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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

Finding God

If we know where to look, even in the midst of terrible suffering God is present (Job 23:3)

 

Context

As the situation in Lebanon deteriorates United Nations launch a major appeal  to provide relief.

As Hurricane Milton hits Florida, preparations begin to evacuate residents.

Where do Russians and Ukrainians go to escape the war?

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

In Job chapter 23, Job reflects on his difficulty in identifying where he can find God. This is a situation that many in our world find themselves as they ask the question: "Where is God?" Is God ignoring the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine? Do those who find their lives devastated by Hurricane Milton find it easy to recognise the presence of God in their lives?

God is present and active in our world - sometimes we just have to try a little bit harder to see it. Without taking sides it can surely be agreed that the conflict in the Middle East is caused by humans and this results in human suffering. It is the love of God which prompts people to respond to this suffering in a practical way. The United Nations appeal for funds to provide relief is a global appeal which will receive global support and the gifts which people donate are gifts of love to relieve suffering. It is in their giving that God can be found.

It is only too easy to blame God for suffering but we rarely give him credit for inspiring and equipping people to provide help and support. Immense preparations are already in place in Florida. God has been active in the preparation and will be active in providing relief for those who need it.

In a world with so much suffering, signs of hope are signs of God’s activity. The tiny country of Montenegro has granted both Ukrainians and Russians protection status. Around 10% of Montenegro’s population is now Ukrainian with some form of legal status. Often the signs of hope in conflict are very individual. It is worth reflecting that God can be active through national governments.

 

Questions for discussion

• Do you identify with Job or would you answer him with “Ah but...”?
• Are there areas of life where you find it difficult to see God at work and, if so, what would help you identify God’s activity?
• What signs of God at work do you see in your life, your church and our world?

Revd Stuart Wild is Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

In this week’s passage Job is in despair over his suffering and multitude of losses. And yet Job keeps looking for God. He does not seem to doubt the existence of a good God, but he is searching for rescue.

In the news this week came a story of the successful rescue of the British climber Fay Manners, and her American climbing partner, Michelle Dvorak. They’d been stranded on Chaukhamba mountain in northern India for 3 days, at a crazy height of 20,000ft - a freak accident left them without food, tent and climbing equipment! They spoke of their despair and terror, with low odds of survival in those conditions, and stuck on a 10-inch ledge. The Indian Air Force and a range of organisations worked together to try to locate them earlier, but adverse weather led to an extra day of waiting and suffering in the freezing conditions.

Of course, the situations are different. The climbers were drawn to untrodden paths, but were very experienced and well prepared. Let’s think about how similarly Job and the climbers would have felt; terror and abandonment. Tragically there are people in areas of conflict today, feeling the same.

There are no easy responses here. We live in a broken world, with pain, illness, conflict and fear. It is also a world of compassion, love, joy and laughter.

Even in the dark times though, we can trust that God is with us. It is right to be honest in our prayers, but continue to seek God. Despite our fears, we can press in to a God who is always here. And trust in his unchangeable goodness. Our God longs to bind up the broken-hearted and comfort those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-3).

 

Question

Can you think of a difficult time where you kept pressing-in to God? How did that help?

 

Sometimes people go through terribly frightening experiences and can wonder when help will come. God does have a rescue plan; sometimes help comes quickly, sometimes not; but thank God there is another reality which will last for eternity, where there will be no more suffering or tears.

Light a candle with friends or family and pray for the places in darkness, that people may see Jesus - the light of the world.

Dr Angela Mak is a Licensed Lay Minister in Holy Trinity Shaw Church, Swindon. She is also a school’s worker, and retired biology teacher.

 

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