We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.
By Campus Pastor Maia Twedt, Marvella
Hebrews 11:1 sounds a little like a paradoxical riddle, but its profundity and promise have provided comfort through generations of uncertain times. Here is what it says: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NASB).
Seasons change, our health changes, political leaders change and circumstances change. We all know that there are limits to the things we can control in our lives and our world. Uncertainty is said to be one thing that we can count on.
But leaving the story there creates a sense of bleakness, and I do not think God intends for us to be mired in mystery and muddle. To live solely in the realm of the unknown is like walking into an escape room where no one knows how to come out again.
This passage from Hebrews reads instead like a love letter to us from God, comforting us like a soothing lullaby. This is a verse that can guide through times of disbelief and despair when what you hope for seems far off. The pivotal word is faith — not evidence — but faith. Faith, Jesus has said, can move mountains.
It is by faith that we are saved. By faith, we are healed. Faith as small as a mustard seed can move us toward hope.
My own Christian faith has changed through the years and been refined — a true companion on my journey. Uncertainty does not have the last word. Faith is more enduring and reliable and sustains our hope.
Pastor Maia Twedt looks for holy pauses and serendipity, using Quaker and Christian spirituality. She lives near the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, Minn., with her spouse, four pets and intermittent presence of vibrant young adults. She loves to write poetry, take long hikes with a big backpack in preparation for the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and discover hidden joys in simple things.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian ministry.
