A Message from Pastor Phil

This past week brought uncertain times to our doorstep. Yet, the God who created this world knew about it before it came our direction. He always knows the circumstances His children face. Throughout the Bible there are reminders of God’s promises to His children when times are challenging. Israel often faced such times—whether it was the darkness of famine or the raging enemies of God. The prophets along with the Psalmist often reflected upon the God who had enabled them to be victorious in the past, who would strengthen them in the present, and go before them into the future.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses was nearing the end of his days as Israel's leader and sought to encourage God’s people. There was about to be a leadership change along with the tremendous task of conquering Canaan—the land promised to Abraham’s descendants. Moses admonishes God’s people, “The Lord thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: Joshua, he will go over before thee, as the Lord hath said. ... Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deut. 31:3, 6).
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In this current crisis, God will go before us and He will not fail us or forsake us. This is a great opportunity to trust God and grow in our faith. Faith often grows when challenged with circumstances beyond our control. COVID-19 (coronavirus) may affect the physical condition of our lives, but it can never affect the condition of our souls. If we choose to trust God’s promises, it can make us stronger spiritually so that on the other side of this crisis, we will realize God was with us.