Sep. 14, 2025 - Reflective

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments that challenge us to look inward and examine the state of our spiritual lives. The question "How is it with your soul?" may seem simple at first glance, but it carries profound implications for our relationship with God and our personal growth.

This deep and intimate question has its roots in the early Methodist movement, where small groups of 8-12 people would regularly gather to ask and answer this very query. These gatherings provided a space for accountability, mutual support, and celebration of spiritual victories. While such practices may seem daunting in our modern context, there's something beautiful about creating a safe environment where we can explore our faith journey with trusted companions.

The act of reflecting on the state of our soul is inherently tied to a particular stage of faith – the reflective stage. Unlike other phases in our spiritual development, this stage is one we revisit time and time again throughout our lives. It often emerges during periods of change, challenge, or significant life events. Whether we're changing careers, watching our children move away, retiring, or facing new physical limitations, these transitions prompt us to look inward and reassess our relationship with God.

Interestingly, this reflective stage shares similarities with the process of grief. It surfaces when we're confronted with change, difficulty, or loss. However, it's crucial to recognize that this stage isn't solely about navigating negative experiences. It can also be a time of excitement and tremendous growth. By engaging in honest introspection, we often uncover new insights about ourselves and our relationship with the Divine that we might not have discovered otherwise.

The reflective stage is where we truly take ownership of our faith journey. We begin to shape who we want to be in our relationship with God and determine the direction we wish to take. It's a powerful moment of agency in our spiritual lives.

To illustrate the transformative power of reflection and growth, we can look to the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis. By the time we encounter Abraham in Genesis 18, it's clear that he has undergone significant spiritual development. He's moved from a place of fear and self-preservation to one of generosity and open-hearted faith.

Early in his journey, Abraham (then Abram) struggled to fully trust in God's promises. When faced with famine, he went to Egypt and, fearing for his life, asked his wife Sarai to pretend to be his sister. This act revealed a man grappling with doubt and prioritizing self-preservation over faith in God's plan.

However, the Abraham we meet in Genesis 18 is markedly different. When three strangers appear near his tent in the heat of the day, Abraham doesn't hesitate to offer hospitality. He rushes to welcome them, provides water to refresh them, and prepares a lavish meal from the best of what he has. This generous response stands in stark contrast to his earlier behavior in Egypt.

What's particularly striking about this encounter is that Abraham initially doesn't realize he's in the presence of the Divine. The text tells us that "the Lord appeared to Abraham," but Abraham's actions suggest he sees these visitors simply as men in need of help. His hospitality isn't motivated by a desire to impress God, but by a genuine concern for others – a sign of significant spiritual growth.

It's only after this act of kindness that Abraham recognizes the true nature of his visitors. This sequence of events offers a powerful lesson: sometimes, we encounter God in the ordinary moments of our lives, in the faces of strangers, in acts of kindness and generosity. Our spiritual growth is often revealed not in dramatic moments of revelation, but in how we treat others when we think no one is watching.

This story gives us hope that through our own difficult times and periods of reflection, God is present with us. Just as Abraham had his moment of clarity, recognizing the Divine in his midst, we too can experience those crystal-clear moments when God's love becomes tangibly real in our lives.

As we navigate our own transitions and challenges, the question "How is it with your soul?" takes on new significance. It becomes an invitation – a chance to change our lives for the better, to listen deeply to others and help them on their journey, all while being guided by God's presence.

This invitation to reflection and growth is a gift freely given to each of us. It's an opportunity to deepen our connection with God and with one another. In asking and answering this profound question, we open ourselves to transformation, allowing God's light and love to work in and through us for the betterment of His kingdom here on earth.

So, dear reader, take a moment to pause and reflect. How is it with your soul today? Are you in a period of transition or challenge? Perhaps God is right in front of you at this very moment, waiting to be recognized in the ordinary circumstances of your life. Maybe this is your invitation to grow, to move from fear to generosity, from doubt to trust.

Remember, our spiritual journey is not a straight line but a series of cycles, where we continually return to reflection, growth, and renewed understanding. Each time we ask ourselves "How is it with your soul?", we create space for God to work in our lives in profound and unexpected ways.

May we all have the courage to engage in this deep reflection, to welcome strangers as Abraham did, and to recognize the Divine presence in our midst. For in doing so, we not only transform our own lives but become agents of God's love and grace in the world around us.