imposter syndrome and hoping no one finds out that you don’t really know what you are doing; Jesus loves you and he created you.
I want to encourage each member of our community to find a church that preaches the Bible, believes that Jesus loves you, and is willing to walk through messy moments with you. When you have no words and only wordless groans, the Holy Spirit will intercede through you and through your community of faith. If you find yourself in a position to show up for others, you may find that you are the answer ot their whispered prayer. God bless you as we journey together in community.
