Welcome to “Faith Talk,” where we explore the intersections of faith, society, the human experience, and the church. I’m Rev. Jay Stuart Glover, and today’s episode is entitled “Sustaining Hope: Divine Power and Human Responsibility.”
We live in a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and suffering. Turning on the news, we are met with reports of increasing protests, violence, and unrest across the globe.
Let’s consider some examples:
1. Bangladesh: Protests against government policies, particularly related to unemployment and the quota system for government jobs, have led to the loss of many lives and widespread destruction of property.
2. Peru: Discontent with government policies and corruption has fueled protests where security forces have responded with lethal force, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
3. United Kingdom: Violent protests and political unrest, centered around anti immigration have disrupted civility in more than a dozen towns and cities.
4. Haiti: Severe and escalating violence, driven by political instability and economic hardship, has plunged the nation into an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
5. Israel, Gaza, and Iran: The situation here is highly complex, marked by ongoing violence and political tension. Despite numerous efforts, peace remains elusive, and the violence has resulted in countless civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
6. United States: Political tensions are escalating rapidly, with deepening divides between opposing parties and a notable rise in political extremism and violent rhetoric.
These examples highlight a global trend of deep-seated grievances and challenges to governance. It seems as though we need a miracle—a divine intervention to bring healing to our societal wounds.
I find hope in God through the miracle stories of the Bible. These stories illustrate God’s power, compassion, and the promise of transformation in the lives of those who believe.
It is great to read through the miracles stories in the Bible. Through these stories we are introduced to the character of God. However, we must be careful not to misconstrue the nature of miracles. Martin Luther King Jr., in his book *Strength to Love*, wisely cautioned that we should not expect God to cast evil out of the world through some miraculous wave of His hand. Such a belief can lead to passive faith, where we expect God to do everything while we do nothing—a mindset that King describes as superstition, not true faith.
The church’s calling to be co-workers with God is multifaceted, encompassing evangelism, service, justice, prayer, reconciliation, and discipleship. Through these actions, the church actively participates in God’s ongoing mission. This partnership is not only a profound privilege but also a serious responsibility, as the church is entrusted with making God’s presence and purposes known in a world that desperately needs them.
I’m Rev. Jay Stuart Glover, and thank you for joining me today on *Faith Talk*. These episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, i-Heart, YouTube, and other podcast platforms. Please visit the website at www.revjaystuartglover.com and share with friends and family. Let us go forth as peacemakers, bringing God's light into the shadows of our world. Until next time, may God bless you and guide you in all that you do. Amen.
#podcast#miracles#socialhealing#humanity
