The Oasis - July 10, 2019
Author:
July 10, 2019
Rev. Estelle Margarones
“In God We Trust” so says our money. On the one hand, I've always found a particular comfort in that. I do trust God so I can understand faith (trust) as a currency. On the other hand, I know that God's grace isn’t for sale and there’s nothing I can do to earn it. Grace is freely given.
When I use a currency of cash, I can trust that if I give the lady at the York House of Pizza the price printed on the bag, I can have the potato chips. If I don't have enough money, I will not receive the chips. Unless (and this is a true story), the person behind me in line gives me the dollar I'm short so that I can obtain the food. With cash, it's always an exchange of money for goods or services. ‘This for that’ with a fixed understanding of what will be given and what will be received.
With God, however, I know that there are multiple ways that I can receive what I need. With God, there are numerous ways to 'get unstuck', transition into another career, earn money for rent, or have companionship. When we trust God, we must avoid being tied to a particular outcome.
Last Sunday, we studied a passage from Second Kings where a man with leprosy had to trust God in order to be cured. When it didn't happen the way he expected, he became furious and he continued to stew about the problem instead of focusing on the solution he'd been given. Wonderful things happen when you trust God and aren't invested in one particular outcome.
It sounds easy, but it’s hard to do. I still remember being 17 years old and applying to colleges. I applied to two and didn't get in one. Unfortunately, that was my first choice. It was at my 'safety school' (Bates) that I made wonderful friends and became involved in the college radio station. I was disappointed to learn that I didn't get a show, but instead of getting angry, I told the boss that I'd be willing to sub for others. While filling in, a professional broadcaster heard me and encouraged me to apply for a job. That's how I was blessed to have a decades-long career until God called me to ministry.
Trust in the Lord and be willing to let go of preconceived notions about how things 'should happen' or what 'should be'. Trust in the Lord even when things don't seem to make sense. Trust in God to have things work out for your best and highest good.
Trust in the Lord and let faith be your currency. Those who live with a lot of cash and little faith, will find themselves poor. If you live a life full of faith, even if there's little cash, you will be rich in blessings.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.
Psalm 37:4-6 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord: trust in Him and He will act.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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