Pastor Forsey's article in the Harrow News-May 4th

    Do you feel like we are standing at a wind-swept corner wondering which way to go now? Here at the crossroads there are decisions to make. Do we charge ahead in the direction we were going? Do we turn back to the familiarity of where we’ve been? Do we look left and right and turn in a new direction? With the constantly changing information out there and the tilt-a-whirl ride of fluctuating restrictions, people want a change. People need a change. The latest “stay home” order may feel like we have nowhere to go. But maybe it means we have arrived at a crossroads and have been given the time to pause and consider where we go from here. Individually, as families, and as a community, we need this opportunity.

    I recently read an article that reported the results of a study (February 17-March 21) showing that Canadians are worn out. Our feelings of isolation are on the rise and our mental and emotional health are in decline. We are overwhelmed with information, competing and conflicting opinions, on-going restrictions…you know what I am talking about. We feel tired and alone. This desperate situation has many wondering if there is any hope for rest and peace.

    As the ancient people of Israel wondered similar things in the face of long-lasting difficult times, as they questioned whether God knew their situation or even cared, they received this response from the prophet Isaiah:

    “Do you not know, have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)

    Did you catch the qualifying statement in there? Whose strength is renewed? Those who hope in the LORD. This is not merely positive thinking. This is not just something we say to cheer ourselves up. The God who made us really is willing and able to strengthen us and give us the rest and peace we so clearly need. The ultimate deliverer being introduced in Isaiah’s following pages is Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself would later say “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). He is not offering us a nap, a day off, or a weekend away with friends. He offers us rest. True rest – peace of heart and mind. Peace with God which brings the peace of God. Picture it…a soul at rest, right with God and trusting completely in Him. That could be you!

    Now, back to where we started, at a crossroads with decisions to make. Do you remember Alice in Wonderland? When she came to a crossroads in that chaotic world, she met the Cheshire Cat. When she asked which way to turn, he asked her where she wanted to go. She told him she didn’t know, to which he replied that it just didn’t matter then. Well, this is no storybook. This is real life and these decisions really do matter. This opportunity to pause and consider our next step is too important to ignore.

    God spoke to His people again on this issue. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV). Sadly, the people of that day ignored these instructions and charged ahead on their own with terrible results. An incredible, divinely given opportunity was completely missed. What a tragedy it would be if we missed our opportunity like they did. So here at the crossroads, pause, look, and ask the right questions. But then, follow through. Trust God’s heart for you, obey His instructions, embrace His Son, and find rest for your soul.

If you have questions, need to talk with someone, or are in need of prayer, contact us at (519) 738-2275.