Clergy Corner: October 2025

Several months ago, when I first arrived in Spokane for an interview, I experienced a bit of culture shock. While sitting in the car driven by a parishioner, the scenery along the road was so unfamiliar. It was nothing like Ohio, where I had lived for many years. Gone were the green trees, small ponds, and colorful flowers I was used to seeing. Instead, I found myself surrounded by endless golden wheat fields and rugged, barren hills that seemed to stretch on forever.

After I began serving at the church last month, I shared this impression with someone. They smiled and said, “Pastor, technically, this is the wilderness.”
I had never thought of it that way — a wilderness. But as soon as I heard those words, my mind went to the Israelites some 3,500 years ago, wandering in the desert under Moses’ leadership after leaving Egypt. I began to imagine how difficult those forty years must have been. It’s no wonder that those with weaker faith complained and grumbled. I actually felt a sense of compassion for them.

Now, after several weeks here, the once strange and empty landscapes have started to feel familiar — even comforting in their own way. At dawn, when the first light breaks across the horizon, or in the evening, when the sunset paints the sky in red and gold, I often find myself in quiet reflection. These sights, unseen in a busy city, stir my heart to ponder the deeper meanings and mysteries of life.

And then it hit me — this must be why so many saints of the past, including the Apostle Paul, sought God in the solitude of the desert. In those barren places, they prayed, meditated, and experienced the presence of God in profound ways. They walked the sacred path of holiness that can only be found in stillness and surrender.

Perhaps that’s why God brought me here — to draw me closer to Himself, to teach me to serve the people of this place with the heart of Christ, and to help them experience the depth of His love.

Every person chosen by God goes through a wilderness of their own. It may take different forms, but it always involves hardship and testing. None of us would choose it, but it’s in the wilderness that our faith is refined and our spirits grow mature. We begin to loosen our grip on the temporary pleasures of this world and long instead for the eternal glory of heaven.

That’s why the psalmist declared, “It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees. The words from your mouth are more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” (Psalm 119:71–72)

Some of you may be walking through a wilderness season right now. But take heart — the God who loves you will use even this time of struggle to shape and strengthen your inner being. Through your trials, He will bless you abundantly in this life and one day welcome you into the eternal glory of heaven.

So even in hardship, trust His love. Endure with faith. And overcome the world.