Last Sunday we talked about Jesus’ claim that he is the light of the world. We talked about the ways that Jesus’ statement was influenced by the celebration of the light that led people out of slavery in the Exodus and the ways that Jesus’ illuminates the dark places of our lives.

As I’ve thought about the stuff that was left on the cutting floor this weekend, there isn’t really anything that jumps out to me.  I honestly used most of the stuff I worked on in the content!  (You can listen to this weekend’s sermon by clicking here). Over the past few days, though, one thought from the morning continues to jump out to me, so this afternoon I’ll highlight that idea.

God does not leave us in the wilderness.  When God lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they spent years in the wilderness…like 40 years in the wilderness.  Yet, while this time was challenging, God provided for them and cared for them during a difficult time.  While they walked through the wilderness, God continued to lead them with light.  God went before them and led them through a challenging time, and even when the journey felt like it would never end, God did not abandon God’s people.  I know that there are many folks in our community who are struggling…over the past few weeks I’ve heard about consistent difficulties with jobs and employment and with questions about what comes next.  I want to say this very clearly…God will not leave you in the wilderness.  As you encounter difficult situations (work and otherwise), know that God will not leave you there.  I do not know how long you’ll journey through the wilderness and I cannot promise that things will get better on the time table that we wish, but I know that God will be faithful during the difficult times of life.  Our call as the people of God is to keep our eyes focused on God and to follow faithfully, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot understand how and where.

Friends, if you are in the wilderness follow God.  If you are not someone who knows what it means to follow God, the wilderness can be a very lonely and confusing place.  We would love to have you join The Community and find a place to focus our lives on a God who will not leave us high and dry.