These verses from Hebrews remind us that when the world is uncertain, God is close and there is hope. Generations before us set forth on faith not knowing what would become of them. Abel made an offering. Enoch was taken up. Noah built an ark. Abraham went out. And Sarah had a baby. They tell us that God is always doing a new and unexpected thing, and that by faith, hope manifests.
My daughter recently took a trip to the food bank as a preschool field trip. I was a bit surprised that preschoolers were going to a food bank. Typically, a field trip is to a pumpkin patch or a zoo. While my daughter was most excited about riding the bus, she came home and eagerly told us about how much food was there and that it was all free! She said there was enough for everyone. At the time I am writing this, we are 34 days into a government shut down, and there is a very real reality that it may not be enough. I am struck by her faith though, “the reality of what we hope for” (v. 1). Perhaps this is her call, to hope for enough even though she is unaware of the fear behind those shelves.
I wonder in what other places of scarcity our faith may call us to see abundance. I wonder for what else God is inviting us to imagine a different future, as we are woven together in community with one another.
God, help us to imagine a world where there is enough. Give us the courage to share hope. Amen.
Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin
Director of Admissions,
Union Presbyterian Seminary (Richmond, VA)
Words for Waiting 