By: JB Abner
October 11th was a beautiful sunny morning as Maria and I head off to church for the first time since the pandemic began last March. Beth, our Minister of Families, had asked us to take temperatures for Sunday School and the 11 O’clock service. It was good to be back at church, although still a bit strange as this was the first Sunday for in-person services.
The last eight months have been excruciating and stressful as my contract work is either on hold or canceled for the year. I suppose, like most, we were living on fumes. Later Beth came by to check on us, we found out about Joseph, her husband, losing his position. We could see she was still dealing with the shock as she tried to stay upbeat. They are a young family with two adorable children. We could empathize with her as today’s challenges have affected so many. We continued to check the temperatures of those attending Sunday School and those going to service. We then enter the sanctuary for the first time.
A flood of emotions seem to wash over us as we felt overwhelmed sitting in the sanctuary pew after such a long time; I can only describe it as a release of the discouragement we have felt over so many months. A feeling of peace overtook us as we sat for worship. Like so many others, we felt grateful to be in this place despite our hardships. We prayed for our church and those impacted by the economic downturn. We also said a special pray for so many who have contracted the Covid-19 virus. We then prayed for our needs as well, asking for encouragement and help. It was getting beyond tight for us as we had stretched a dollar as far as it could go. To say we were emotionally distraught is an understatement. We had little hope and felt ourselves emotionally sinking into a very dark place.
It was an uplifting experience being in service on that beautiful Sunday morning. After service, we saw many friends who had attended that day and wished them well as we exited the building. It was nice to be back in the church where one always feels welcomed and leaves encouraged. Departing the church parking lot, little did we know October 12th would bring an unexpected change for us.
We could empathize with her as today’s challenges have affected so many.
JB Abner
Monday, October 12th, was a morning like any other over the last eight months. I got up, checked email, and went downstairs to make coffee. I then sat down at my desk to begin the day when I noticed a call had come in on my cell from a client. He left a voicemail. It said, “Brett, this is John. Are you ready to go to work in California? Give me a call.” I could hardly believe it as I listened to the message a second time. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to have received this perfectly timed call for potential work. I quickly called John back, assuring him I was interested and got the details over the assignment. Overjoyed, I rushed downstairs; I had to tell Maria. She was speaking with one of her travel clients who was again backing up travel plans. I sat impatiently, waiting for her to end the phone call. She looked at me, knowing something was up because the only time I would come in and take a seat is when I had something to say. I then gave her the news – we have a contract. She looked at me, astonished through watery eyes. It had been eight long months since my last deal. We both looked at each other and said, “I prayed that God would show grace and help us through this hardship.” We believe God did.
I suppose you could say this was just a coincidence that would have happened regardless, but Maria and I believe it to be a real experience of God’s grace. There are 365 days or 52 weeks in a year by which this could have happened. Except it did not occur at any random time, it happened after we attended worship for the first time in eight months. I mean, don’t get me wrong. We had been faithfully praying as we watched the online service on Sundays. We humbly believe we experienced God’s grace firsthand.
We are so grateful for that moment in time. Remembering how we felt the first time we stepped into the sanctuary still brings tears to our eyes. This experience and the blessing that followed gave us room to breathe, gave us hope to endure. We will never forget that moment; this extraordinary experience rekindled our hope. Maria and I have concluded that the faith we share brought us into an experience with God. We are still not out of the woods as this season of uncertainty lingers. However, without this gift of grace, we would be far worse off. We give our thanks to God for this meaningful blessing of encouragement.
Faith is the expression of hope, joy, peace, and love to encourage us through times of hardship and times of thanksgiving. We have found, you experience God by remaining faithful to your beliefs despite difficulties and uncertainty that may come your way.
Diligently pursue joy in your life every day so that you may find peace within. Find your peace this season.
Source: True story