Message from Steve A. Boyd

There is little doubt that our state is feeling the crushing weight of COVID-19 like never before. Unfortunately, several of our pastors, ministers, and church families have been affected.

While it seems things in our world are spiraling out of control, there are some truths we must remember. Even amid the chaos, God has a way of preserving His people. While we are not exempt from being touched by sickness and disease, God has a way of sending what we need at the exact moment we need it most.

There is an interesting scripture found in Job 37:21. Here we read, "And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: But the wind passeth, and cleanseth them."

This passage speaks to three things: the sun, the clouds, and the wind, all of which are at the beck and call of God. At the risk of sounding trite, the sun was there all along, but the clouds had obscured its rays. However, there was faith that the winds could push back the clouds, and the sun would shine again.

We have a small poodle. In the mornings, one of her favorite places is a doggie bed in a large window seat. The window faces east, so the early morning sun shines through, bringing warmth to that area. We didn't teach her this. Something instinctively draws her to the window. That "something" was placed in her by God. She understands that no matter how slight the rays of sunshine are, she can find warmth there. On those mornings, when she "goes missing," we always know that she has decided to spend a few moments in God's gift of warmth and comfort.

In this season, when so many around us feel helpless, may we "go missing" and seek the place where God's "rays of hope" are shining. Let's allow God to draw us closer to Him instinctively.

When the church responds, we will benefit from what we discover in His presence. Psalm 16:11 reveals that gift as "fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore."

Respectfully,
Steve A. Boyd
Florida District Superintendent