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The Path of Hope by Pastor Andy Woodworth
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here is a short Old Testament phrase that I have found intriguing during these past weeks of this global pandemic. It is used by people like Joshua, Gideon, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel when they simply reached the place where they perceived things had become hopeless. Tired, frustrated, and out of ideas as to how to resolve their respective crisis situations, they threw up their arms and exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord!” This word alas is less of a word and more of a sound or cry of exasperation. I would call it the sound of despair. The sound of hopelessness. Times of great uncertainty, such as a global pandemic, generate high levels of anxiety because of the unpredictability of the outcome. During the murkiness of uncertainty, we either lose our way because of despair, crying alas, or we push forward driven by a greater sense of purpose—something beyond ourselves. Needed during times of crisis and turmoil is a sense of hope or at the very least hopefulness.
6 The Messenger • May 2020
Hope
Hope is one of those nebulous terms like the word love. It becomes part of our everyday conversations with its true meaning being diminished by the saturation that comes as a result of overuse. Nevertheless, hope, like love, is an anchor point in Scripture that connects us to the very heart of God. Hope empowers the believer to an extent that far exceed anything gained by mere wishful thinking.
Russia and Change
In 1871, life was good for Mennonites living in Russia. They had enjoyed years of peace and had been given the opportunity to flourish. But change was being thrust upon them as a political shift was imminent. Comfort, stability, security, and prosperity were being challenged by the pressures of Russian nationalism. In the face of a rising crisis some were trusting that life could eventually return to normal after they wait out the storm; while others foresaw the need to take more significant steps.
