Rejoicing in the Time!

“May you live in interesting times” is an often quoted phrase of questionable origin. Considered to be more of a curse than a blessing, the phrase certainly sums up how many of us feel right now. Our times are uniquely interesting at the moment, but not necessarily in a “feel good way”. In a short period of time we have found ourselves cut off from normal routines and relationships, some sequestering themselves out of fear of the virus, others forced into isolation only by force of law.

I have found a few believers recently, especially young adults, who seem to have become paralyzed with anxiety due to the uncertainty of this time. These are individuals who know their Scriptures and have been believers for some time, but have never really developed at a deep, personal level the depth of faith and trust in G-d necessary to effectively move their lives forward during turbulent times.

Messiah Yeshua warned his disciples about this very issue of deep faith:

“Yeshua answered them, “Do you now believe? Look, the hour is coming—indeed has come—when you will be scattered, each to his own, and you will abandon Me. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:31-33)

G-d has not promised us as believers an easy life on earth. Actually its through adversity that the believer grows strong, developing deep roots of faith. Let us rejoice in this time to deepen our trust in G-d’s goodness, and let our light of unmovable faith shine bright in a world that more than ever needs to know Yeshua!

Forward for Messiah!

Kirk Gliebe

Rabbi & Director