Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s

By Lisa Rotchford

Reverend

If you’ve driven by our church recently you may have seen our newly landscaped front yard in full bloom. Planted just a few months ago as the pandemic began, the small plants have taken root and are gorgeously bringing colors of deep reds and bright yellows in the bright Seal Beach sun. Even though they face the harshest heat of the year, they are planted well, tended with just the right amount of water, love and care. These mighty little plants are brilliantly responding and thriving.

On our newly revitalized sign, we’ve also posted a saying that encourages us living through harsh, heated times, “May Your Faith be Louder than Your Fear.”

Think of your faith as those small plants that are now thriving. When we live by our faith, we are strong. When our faith is fed and watered, and we know we are cared for by our almighty creator God, we too can thrive.

The subject of faith has been written about by the Scripture writers and theologians throughout the centuries. And all those centuries have had multiple pandemics like the one we are living through. The meaning of faith really comes through when we are faced by hardship, or when we face things that make us fearful.

As the Gospel of John reminds us, we can face the hot desert sun of life, yet “whoever believes in Christ will be like rivers of living water that will flow from within them” (7:38). By faith, we are refreshed.

In Mark 5:36, Jesus overhears the disciples fearing the death of Jarius’ daughter. Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” They then watch the young girl literally come back to life.

Our faith gives us life, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matthew 21:22).

So, like the mighty little plants that are thriving in the hottest part of the year, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Cor 16:13). Bloom wherever God has planted you. Believe. Thrive. Let your faith be stronger than your fear!