Rev. Ron Schermerhorn

What sustains you and me? What do we really depend on in this world? How do we react when life gets painful? When we don't have answers, where do we turn?

These are important questions for us all today during this terrible virus.

The fact is, we have very few guarantees in this life. None of us know if we will become sick with COVID-19 or any other illness. We have no promises that life will be pain-free or simple. There is a song that has meant so much for so many during dark days. These are the words:

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives.”

This is what faith is in the middle of trouble. It is not a naïve wish, but a very real assurance from God Himself that He is in control and will walk you through the trial.

All of this is made possible because Christ died on the cross and rose again. When this risen Christ is within our hearts and in our lives, we have full faith and trust that the very presence of the Living God is with us.

We are sustained by the truth of the Word of God in this matter. The great mystery, Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again becomes a reality for all of us.

This faith is based on eternal truth. Because of the sacrifice of Christ, we have hope for tomorrow, regardless of what happens today. Our faith journey does not have to be one of constant doubting, but of great assurance where we say with Paul, “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

So, what sustains you? What assurances do you depend upon in times of trouble? As Christians, we have the great assurances given us by the death of Jesus and His Resurrection. Friends are important and family can be a wonderful blessing in time of need. But when it comes to sustaining power and sincere hope for tomorrow, it is all about faith. Again, faith over fear is what will bring all of us through this horrific time as a nation. All of this is not a short-sighted and weak hope, but it is a very real trust in a living Savior who died for us.

Thank God for this great faith that sustains us and pulls us through the valleys of life. I know His grace and strength are sufficient for all of us. Keep looking to the Lord for a deepening faith in this troubled time.

Faith over fear everyone.

Stay safe and secure in that faith, my Christian brothers and sisters.

The Rev. Ron Schermerhorn is pastor of Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church.