The end of July heralds the end of three months of waiting and of pressing in to God like anything and trying to walk right and love well. It's been really hard but we have discovered a heck of a lot about ourselves which hasn't always been pleasant and have also received much greater clarity about future ministry. We are aching for the revelation and the miracle of how this actually pans out, as - to be honest - this week it seems more complicated than it ever was before. Nothing that has appeared before us is straightforward. It all feels like it is waiting on one more jigsaw piece. But time is running out for us to play around in our own strength with endless possibilities - we have children, schools, houses and jobs to think about.
We checked out estate agents today to find out about the process in this city to put our house up for sale. That's kinda sore because we dont really want to but dont have a lot of choice. But we don't know as yet where we will go so how can we move forward? I know we will have clarity, I totally trust him, everything else has been spot on but I really do feel the pressure of time now.
The temptation is to feel more alone than ever. There are so many things I don't understand. Today we meditated as a couple on what it meant when Jesus prayed in Gethsemane (Matthew 26)
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
dear, dear Father: please bring this time to closure, yet not as we will, but as you will. We remember it cost you far much more than anything ever costs us. No-one can ever outrun you on pain, hurt or cost.
Encouraging comments or Scriptures are welcome in the littl'bitty box below, or feel free to email children.pastor@gmail.com with any Bible verses or pictures.
Blessings!
PS thanks for the enquiries about the book writing, it's going really well but much slower. I probably need more time but will just have to squeeze the last third in alongside other duties in August/Sept. I am really enjoying it although I wish I had taken Hebrew when I did my theology degree....will need to find a friendly Pentateuch expert - see the stuff in there on family cf NT and what it has to say to us today - mindblowin' stuff!
Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Hello! I came across your blog a while ago via another one I follow, but don't tend to comment too much on things. I will say though that one of the reasons I like to read this is that your enthusiasm and faith are so infectious, and even though the last few months have had their challenges, you've approached it so very prayerfully, which isn't always easy! I'm going to whack out Jeremiah 29:11 here -
ReplyDeleteFor I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
For me, the key word here is 'hope' - it's sometimes easy to lose hope that God will bring us through tricky spots, and I like that this reminds me that even when my own hope fails, God has more to give, that will help me through. Praying for you, and family.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see
ReplyDeleteHebrews 11:1