Hope in the Midst of Crisis
by Bishop Leslie Francisco, III
Bishop Leslie Francisco, III, district minister for Calvary District in Virginia Mennonite Conference. This message was prepared for the 2024 Winter Delegate Assembly at Waynesboro Mennonite Church on February 3, 2024.
As I reflected on this gathering today and state of our conference the thought that kept coming to the forefront of my mind was…Hope In The Midst Of Crisis. The foundation of who we are as children of God has been in crisis from the Genesis. The very first murder ever committed was over worship whose is accepted and whose is rejected. So we gather in the midst of uncertainty, turmoil, disappointment, and even some have feelings of hopelessness. In these moments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose sight of hope.
However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be beacons of hope, even in the darkest of times. I want to explore the possibilities of how we can find hope in the midst of crisis and embrace transformation to move forward.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Embracing Transformation: The verse reminds us that we are in a continual process of transformation into the image of Christ. Crisis often serves as a catalyst for change. It challenges us to grow, to adapt, and to become more resilient. Instead of resisting change, let us embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.
Hope in the Midst of Crisis: Our hope is not rooted in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging character of God. He is faithful, sovereign, and ever-present, even in the darkest of times. Our hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God. It is this hope that sustains us through the storms of life and fuels our perseverance.
Moving Forward with Purpose: Transformation empowers us to move forward with purpose and determination. It equips us to face challenges with courage and resilience. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, let us step boldly into the future, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the storms of life, may we fix our eyes on the Lord's glory and find hope in His promises. May we embrace transformation as a means of growing closer to Him and becoming more like Christ. And may we move forward with unwavering faith, knowing that our hope is secure in Him. Amen.