Clay in the Hands

A little over a week ago, I had the blessing to spend two days with pastors and their spouses in Juarez, Mexico.  I mentioned a little about it here.

As I have reflected on my time there and the relationships God continued and some that were begun, I have been drawn to pray for one couple in particular.  On Saturday morning of the retreat, sitting around the breakfast table, I listened to a couple who are struggling with a true dilemma.  They explained their situation.  The church in which he pastors is growing and they both feel God is blessing their work in the church.  But on another front, they have witnessed a terrible crime, they believe to be related to the violence that has plagued their city for the past six years.  If they approach the authorities, they will become targets themselves.  If they say nothing, they feel they are not fulfilling their ethical responsibility for justice.

While much of the communication was through a translator, I understand enough Spanish that I could pick up most of what they were saying.  But the anguish and concern they both displayed transcended any language barrier that might have been present.  The tears shed at that table over that hour were real.

I have continued to think about this couple and their situation and ask myself what I would do if I were in their situation.  I have to honestly say, I am not sure.  When I think about the fact that God promises to be with us always then I think, maybe I would stick it out.  Then I think about Jesus’ words pertaining to dealing with the world when he said to be as wise a serpents and gentle as doves.  God gave us a brain to be able to discern what is best.

What would you do?

Regardless of our answer, the main point I would make today regarding this story, is that I am reminded that here in the US, we really don’t have a clue as to what kind of persecution is happening around the world.  We struggle with carpet colors for the hallways or what temperature to keep the thermostat set on in the worship center so that the fewest people complain.  We wonder why people choose to have their children so involved in sports that they no longer have time for church activities.  And while they are frustrations, we really have no clue what real struggles are like.  We have it so easy.

Father, forgive me for my shallow faith.  Forgive me for being concerned about things that don’t really matter when all around me, people are struggling and need your hope and your salvation.  Make me a light today!

Amen