Faith? What is it ? Does it make a difference? 
Okay I’m going to make a declaration … the challenge presented to followers of Jesus in Lent is faith – well it is for me. A season of time to intentionally remove myself from being and believing that I am the center of the universe and beloved that for me means faith.

Lent is my chance. My chance to find time to examine how I have shifted my faith in God, the love of Jesus toward my own abilities, my own need to control, my own fears etc. While not pleasant I do look forward to the challenge.

So Lent and faith, for me, go together. 
The scripture we read and hear during this time really help make the connection.  

Metaphorically and spiritually, like our friend Nicodemus, the dark is when we often seek out someone [God] to solve life’s many questions and troubles. In the darkness, that’s when I come to Jesus. At night that’s when I want the answers to questions that I think I already know, to questions I believe I can handle by myself, or reason away, or justify. Questions I easily answer on my own during the day light without much reflection or hesitation. 

Yet, in the dark I rely on other senses, the heart senses, I rely not on myself as readily as I do when the sun shines. In the dark I must rely on my relationship with Jesus, my attachment to something both outside me and inside me. That is faith. And somehow the Holy Spirit makes herself known to me in the dark. 

What do you seek in the dark?

Stop by after church on Sunday and we can talk more about scripture and faith, in Cummins Hall following both services. 




Rev. Alison +
1060 Chandler Road, PO Box 447, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-636-5618