Season of Uncertainty and Trouble: Chaplain shares message of hope with listening ears
By John Hatfield, Chaplain, Rhode Island National Guard

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23)

It has been a tremendous blessing to proclaim the excellency of the LORD in this “season” of uncertainty and trouble. The Proverb listed above talks about the joy believers experience by sharing an appropriate answer or word that is suited for just the right time (“in due season”).

Serving as a Chaplain during the COVID 19 pandemic, I have been blessed to share a “word” that is perfectly suited to times of trouble and have experienced the joy that is described in this Proverb. The social, political, economic, and spiritual challenges faced by our Service Members continue to open doors to proclaim the truth as it is found in Jesus (John 14:6).

During the most stressful times of the election, it was “seasonable” to stress “the government” is upon Christ’s shoulder (Isaiah 9:6). During the uncertainty surrounding COVID 19, it was “seasonable” to uphold Christ as the ultimate Great Physician (Mark 2:17). Even during the uncertainty regarding the future, it was “seasonable” to remember that “all power” is given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Regardless of the context, I have been able to say “how good it is” to be given the Word of Christ in this stormy “season.”

My hope and prayer are that all our VCN Chaplains are sharing in this joy!

For more stories by and about Venture Churches’ 200 chaplains, military and civilian, visit Chaplaincy – Venture Church Network (venturechurches.org). For information on chaplain endorsement, email Randy Brandt, Director, at r.brandt@venturechurches.org.