As we approach the fourth Sunday in Lent, our hearts are drawn to the theme of wandering and being fixed upon our convictions. In Matthew 16:21-23 and Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, we are confronted with the reality that our faith will be tested, and we may find ourselves hanging on to what we know, just as Peter did when Jesus foretold his death and resurrection.

It's natural to want to avoid pain and cling to easy answers, but Jesus calls us to welcome complexity and stay rooted in our beliefs while expanding our perspectives. This week's sermon will explore how Peter's journey mirrors our own experiences of grappling with difficult truths, and undergoing seasons of doubt or deconstruction in our faith.

Dr. Terence Lester's personal testimony underscores the challenges we face when our world unravels, causing us to question everything we once believed. Like Peter, we may instinctively seek to avoid hardship, but it's in facing these trials that we experience profound growth. Through grief and unexpected suffering, we can learn to navigate life's complexities with open hearts and hands, trusting in God's unwavering love.

In considering the stages of faith described by Brian McLaren, we recognize that faith is not a static thing, but a journey marked by growth and transformation. McLaren suggests that faith progresses through various stages, akin to the rings of a tree. Even in moments of doubt or deconstruction, we hold onto the gifts gained from each stage, finding hope in the growth seasons of our spiritual lives.

As we reflect on Peter's journey and the challenges of our own faith, let us reflect on some guiding questions:
1.    What were Peter's expectations and hopes for Jesus, and how do they resonate with our own perceptions of who Jesus should be?
2.    When have we prioritized human things over divine things?
3.    In moments of crisis, what have we clung to, and how have we faced inconvenient truths that challenged our faith?

Let’s approach worship on Sunday with open hearts and minds, ready to welcome the transformative power of faith. May we learn from Peter's example and love with open hands, trusting in God's grace to guide us through the complexities of life.

See you on Sunday as we journey together in faith.

Blessings,
Pastor Cathy