Written by Rev. Craig Moock, pastor, Rural Chapel United Methodist Church in Galena, OH

As we look to practice our faith daily, I was brought to the life of a man who lived in the 1500’s named Martin Luther (after whom the Lutheran Church was named) who was forced to wait.  In my sermon on Sunday, I spoke about how waiting is hard whether it is waiting for something good, bad or uncertain and I asked the question, “What would this time of waiting for the end of the coronavirus look like if God filled our waiting with meaning?” 

Martin Luther’s season of waiting was when he stood up to the corrupt religious authorities of his time and they threatened to kill him.  In order to keep Luther safe, Frederick the Wise of Germany sent Luther to live in a castle away from everyone.  This was a lonely and trying time for Luther.

So, what did Luther do with his time of waiting?  He decided to translate the Bible into German in order to give the people a Bible in their own language.  This translation of the Bible and Luther’s Reformation put God’s Word into the hands of regular people and transformed many lives for Jesus.

What is God asking you to do during this season of waiting?  When you can answer that, you will know God’s call on your life. 

Blessings and Wash Your Hands,

Pastor Craig  

P.S. I have pictures of the castle where Luther was exiled and will show them in great detail to anyone who is interested!!!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10