Whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. Ecclesiastes 3:14  

The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29  

Everything is as God has made it or is it?. The beautiful spring days we are experiencing, the birds, and rabbits and other creatures flying and running about. The trees, and flowers, and weeds, and food crops. Plus, of course, us humans. We can’t add  anything to what God has done, and we really can’t take anything away from it either. In Hebrews 13:8 we read that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The attributes of God do not change – attributes of loving what He has created, and planning a way of salvation for all people. However, we people can and do change. We have messed up a lot of our world – both nature and in our relationships with other people, especially those we think of as “other.”   

In Romans Paul refers to the calling of God. Just as the disciples were called by Christ, and responded by following Him, we too are called to believe in and follow His way. It also says we are given gifts. In this verse it appears to refer to the gifts of pardon, peace, joy and salvation. These are all gifts freely given by God, no need to earn them through any sort of good works.  Yet part of our response to God is in praying and listening to His plan for us.    

We each are also given gifts, or talents, to be used in furthering God’s plan for us. Just this morning I listened to today’s reflection leader for Healing Our City, Robert Robinson. Mr. Robinson commented that due to his health he is unable to do much, but he still has the gift of music, and he can use his voice to be a blessing. Or as he said, “I try to use what I’ve got to be a blessing.” He also noted that we might feel alone sometimes, but there is somebody walking right along with us, so we just need to put one foot ahead of the other. The unchanging God is always there, loving us, caring about us, and encouraging us to make needed changes in our world.   

Mighty God and precious Savior, thank you for the goodness and steadfast love you have shown us through our lives. Thank you for your enduring peace in the midst of turmoil. Loving God, you have blessed us all with individual roles. No one can take your gifts from us, not even ourselves. Help us never to ridicule others but to comfort those who are ridiculed. All people are your children, and each is special and gifted in your sight. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.   

Chris Gabel 

*Website healingourcity.org        Healing our City* has now concluded the virtual prayer tent of daily reflections and silent prayer times on this day one year after George Floyd’s death. All the reflections were recorded and are on YouTube (I think) and the songs are on Spotify. They also have a Facebook page. 

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