Faithfulness in Adversity
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature . . . And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen Mark 16:15,20 KJV
The year was 1742 when a man by the name of Henry Muhlenberg landed on the shores of America. He was a Lutheran pastor tasked with a monumental endeavor. The Lutheran churches in America were scattered across the New World with no organization and were in danger of factionalism. That is, they were in danger of disagreement because they were too independent. Henry’s goal was to standardize the liturgy and set the footing of the Lutheran churches back on solid ground. Thus, he founded the very first Lutheran synod in America. Then he continued to help new congregations get started in the colonies.
Henry is a great example of one who overcame challenges with the Lord’s guidance. His story reminds us of the Great Commission that Christ gave to His disciples. Just as the disciples and Henry overcame adversity to spread the gospel and unify the church around God’s truth, so too should we. At times, we can feel discouraged because of various disagreements we may have in our annual church meetings. Sometimes weighty subjects are discussed at the family dinner table or at our synodical conventions. There may not always be total agreement on every issue discussed. This can result in a certain level of adversity. However, isn’t it comforting to realize that our struggles are not as overwhelming as those Henry and the disciples sought to overcome?
We can go forward in confidence if we take the words of this great hymn to heart:
The cause is God’s; obey his call
And to his hand commit your all
And fear no ill impending!
Though not yet seen by human eyes,
His Gideon shall for you arise,
God’s Word and you defending.
Lutheran Worship 361:2