A lot of you are enjoying the summer. As far as I know, none of you live in the arctic. So most of us are probably doing our best to take in some rays, make a few trips to the beach, and stuff down some ice cream cones in the process. (Unless you’re lactose intolerant. Then I guess you’ll just have a Slushie.)

On Tuesday, I’m going on vacation. (Up! will go on pause until September 5th.) I’m going to go camping and make S’mores (not to brag but I’m kind of an expert), smack 574 mosquitoes, do a bunch of reading, and see some friends I haven’t seen in a while.

In light of all that, and in light of the fact that many of you are taking some vacation this summer, let me just say this:

Faith never takes a holiday.

Yes, we take a break from work. And yes, we take a break from our normal routines.

But we don’t take a break from God.

Maybe it seems obvious, but it’s way too easy to let our brains turn to mush when we downshift for the summer. It’s as if we think the beach, BBQ party or backyard are watered-down-faith zones.

But they’re not.

I know you’re trying to have some you time, but…
•    Other people still need a friend… even when you’re on holidays.
•    Prayer and Bible reading still root you in God… even when you’re on holidays.
•    And the world still needs grace and truth… even when you’re on holidays.

What if the beach was where someone heard a word of hope? What if the shopping mall was where new life happened? What if your extra time was someone’s just-in-time?

You never take a break from God. And God never takes a break from you.

Phew!

So keep on the lookout. You never know where you’ll be needed next.

Faith never takes a holiday. And neither does the grip of a gracious God.

By Matthew Ruttan

• To find out what’s happening this Sunday at Westminster click here.
• Vacation alert: Please note that “Up!” will be taking a break as I go on vacation. It will return on September 5th.