What can I do?

LCC Stock Photo, courtesy of Anna Kraemer

by Marvin Bublitz

I found myself asking that question again when I was talking with a friend who had been diagnosed with cancer: I said what I have said countless times to others in 32 years of ministry, “What can I do?” 

After we finished our chat, I reflected on the many times I had said that to others facing similar circumstances. Others have said it to me as well. But at times, that offer rings hollow. It’s not like I am doctor. I am not an oncologist. I have no power to do anything to change the circumstance or diagnosis.

Yet, so often we want to do something, everything, or anything to fix a situation. There is a desire in us to make circumstances better. We are not happy with the current state of things and we falsely posit that we can fix it. We want to take hold of our situation and make it what we think it needs to be. 

Such was the temptation Eve fell into. Though things had been created perfect by the Lord, though it was a paradise, though they had everything they needed, Satan convinced Eve that she should have, could have, must have more. It is a temptation we hear constantly today: You do not have to accept your situation. You can change it to what you want or desire. 

People still listen to the whispering of the father of lies and try to do what they can to change things. If you want more than you have, lie, cheat, or steal to get more. If you are not happy with your life, go to the doctor and end it on your terms.

It is not just in our personal life that this happens. Many times I have been asked, “What can we do to make our congregation grow?” First, we must recognize it is not our congregation; it is the Lord’s Church. When we think and talk and act like it is ours, we are going down the road of Eve. We would do well to remember how that led to their being banned from the paradise of Eden and the tree of life. 

Many times I have been asked, “What can we do to make our congregation grow?” First, we must recognize it is not our congregation; it is the Lord’s Church. . . . Second, not only is it His Church, it is His power and will that makes it grow. 

Second, not only is it His Church, it is His power and will that makes it grow. His power comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. His will is that we receive these gifts and that He strengthen our faith, forgive our sins, and bestow salvation. 

“So that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given (John 20:22). He works faith, when and where it pleases God (John 3:8), in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake.” (Augsburg Confession V.1-3)

Once we start to think that it is up to us, we fall into the temptation of trying to be like God. This is the same temptation as in the Garden of Eden. If we believe it depends on us, then we have emptied the Word and Sacraments of their power, we have emptied Christ and the Holy Spirit of their power, and we have emptied the sacrifice of the Lamb of God for our salvation of His power. But we cannot empty any of those of their power: their power remains. The question is whether we will embrace His power or depend upon our own. His power is our salvation; ours leads to banishment from paradise.

How can you help your congregation grow? Immerse yourself in His Word and Sacraments, that the Lord forgive your sins and strengthen you in the faith. Then, as the Holy Spirit works within you, Christ will move you to do that which He desires for the good of His Kingdom on earth. His Word and Sacraments are the food of paradise for us. Eagerly read, mark, and study His Word. Joyfully receive His Body and Blood given and shed for you, for through these means the Lord Christ grows His Church.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” | Luke 12:32

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Rev. Marvin Bublitz is Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s East Regional Pastor.

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