A Mighty Fortress...
"I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me.."
These words could easily be written today.
They were actually penned nearly 500 years ago by a person called Martin Luther. In 1527 Germany was gripped by fear of the bubonic plague. The Black Death had killed millions of people in the 14th century.
Now it had returned.
People were understandably scared. Many fled their homes for safety elsewhere.
Martin and his wife Katharina stayed where they were.
During this time Martin Luther would write the hymn 'A Mighty Fortress is our God.'
In difficult times, it's not wrong to be fearful, scared or anxious. Such times test us. But they also call us to trust God.
"A mighty fortress is our God
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper amid the flood
Of moral ills prevailing"
Centuries before, the writer of Psalm 46 stated:
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble"
What challenges do you face today?
Maybe it's working in a new environment. Perhaps it's trying to make ends meet with a reduced income. Or looking after the kids. Or simply getting through another day.
We may be social distancing and self isolating.
But we don't have to be alone.
At times such as this our faith in God can be a real strength. As a Christian I believe that God does not abandon us to our 'fate'. Rather God wants to walk with us - through every circumstance.
The Apostle Paul would later remind Christians living in Rome:
"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
May you know the love of God with you today.
Keith Wilson, 26/03/2020