Last week, I had the privilege of joining with other believers across the state for a time of prayer at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg. In the darkness of 2020, it felt invigorating to be under both the sun’s warmth and Son’s presence. There was no doubting the power of prayer that mid-morning. The first song we sang, “Way Maker” has lyrics that aptly expressed the unity in our hearts. Thus, I wanted to write about the names that describe God so well in this song. He is our Way Maker, our Miracle Worker, & our Promise Keeper – a Light in the Darkness.

First, Way Maker has a few ways (no pun intended) to look at this attribute of God. Obviously, we are all familiar with Jesus claim in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except through me". It is important to remember that Jesus is claiming exclusivity, therefore, it is clear that there is ONLY one path. It is Not possible to think Jesus is a good man, teacher, or prophet because this claim would show Him as either delusional or a liar. Since Jesus actions throughout the Bible were seen as trustworthy, then it is easy to embrace His claim as the TRUTH. Next, Moses wrote, "Teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you." (Ex. 33:13). When we follow the ways of God as they are clearly written in His word, we actually are more free than if we do not. To explain, many think that following God’s rules are restrictive when in fact they are more liberating. Let’s look at the concept of lying. Once a selfish lie is told, the culprit has to continue the lie and even make-up more lies to cover the original one. This web is far from freeing, thus the phrase, “Trapped in the web of lies” is fitting.

Second, Miracle Worker has many examples in both the Old testament and the New Testament. Just to name a few in the Old Testament: Daniel unscathed in the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rescued from the fiery furnace, and let’s remember the parting of the Red Sea by Moses. Following into the New Testament we find: Jesus turning water to wine; healing many & feeding thousands; walking on water; calming a storm; and the greatest miracle of all - His resurrection.

Third, Promise Keeper is probably the most vital attribute of God. The entire Bible is based on God’s covenant with His people. Initially, it is seen first with Abraham in the Old Testament, and then is echoed through a New Covenant with both the Jews and the Gentiles in the New Testament. God keeps His word and does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).

Ultimately, when we cling to our Creator’s qualities, we can have confidence and hope during these troubled times. In Particular, our prayers are directed to a Way Maker who has a plan and is still in control; a Miracle worker who can heal our land; and a Promise Keeper who will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is our Light in the Darkness that threatens to engulf us. At the prayer event on Saturday, the theme was “Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly” – when the church starts praying walls come down, and love will be victorious over evil.

*He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).