The Forecasts
Linda Soller | May 12, 2025
We cut weather people a fair amount of slack when it comes to accurate weather forecasts. It’s okay because the weather is hard to predict. So far this spring we’ve experienced everything from wintery mornings to summery afternoons. Storms have come and gone and still a little more rain would be welcome. Partly sunny and partly cloudy are the most frequent predictions. For the life of me I can’t describe the difference.
Our church is in a transition season. Much like spring. We are looking for a new pastor, but the process isn’t a fast one. We have a committee of dedicated people. We have the support of organizations of which FBC Herndon is a member. While their assistance has been valuable and greatly appreciated, we have to admit there is no quick solution. The search takes time as we try to identify who God wants as our next pastor. So, while to some the future may appear cloudy, the long-term forecast is a sunny one. This is not to say a rogue storm won’t materialize, they often do, but for the most part the cloudiness is slowly clearing, the committee is making real progress, and the congregation continues to be supportive and optimistic. Yes, partly cloudy with a great chance of success sounds like an accurate prediction.
It brings to mind the time when the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples and offered them breakfast on the shoreline. They had been struggling to clearly see through a cloudy future. How could they move forward without Jesus walking right in front of them, instructing them. Jesus, on the other hand, could clearly see the future. He saw the clouds slowly, but reliably, parting to reveal a bright new day. His challenge was to reassure the disciples of their goals and inspire them to keep up the good work. His forecast was sunny.
Faith requires patience, hope, love, and work. We can’t always predict the exact result of any of our best laid plans, but we can review the facts, learn from experience, and trust the Lord. If we do that, I think the forecast may be partly cloudy now with sunny success in the future.
Be strong in the Lord and be kind!
Linda
