God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 ESV
Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Downtown:
I usually cross the street when I see pain coming down the sidewalk. I will procrastinate going to the dentist and can easily find something to distract me if I have an unpleasant chore on my schedule. If pain, suffering or even simple unpleasantness is involved, you can entertain yourself by watching me dodge and weave in an attempt to avoid it.
I bet you are tempted to do the same thing. Only a mentally disturbed person welcomes pain or suffering. Humans dislike suffering so much that it is the most popular reason non-believers cite when explaining the barriers they see in having faith; how can a loving God allow suffering to happen to His creation? Philosophers and theologians have struggled with this conundrum for millennia. They’ve come up with some really well-developed theories. While elegant, they don’t eliminate the uneasy fact that suffering and pain are an inextricable part of life.
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer… Matthew 16:21a ESV
While our little human intellects struggle with the problem of pain, the New Testament tells us that God’s entire plan to reconcile Himself with His creation is based on Jesus’ suffering. Somehow, suffering and pain were required to pave our way back to God.
Between COVID, the pandemic’s economic impact and (now) tropical storms, God seems to be “shouting” as us. This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be continuing our series “Have a Little Faith” by seeing ourselves in Peter’s (very human) response to Jesus’ plan that involved suffering. You’ll have a chance to ponder what God might be telling you, and how He might be inviting you to a deeper faith.
You can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 8:15 am by clicking here. You may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here. During this worrying time, come be encouraged. Come feel the warmth and joy of His Holy Spirit and hear songs that will bring peace to your heart. Come ready to digest His words of truth and be filled with the surprising love of Jesus so you can share that love and peace with everyone!
You’ll recall that our adult Bible studies and all Sunday School activities will remain online through at least September 6th. Click here to see the details and how you can participate online.
Don’t forget that we now offer TWO weekly opportunities to participate in “drive-up” Communion. On Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, you can stay safely in your car while participating in an Order of Confession & Absolution, Communion and Prayer hosted by one of our pastors. If you wish to participate in either of these worship opportunities, please reserve your preferred time slot by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684. She’s available to take your call from 8:30am – 2:30 pm each weekday.
During this time when each of us faces challenges we would not have expected six months ago, God has given us the opportunity to hear His Word and demonstrate His love to our family and neighbors. Instead of worrying, let’s cast our cares and worries on the strong shoulders of Jesus.