Scripture: Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Thought for the Day: In thinking about one of Robin Williams great characters, Patch Adams, I was reminded of a quote from the famous doctor:
Unlike a lot of people, I don’t feel powerless. I know I can do something. But anyone can do something, it’s not about being special. It’s about deciding to do it – to dive into work for peace and justice and care for everybody and the planet.
Powerlessness can be overwhelming, and there are certain circumstances or events that can leave someone utterly powerless. Yet in many more situations than we might think, there are things we can do if only we decide to do them. Fear, idleness, mistrust, low sense of self worth — any of these can keep someone from recognizing opportunities in the midst of chaotic circumstances. Our choices might be significantly limited, but even one small act can make all the difference. For powerlessness leads to hopelessness which makes us much more susceptible to feelings of powerlessness. Any act that demonstrates hope, conviction and the belief in the possible will undermine powerlessness at its core.
Too many churches feel powerless in the face of all kinds of demographic shifts and sociological changes, but in those moments we need to hear Patch Adams who said, “…anyone can do something…it’s about deciding to do it.”
Prayer: Help me, God, to make today my day to do something for the Kingdom. It may not register very high on the significance-meter, but if accomplishes even something small, it will be marvelous. Amen.
SEE YOU IN WORSHIP
1 thought on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 09-05-14”
[?] Haven’t sung the old children’s hymn ” Oh what can little hands do, to please the King of Heaven?” for a VERY long time! Maybe it’s time?