二○二○年十二月五日／六日
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天恩處處
孔桂芳牧師
感恩節剛過去，有人說今年的慶祝規模大不如前，同時在嚴重的新冠肺炎疫情下，還有甚麼可以感恩的呢？帖撒羅尼迦前書五 18 教導我們要「凡事謝恩，因為這是神在基督耶穌裡向你們所定的旨意」。無論甚麼環境、甚麼事情都要感恩，這實在是不可思議的吩咐，順境時感恩沒有難度，但困境時謝恩卻需要刻意操練的，我們在其中除了要細察上主豐富的恩典外，也要從新的角度去看遭遇，從而更深體會「萬事都互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處，就是按祂旨意被召的人」（羅八 28）。
我們從小就學習要有計劃，凡事都須未雨綢繆，可是一場疫症，卻打亂了不少人的計劃，假期外出旅行的大計固然泡湯，海外探親、留學、短宣等，都一一被迫延期或取消，甚至婚禮日期也要一改再改，令人十分沮喪。所有安排都似乎不在自己的掌握之中，人被迫面對自己的有限與渺小，因而深刻體會到一切都在創造萬有的上帝手裡，不是自己能操控的，我們需要謙卑承認人的無能，學習信靠、交託，讓計劃按上帝的心意成就。「你們只當說：『主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事。』」（雅四 15）
未能外遊，卻叫人更懂得欣賞香港四處美好的景色、美善的人和事，更可以多在主裡安靜，讓身體心靈都有休息。我們亦可趁這段日子聯繫久違了的朋友，叫彼此雖然失去旅行散心的機會，卻可重拾舊有的友情。我們甚或可以運用假期涉獵新的事物，發展新的興趣。
疫情期間，教會的團契或小組被迫暫停，最初建議線上聚會的可能性時，不少長者和成年的弟兄姊妹都十分抗拒用這些方式聯繫及進行聚會，總認為是困難不可行，只期望疫情快快過去。可是實體聚會遲遲未能恢復，弟兄姊妹就被迫要嘗試衝破心理關口，當學會藉著連線與組員、團友聚會之後，很多人都說很開心和感恩，竟然可以突破自己，用這種方式繼續團契小組的生活，並且參加其他線上的聚會及課程，以及透過直播參與崇拜。這一切不是很值得感恩嗎？
2020 年是很不一樣的年度，趁未終結以前，讓我們好好的檢視這段日子的經歷和體會，從中察覺上主的同行與祝福，將感恩及榮耀歸給祂。
「我的心哪，你要稱頌耶和華！不可忘記祂的一切恩惠！」（詩一○三 2）
Pastor's Sharing
Grace is Everywhere
Rev Hung Kwai Fong
Thanksgiving came and went without much celebration, unlike in the past, as some suggest. For what can we give thanks during the severe pandemic? Here is what the Bible says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That is, whatever the circumstances – whatever happens – give thanks. It is undoubtedly a most difficult command to understand. While it is easy to give thanks in good times, it takes a conscious effort to practice giving thanks in difficulties. We need to notice carefully God’s abundant grace and look at things from a different perspective. It is then that we can understand more deeply the biblical teaching “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
We have learned from childhood we need to plan ahead and make preparation for everything. But then comes the pandemic, and the plans of many are disrupted. Travels, visits or studies abroad, short-term mission trips and the like are postponed or canceled. Even weddings are rescheduled time and again. All this is frustrating. It seems everything is beyond our control. We are forced to face our limitations and insignificance. We therefore come to know that it is not we, but God the Creator of everything, who is in control. We need to humble ourselves and admit our powerlessness. We learn to depend on God and entrust things with Him, and let our plans be fulfilled according to His will. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15)
Not being able to travel allows us to better learn how to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the people and everything else in Hong Kong. We have more time to get close to God so our mind and body can rest. We can also take the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. And although we cannot travel together, we can resume our ties. We can also spend the holidays exploring new things, cultivating new hobbies.
During the pandemic, fellowship and small group meetings have to be suspended. At first, many seniors and adult brothers and sisters dismissed the idea of meeting online as difficult and unfeasible. They looked forward to the pandemic disappearing soon. But it took a long time for in-person meetings to resume, and brothers and sisters had no choice but to overcome their reluctance to go online. When they could successfully communicate with group and fellowship members, many were overjoyed and grateful. For them, it was a breakthrough to continue to take part in fellowships/small groups online. They can even participate in other online meetings and courses in addition to worshiping through online broadcast. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?
The year 2020 is truly extraordinary. Before it comes to a close, let us review our experience and thoughts, and identify the hand of the Lord and His blessings. Let us give thanks for all of this, to the glory of God.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2).
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