In the early days of the automobile, a man's Model - T Ford stalled in the middle of the road. No matter what he tried, he couldn't get it started. A chauffeured limousine pulled up behind the stalled car and a wiry, energetic man stepped from the back seat to offer his assistance. After tinkering with the engine for a few moments, the stranger said, "Now try it!" Immediately, the engine leaped to life. The well-dressed man then identified himself as Henry Ford. "I designed and built these cars," he said, "So I know what to do when something goes wrong."

When our lives are broken, when the plan falls apart and everything seems to go wrong, we need to wait on God, knowing He created us, knows us best and loves us most. 

 Jeremiah certainly understood the heart of God toward His children when he wrote, "I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV).  The best plan, the highest plan for our lives rests in the hands of the One who created us. 

Sometime's we doubt the very reasoning why we exist, we are by nature the only creatures who doubt the creator the most. Just think about for a moment, how many time's have you seen any other creature walking around worrying about how they are going get food, or find shelter, or secure a place for the winter. It would seem that all creatures have a plan of existence, but us humans. Why would we struggle with the plans that God has laid out for us in the scriptures?

Why would we not listen to God when God says to us, in John 14? 1 "Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. 3 And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.

I think that Jesus knew how much of a doubting people we are. How many times in the scriptures has Jesus urged us to BELIEVE? We can feed those that are hungry if we just BELIEVE, We can cloth the naked if we just BELIEVE. Is Faith really the belief of things that are not seen? We here at Faith UMC have many visions and few financial ways to see the visions through. Through the giving of tithes, offerings and special gifts, it may seem that we don't have enough. The fundraisers seem to bring in just enough to pay for themselves. The economy has seemly hurt everyone and the revenue is just not there. But I have a belief, I believe that an angelic limousine will pull up to our broken down (on the side of the road) spirit, and a creator will jump out and ask what's wrong? We will explain that we have engine problems, the creator will start tinkering with the engine, and behold the vehicle of hope will start up and purr like a kitten, and we will be on our way, back on our journey of Faith. The creator then will turn and smile and say, while wiping the grime off, "I designed and built those, they are mine, so whatever go's wrong with one of those vehicles, I know how to fix it". I believe that whatever we do in the will of God, it will get done. Christian Education, Bible studies, Church schools, Missions of hope, new building projects. When we believe the possibilities are endless. So let Jesus the master mechanic into our lives to fix our unbelief, it won't cost us a thing; you see it has already been paid in advance.

Prayer: God help our unbelief, restore in us your spirit of hope, peace and power so that we may do your will and your will only. Help us be that beacon that holds the light of Christ up over the darkness of disbelief; empower us with the spirit of God, to be the people of God.  Amen

Rev. Jonathan Combs