Dean's Remarks

Years ago, when we lived in Maryland, a missionary family returned to the US when their teenage daughter was diagnosed with invasive cancer. She was prayed for, had access to great medical care, was surrounded by loving family and friends, and was an amazing Christ-follower with a powerful testimony. Nonetheless, she died within the year. A few months later, as I visited with her mother, Toni, she said, “I went outside last evening and saw the beautiful sunset, in bright pinks like lipstick, and I yelled at God, ‘If you can make this beauty, why couldn’t you save Amy’s life?!’” I understood her mother’s heart but was a bit taken aback as I hadn’t ever thought to yell at God. But, she went on to say, “I yell at Him sometimes because I know He can take it and He really does love us.” And, 20+ years later, Toni continues to tell of a loving God who was with her, not only in periods of thanksgiving, but also in life-altering times.

As I mentioned at the School of Education Kickoff in August, I have been intentional about studying the spiritual aspects of lament in this challenging season of our lives. The practice of lament isn’t a regular part of my spiritual upbringing but I am learning so much as I dig a bit deeper into it.

As I landed in the book of Habakkuk this week, I find it intriguing and so applicable to present-day realities. The book begins with a series of complaints from Habbakuk, with a response from God following each one. The first complaint is about the miscarriage of justice in Judah. The second is about the corrupt regime of the Chaldeans. In response to each, God patiently points out how He is using unexpected persons and ways to restore justice. It’s here that a phrase emerges (Habakkuk 2:4) that Paul later quotes in his letter to the Romans (1:17) -- “the just shall live by faith.”

The book of Habakkuk concludes with chapter 3 -- a psalm honoring the power and majesty of God. This is where we find this passage:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

So, how would we adapt this scripture for our 21st century, southern California, in-the-midst of a pandemic, post-contentious elections, closed-schools lives? Maybe, something like this:

Though the businesses aren’t fully opened and there are bare shelves again in stores, though the classes are fully online and the graduations aren’t in person, though there are no vaccines yet available for Covid and no safety in large family gatherings, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 -- adapted for 2020 in Southern California)

So, as we approach a season of Thanksgiving that may provide some frustrations with God, can we lay those before Him in lament, but then move to acknowledge our thankfulness for His sovereign wisdom, His abiding presence, and His comforting spirit? May we look forward to the day when He enables us to tread on the heights. And, may we continue to be people who live by faith, even when our sight is a bit weary of the challenges all around.

I pray this for you. I pray this for me. I pray this for our world.

And, I am thankful for each of you -- how you live by faith day-by-day, how you trudge on to a higher goal, and as you rest in His abiding love.

Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful to serve with you,