It’s been quite wet lately — so much so that it’s getting hard to remember what 'dry' actually feels like. Just a few hours up the road, our friends on the Mid North Coast are still struggling to clean up the mud and debris left behind by the relentless floodwaters that overwhelmed their homes and communities.
Last week I was in Melbourne speaking for Gilson College’s High School Week of Worship. It was blisteringly cold, but very dry. As I watched along via social media, I saw my hometown of Taree literally go underwater, while I was in our neighbouring state which is currently in drought. It was hard to comprehend what was happening back in NSW while Victorians were longing for rain. If I only we could organise some kind of weather trade scenario.
It shows us that two very different things can both be true at the same time. The East Coast of Australia can be in flood and in drought at the same time. Just as you can experience both grief and hope at the same time. The same can be said for fear and courage, pain and gratitude, anger and love, uncertainty and confidence, even doubt and faith.
I often face misconceptions people have concerning Christians, sometimes even from other Christians. Things like Christians don’t struggle with doubt, or anger, or loneliness, or mental health issues etc etc. This just isn’t true - we aren’t exempt from pain and suffering. The only difference is that we know we aren’t struggling alone. The hope of Jesus doesn’t stop us from feeling all of the bad things, but it does allow us to have joy in the midst of it.
Even in the darkest storm, we are not alone. “and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Pr Michael Chapman
Head of Campus Ministries
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