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In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2
The devotional reading for December 2nd from Living The Message by Eugene H. Peterson reads:
Those first verses of Genesis are paradigmatic for pastoral work, especially in the area of spiritual formation. The wonderful phrase “formless and void,” is a mess – and then in that mess, that chaos, the Spirit of God begins working and slowly creation and covenant begin to arise out of it: light, form, vegetation, animals, humans, love, virtue, hope, Christ. I once told a group of seminarians that the thing I like most about being a pastor is the mess. i do not mean I like messes as such, but I like that sense of being in a mess, held there by hope, knowing how God’s creativity works, slowly, slowly, slowly, but always with surprises. Creation, creative work, never ends up the way we thought it would. It is always a surprise.
Peterson’s words are not just for pastors. I believe his words are true for each and every person who claims the name of Christ. When we accept Christ as our Savior God does not immediately transport us to heaven. He does not take us out of this “mess” called life. No, He uses us where we are. Right in the middle of the mess. He works in us and through us to show others that He is still in the creation business.
Yes, we are in a “mess.”
Held there by HOPE.
Knowing that God is still working – SLOWLY – at least according to our timetable, but not according to God’s timetable. For God is always right on time and gives us exactly what we need. Even when we didn’t know we needed it!
This Advent Season, this time of waiting, is a chance to slow down, to be aware of God working all around you, everyday.
Stop! Look! Listen!
Where is God wanting to use you this day?
Lord, You never cease to amaze me. What a journey You have led me on these past sixty-seven years, eight months, and five days! Thank You, Lord, for this new day. I can’t wait to see what You have in store for me this day.
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