As we settle into different rhythms for the summer, I reflect on our students spread around the world: New York City, Dominican Republic, Kenya, India, among other locales. It is encouraging to think of these students being challenged in so many ways, exploring their faith in new contexts, sharing the hope of Jesus with others. Yet we also miss the daily interaction with our Christian Union students and look forward to reconnecting in a couple of months.
For those who remain local this summer, a handful of us have been meeting for dinner weekly while digging into a discussion of suffering and hardship in the book of Job. This week we looked at Job’s lament in chapter thirteen:
Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face: withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me. Job 13:20-22 (ESV)
Job is navigating a tension we each encounter, especially in the midst of trials. He is weary and maybe even a little fearful of God’s role in allowing his pain; but at the same time he desperately cries out to God, and recognizes a need of his presence. As one of our students observed, this is so much like Jesus on the cross, forsaken by God while committing his Spirit to God’s hands.
What an awesome and mighty God we serve who is transcendent and sovereign over us, while present and accessible to each of his children! This is the tension we are privileged to embrace, as Augustine says, the Spirit of God smiting our hearts without wounding us.
Join me in prayer this summer as our students encounter the incomparable mighty God who became fragile flesh in order to save us. Pray for a greater capacity to trust him in their sorrows and seek him with their questions. Pray for unity and passion as they turn their thoughts toward returning to campus in September, representing Jesus and expressing his grace. And please let us know if there are ways we can pray for and serve you.
Grateful for your partnership in the gospel,
Garrett Brown
Ministry Director
Christian Union Caritas
2431 Park Blvd
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
