What if God hit pause?

This is just a thought. I can’t point to any particular Bible verse, or say with any certainty what the mind of God might be, but here are a few simple ideas about the current situation.

1. We live in such selfish and self centred times. Our natural human tendencies are currently being seen in the panic shopping, hoarding of goods, financial worry and feelings of loneliness and isolation. Am I trusting God is still in control of His creation?

2. The church in many places has become detached and irrelevant to the outside world. They don’t know us, trust us or care what we believe. If the outside world doesn’t come to us, do I go to them?

3. Christians, if anything like me, have become comfortable, dependant on ourselves and happy with the status quo. “We’re doing our best but people just don’t care”. Dutifully doing what we think is best, but how much is done out of genuine love of the Lord?

4. There is always somewhere to go, something to watch or listen to, something to occupy our minds every second of the day and night. Entertainment is 24/7. When do I give God any time? 

So what if God allowed, using His permissive will, an illness to spread to see what humanity would do? To see how His people would react? We know that to God, all life is precious, from the unborn child to the elderly adult. Each person passing away through Covid-19 has either accepted or rejected God’s wonderful offer of salvation, the chance to have their sins forgiven through faith in His son. The bible clearly shows “The Father sent the Son (Jesus) to be the saviour of the world”. 

But to a world (and maybe a church) so preoccupied with themselves, with lives so full of entertainment and sport, how does God reveal Himself? If you’d told me last year every cinema, club and bar, restaurant, cafe and sporting event were to be closed, not just in the UK but in many of the countries around the world, I’d never have believed you. But they have. Perhaps now, God can be heard.

But how? 

The Lord Jesus told His followers that “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:27‬

It’s really encouraging to see churches and Christians reaching out to their communities. They aren’t the only ones of course, but they’re showing the love of God to others. They’re also reaching out to other members of their church, behaving like a family would. Thinking “What are their practical needs? Would they like a phone call? Can I pray for them?”

They’re looking to meet the needs of others with what they have, sharing and not keeping it to themselves.

They’re looking to God with greater trust, because in the uncertainty of it all, what else can we do? It’s unprecedented. It’s unheard of. But in the uncertainty of it all, God remains the same, faithful and present. So many of us Christians are finally able to put into practice the advice of God to “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. Self isolating and social distancing were unknown concepts (to me at least) until recently, but they’ve allowed us all a chance to slow down and appreciate the important things in life. To give God some quality time. 

Also, now that the churches can’t meet in person, they’re having to come up with ways to “meet”, to keep in touch. It reminds me of Peter’s letter to the “Strangers and pilgrims” who were scattered due to persecution. Peter’s advice was “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭

The one lesson I’m hoping to learn and put into practice is that the world is watching. What if they saw the measure and practicality our love? What if they saw the genuine nature of our faith? Whay if they saw that our hope was truly like an anchor for our souls? What if they saw that the church listened to the wisdom of God-gifted doctors and nurses? What if they saw that when difficulties came, the Church was the tangable body of God in this world. 

Wouldn’t that make all this worthwhile? 

Thank you for reading a few scattered thoughts, I’d love to know yours too. Please leave a comment below, particularly if you’ve a verse that you’re finding helpful. And as with all of these things, any sharing of the post to Christian friends is appreciated. 

For Him and His glory. 

Emmanuel

Christmas reminds us that God has spoken in a fuller way. A lasting way. A clearer way. 

It’s been so long since I’ve posted, my last blog will soon be nearly two years old! I’d like to be able to say I’ve been off on some adventures around the world (my last post was before I went to Angola for six weeks, so I guess that’s something), but life is currently the ordinary, necessary routine of life. The busy period of Carol Service invite distribution, teens practicing their lines (including pronouncing words which they’d never use in normal life), and Christmas parties. All while attempting to do my day job. Christmas cards have been written to relatives and friends who you never speak to all year round and presents bought for people who already have everything they need. But why? When we stop and think about how busy life is, why do we bother? Here’s a short post for now, I’ll try and write a little more in the New Year... should anyone want to read them ha ha. 

Among all of the decorations, gifts and carols, there is one constant theme each Christmas time. God has spoken.
He’s done so before down the years through many prophets, priests and kings, telling us what He wants us to know. Christmas though reminds us that He’s spoken in a fuller way. A lasting way. A clearer way. (John 14:9)

After the angel Gabriel spoke to Joseph, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying “The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel,” but adds “which means “God is with us.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭


No longer do we need to know how God feels about us. We never have to wonder if God cares, “God is with us”. The eternal, sinless, creator God has come to where we are. He came to tell us about the Father who loved us enough to send Him to us (John 3:16). Who sent his only son to become the saviour of anyone who trusts in Him (1 John 4:14). 

We don’t need to wonder anymore if we can live a life ourselves that pleases God. The very fact that Jesus humbled himself to come means that we can be sure sin is a problem. A serious problem. It separates us from our creator, and removes the possibility of a relationship with God which He desires. We know He can’t be pleased with the choices we make, so we just cut Him out of our lives; pretend He’s not there. But He is there. In fact shown us He’s here, “God is with us”. 

God didn’t want us to miss the fact that His son had arrived. Between the virgin birth, the mysterious star, the only baby wrapped in rags and sleeping in a manger in Bethlehem, He would make it clear. The most unique entrance into humanity was reserved for Jesus. John describes it by saying “The word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14)  Even Mary’s cousin Elizabeth experienced a miraculous birth, in order for God to have a messenger ready to proclaim the arrival of “the light of the world”! 

Finally, we know that because He came, His promises are reliable, and He will be coming again. To take everyone who has trusted in him for the forgiveness of their sins to be in Heaven with him. So as we get caught up with the festivities, remember the significance of the first Christmas, “God is with us”.

If I don’t see you before, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 
* please feel free to leave comments/ thoughts/ suggestions 

In Him
Dan 

The door has opened...

As I write this, I’m 24 hours off leaving my home for 6 weeks, starting the long travel to eventually arrive in Camundambala, Angola. And to be honest, I can’t wait!

The last few months have dragged on as I’ve waited for confirmation of a visa, booked for and had jabs, found insurance and bought tools. Excitement has been swapped for nervousness and back again. I’ve tried to picture what it will look like, what the food will be like, how hot it will be and how much work we can do in the time. I’m helping Jonathan and Ruth Singleton in the building of a school and anything and everything else I can possibly fit in. I want to experience as much of life in Angola (and ultimately Africa), as I possibly can. 

The first reason why is because this trip has been a long time coming. It’s not the first time I’ve hoped to visit Africa to help. I’d tried 7 years ago to go, and the answer was “no”. I tried again 3 years ago to go to Zambia, and it was also “no”. Though it meant accepting God’s timing and will wasn’t matching mine, I was content. But now, all of the doors seem to have opened, and I’m standing on the very edge of my trip with a real sense of excitement and adventure, and feeling firmly grounded in the knowledge that this time, God has said “yes”. 

I’ve thought about the snakes, bugs, spiders and any other wildlife that will share the local vicinity with me. The language barrier (for anyone who isn’t trained up in the “Geordie” accent) and cultural differences. But most of all, the second reason for wanting to go for so long, is to hopefully through the experiences grow closer to my God. I don’t feel that in the western world I honestly pray for “daily bread” like the Lord encouraged His disciples to. I buy it. Sometimes I use cash, sometimes card. Because of our wealthy society, I feel as though it encourages an unthankful spirit. My hope is that I will learn true dependence, and my faith will deepen and ultimately my thankfulness will be genuine. When the trappings of materialism is removed, what’s left? When the bare essentials of life are all you have, does it make you happy? Can Jesus be all we need? And ultimately, just how real can God be? 

One thing I’ve learnt so far is how generous God’s people are, and how God uses them to meet His purposes. Thank you to everyone who has helped towards the costs, it’s certainly appreciated. 

I hope you’re interested to hear how I get on. Feel free to share your own experiences with me, particularly those who have left the western world and visited Africa. Feel free to get in touch as well to encourage me as I lie in the dark trying not to hear what’s outside the door! Ha ha. I’m not sure what I’ll learn, or who I’ll meet or what we’ll get up to.... but I honestly just can’t wait! 

In Him
Dan

When seeing isn't believing

It's been quite a while everyone, appreciate you checking back in...

Been reading John 12 tonight, and there's a verse which says...

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:”
John 12:37

Depressing eh? Even the miracles of Jesus couldn't convince some people to trust Him. I just can't get out my head the thought that so many of the people we have contact with in our Christian lives today are described by this verse. Should Jesus appear before them, where they were and perform a miracle in front of their very eyes, they wouldn't believe. Guess they'll never be won, so we should give up right?

How is it that so many people experienced Jesus and yet failed to follow him? Was it too difficult a lifestyle change, was his teaching too controversial or perhaps he didn't measure up to their expectations? After all, he was hardly the Roman-defeating, rebellion leading, captivity freeing deliverer they were hoping for was he. To some, he would only ever be "Jesus of Nazareth", or "the son of the Carpenter". Preconceived ideas clouded the mind and closed the eyes. Today, so many people are raised being taught in school that science has the answers, and that the Big Bang, evolution etc are fact. No amount of evidence, debate or conversation can change their way of thinking. Humanly speaking, their eyes are closed to the truth.

However, what's encouraging is to realise that God is in the business of opening eyes. Even more encouraging, is that He uses us to do so. Paul was told

"I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Stand up! I have chosen you to be my servant and my witness—you will tell people the things that you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today. I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God. Then their sins can be forgiven, and they can have a place with those people who have been made holy by believing in me.’”
Acts 26:15-18

The question isn't what do we say, or do to lead people to Christ; we don't know who will respond. The question is am I showing them and telling them the gospel? The rest God will do when He sees fit. Maybe that child of a Christian couple who has for many years sat emotionless in church, (and maybe even left church behind), suddenly realises they need Christ in adulthood. God opened their eyes! The neighbour or work colleague who is antagonist to Christianity, finally sees the love of Christ in us and in how we treat them. "God opened their eyes!" That religious person, trusting in themselves  and good works to gain acceptance from God, sees that Jesus is "THE Way, THE truth and THE life". God opened their eyes! Like the sower casting his seed in the field among the different types of ground, let's keep doing our bit, knowing that God will do his... despite what we may think, for our God said "I am the LORD, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me.”
Jeremiah 32:27

Thanks for reading; all comments, thoughts, questions and shares are welcome...

Building Work

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.”

As a church we’ve just started a course called “Discipleship Explored”. So far (Just had the second week out of eight) it has been extremely challenging. Reading the words of Paul to the Christians in Philippi who were suffering persecution, we noted how it’d be easy for him to be wallowing in self pity and self lothing. Yet he isn’t. He is more concerned about their welfare, their spiritual condition. Despite his chains, Paul is an enthusiastic, determined man, grounded in his own appreciation of God’s love and plans for his life. He was at peace that where he was, he was meant to be. Being able to pray with Joy from a prison cell while chained to a couple of Roman  soldiers isn’t the norm!

His great prayer for them was that their love would grow, and in turn their knowledge. This would ultimately allow them to be able to know right from wrong and make the decision that would glorify God. The verse above has been on my mind ever since, and I’m hoping it’s as encouraging for you as I’ve found it to be. The reminder that “God began doing a good work”. Not my own efforts, lest I should slacken off or give up if it got difficult. Also, God is doing a work in me which is unlike anyone else, and likewise the work he’s doing in you if you’re a Christian (Are you prepared?) is unique to you. God isn’t making robots which are all the same shape, size and with identical gifts and abilities. He’s making a family, a “Body” or a “Building”, with lots of unique parts that make up one harmonious object, all coming together to bring glory to God.

I’m guessing you’ve failed God since you were saved? Yeah, surprisingly me too! Not just a few times either, many occasions when sin prevailed and holiness lost. Did you notice that God “will continue it until it is finished”, or “perfect” as some bibles phrase it. God keeps building and building, allowing for the leaks, problems, stalling and back tracking that sin brings to our growth, knowing that ultimately one day the project will finally be finished, and at that moment, at God’s perfect time, we will be made complete in the image of Christ.

We’re all at different stages of the developments too, some are just at the foundation stage, newly saved and freely relying on our Rock. Some perhaps are further on down the line,  with many years of Christian living behind them meaning the building is nearing completion. Paul had reached that stage. Week two’s verse was “To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.”(Phil 1:21) He was ready to go, with nothing earthly to tie him, and his love for Christ to drive him.

Spiritually I feel that the building work has been delayed in my life recently, maybe even stopped. Hopefully this course will be a big help in once again creating the right conditions for work, and soon God can again continue building. How is the building work going for you? What’s stopping the work of God in your life? I’d love to know your thoughts or any comments you have, especially other verses perhaps which come to mind? Also, if you find this blog helpful, please feel free to Like, Share, and Retweet it. But especially to share your thoughts.

In Him

Dan

Divine Schedule

Our days and weeks are so tightly scheduled; we haven’t time for the unexpected.

In our society, we’re used to taking the initiative. Making sure we’re maximising our potential and multitasking our lives to the nearest minute. We can do everything instantly, using our smart phones to update, search, buy, speak and entertain us. When something unexpected comes along we usually don’t know how to cope. Our days and weeks are so tightly scheduled; we haven’t time for the unexpected.

Jesus was 30 when his earthly ministry started. Beginning at his baptism, he spent 3 years obeying his father God, leading his disciples, teaching the people and healing the sick. Nature and death would all bow to his miraculous power, and neither would prevent his work and mission. A stormy sea calmed. A friend raised to life. Rich taxmen completely changed. The incurable healed. John sums up what he achieved in 3 years by saying “There are many other things which Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not be big enough for what would be written.” - John 21 v 25. What could he achieve in 10 years? Or 20? Perhaps if he lived to 70 years old, what could those 40 years contain?

He was always fully aware of his Father’s plan and the Divine Schedule he was to uphold

So was the crucifixion of Jesus a derailment of his awesome life? Was it a waste of the potential life he could have lived? Were it the account of my life or yours, the answer would almost certainly be “Yes”. The passing into eternity of any young person is usually viewed with much sorrow at their unfulfilled potential. Jesus however, was in full control of his life. He was always fully aware of his Father’s plan and the Divine Schedule he was to uphold. Several times the enemies of Jesus tried to kill him, but each time the Lord could say “My time has not yet come” - John 7 v 8. However, One day, just before the Passover feast, as Jesus was leading his disciples towards Jerusalem, He would tell them “Look, we are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be turned over to the leading priests and the teachers of the law, and they will say that he must die. They will give the Son of Man to the non-Jewish people to laugh at him and beat him with whips and crucify him. But on the third day, he will be raised to life again” – Matt 20 v 18-19

Throughout the Lord’s final hours; from his arrest, through his trial and onto his crucifixion, Jesus showed his complete control. Showing restraint as the soldiers arrested him. Submitting to Pilate's authority (While acknowledging it was only his because Heaven had given it to him) and even patiently enduring the sickening treatment at the hand of gentile soldiers (Suffering Saviour). Ultimately, the greatest display of his control over his life was the final minutes before his death. He, having saved the criminal on the neighboring cross, and sought his disciple John to care for his mother, and endured the full, unknown weight and punishment of sin for humanity, cried with a loud voice and bowed his head and died. Jesus had cried “It is finished” – John 19:30. Anyone else would have died and their head drop, but Jesus having finally finished the great work of salvation, “Bowed his head and died”. He knew the very moment, location, means but ultimately the purpose of his death. His Divine Schedule had for a little while finished; 3 days it would be left blank. But God gloriously raised him up from the dead, showing many people that he was alive again. 

Our lives are for the living now, a time to serve the Lord and to worship him in the world; but at anytime, maybe today, our schedules will be over. Whether we are alive or “dead in Christ” (1 Thess 4:16) when he returns, our work and labour will be over and we shall finally have rest. May we too submit to the Divine Schedule, going where and when our Lord calls, and seeking those who he has planned appointments with.

Yours in His name.

Dan

Matty Vasey

"To God be the Glory great things he has done"


Hi Everyone, so sorry that I haven't been posting regularly of late, life has been busy, and my writing waned somewhat, but I hope to try and post a bit more frequently in the new year.

Some of you may have seen on my facebook page that on 29th November, "Uncle Matty", a dear brother in the meeting where I go (Bethesda Gospel Hall) was called home to be with the Lord Jesus. The photo above was taken at his 100th birthday party last year. While clearing his flat, his daughter found a copy of his life story and also his Christian testimony. She very kindly asked that it be shared, so a few hundred printed copies were made and handed out at his funeral. Below is a copy of his testimony and his life growing up in Newcastle, England. This whole post is dedicated to him, one of the most gentle, kind and loving people you could wish to meet, and his packed out funeral was testament to the high regard in which he was held. Over to Matty for his life story......

"This is my Testimony of how I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ

Little Matty Vasey was born on 13 Nov 1913 at a place called Byker in Newcastle. I was born of working class parents. Sadly my mother died when I was 5 years old. She died of the deadly Spanish flu which was raging through Europe at the time. In 1918 more folk died of the epidemic than the number of soldiers killed in the First World War. My brother and I were then under the care of granny, my fathers mother.

After a short while father married again and a stepmother was installed in our home, causing much hostility between gran, father and stepmother. My father was very bad tempered and the name of Christ was only used as a swear word, vows and bad language were flavour of the month. However, one ray of sunshine came out of the mist, as she insisted we should go to Sunday School and as she was of Presbyterian stock I started to attend Byker Presbyterian Church on Gordon Road off Raby Street, which was the backbone of Byker. Talking of Byker, I watched the scene of Parishes being burned down from Byker village about 2 miles away. The fireman wore brass helmets. I attended Sunday School and Church for some years but was never challenged to the lostness of my soul, I was just going through the motions. It was more of a sociability exercise than a spiritual one. They held concerts on Saturday nights and you could also play billiards, one young lady said; Matty there’s plenty of young girls here you know.

Our home life began to deteriorate with no parental control and without any love or care. My stepmother received 3 shillings per week for her and 4 boys, she had twin boys by my father. The front room was let out for 6 shillings a week. Incidentally father died with heart failure when I was 13 and after a while my stepmother married again, and he died after about 9 months of marriage so the future was bleak and uncertain.

The years rolled by and I started to work in a furniture factory. At the commencement of one job, my work mates suggested I should accompany them on a Saturday night to Gosforth Dog Track, which I found very exciting. There’s an old saying it only takes one step to take a journey of 1000 miles so I made my debut on a downward spiral. I started to bet on horses as well. I saw the Epsom Derby and the Greyhound Derby at the White City in London. I travelled a lot to racecourses all over the country, and yet at times I used to ask myself whist attending the dogs “what on earth am I doing here wasting my life and my money.” I was in fact ‘Going to the Dogs’.

The Second Great War came and I couldn’t enlist as I was only classed C3. My stepmother died and the twins both joined up and I found myself in digs with a work mate and his wife and daughter. I lived with Jock and Mrs. Mac for about 13 years.

Leaving this sordid background behind let us go on to Higher things.

In 1955 I was feeling the urge for something I couldn’t put into words, I took my first step in my search for something to lift me up, by going to the local library to look for something relating to the cross of Christ, as it was Easter time. Also, I felt the urge to go to some Church or Mission hall, and at odd times I would go to the Big Market where men preached the Gospel to a very large open air audience. Sometimes a young church group would take turns in reciting Bible verses and I used to gaze intently into their faces wondering what made them tick. I thought they were quite strange folk.

I started to go to Prudhoe Street Mission when it was situated in the town, and the Bainbridge Memorial Church on Heaton Road, 20 minutes from where I lived in Warwick Street. Whilst attending there I heard Joe Blinko, an associate preacher with Billy Graham, and I also heard Pastor Nic Moller, a German who was the only man to challenge Adolf Hitler about his evil ways, and how wrong he was.

I was beginning to show interest in the things of God, but I was still throwing good money after bad at the dogs. Observantly whist waiting at the bus stop one day, my eyes fell upon a short poster stuck on the lamp standard which was at the bus stop and it read. ‘We believe in Christ crucified, risen, and coming again’ I thought that was amazing. I found later that the poster belonged to Bethel Christian Fellowship, which was right opposite the lamp post in Barras Bridge.

From the preaching that I had listened to I had learned I was a sinner and that I had need of a Saviour.

I had listened to many preachers, but this particular Sunday morning I heard the Truth concerning Eternal Salvation, that morning I gratefully received the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and I had a profound peace, knowing that my sins were forgiven, to be remembered no more. For the scripture says in the first chapter of the gospel of John ‘For as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe in his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God’  I believe that no one else had a hand in this wonderful transaction, but it was between the almighty and myself. Shortly afterwards, I found fellowship with a lovely group of people called Bethel Christian Fellowship, (remember the poster) that met in an upper room at the top of some stairs in Barras Bridge for about ten years. There was a brother in their meeting called Jack Roy who preached in the open air. One day someone shouted out to Jack ‘Hi you’ve cracked man’ and Jack responded with ‘Well you’ve got to be cracked to let the light in’. About ten years later I became a member of Somervyl Chapel on Benton Estate.

I always thought of myself as a confirmed bachelor, but in 1958 when I was 44 years old, I met a Christian girl called Lily (34) and we were married at the Central Hall in the West End of Newcastle. We started off our married life with a home up Stanhope Street, and we had a son and a daughter, Kathleen and John. Sadly my wife passed away in 1997 with Alzheimer’s disease.

I am now worshipping at Bethesda Gospel Hall in Forest Hall and I love the Lord and I Love the Lords people. ‘To God be the Glory great things he has done.’"

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dan x

Lukewarm Walking

I know, and have known for sometime that the Christian life is not a continuation of mountaintop experiences. I realise that there are periods of valley trials and temptations which are often God's way of drawing us closer to Himself. Sometime, I find that life seems to be somewhere in between. Not the consistent walk with the Saviour we should strive for, but more the lukewarm stroll through life neither being on fire for God or cold enough to abandon everything.

The last few months have been a real mix for me, and at times I've been privileged enough to teach and disciple young Christians at camp. To equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to love and serve The Lord. However, at other times life's pace and problems, mixed with the attractions of the world sap the energy and drive to be or do anything for God. If anyone has the solution to a more consistent, closer walk with The Lord, then please comment below. I'm sure many others feel the same way as me, taking 2 steps forward and 3 back. Vowing to serve Jesus completely but giving in after the first discouragement. 

I do find this blog a real encouragement to write, and share and if no one commented it'd still be beneficial for me. But it is nice when you know that there are people out there who feel the same, or have helpful suggestions. Your comments and shares (retweets) show me that at least it's hit a positive note with someone out there in internet land.

I plan to get back to writing more (I know I've said that before), and to use it for my own walk. To grow closer to The Lord so that the highest highs and lowest lows are dealt with in the same way and to generate the same levels of trust. I've learnt that it doesn't happen passively, and it takes work, time and most of all a desire to keep coming back when you deviate. 

To be less lukewarm and more burnt out for God!

Now is the time to take the advice of Hebrews 12 v 1-2.... "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Yours in Him

Dan

Patience

Patience may be the greatest answer to our deepest problem

We've all been there. The foot tapping, constantly checking the time, searching the crowd. Waiting is never enjoyable. The longer the wait, the more frustrated we feel. 

Where are they? What’s taking so long? Why aren't they here? 

We can all be guilty of showing impatience. The more we’re looking forward to something, the slower it seems to come round. If most people had to name a weakness or fault they were conscious of most, i imagine for many it would be impatience.


This impatience is often magnified when it comes to waiting on God. 

We know we should, and we know it’d be best, but we cant help it. 

Why isn't He bringing me that job? Where is the husband/ wife I’m looking for? When will this illness leave? When will my finances improve?

Waiting for God can be frustrating at times, and not knowing when or how He will act also can cause us to doubt His promises. Many of the Old Testament saints experienced periods of waiting for God. Hannah had prayed for many years. Abraham tried to speed up God’s promises. The people of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return, so they built a golden calf to worship. 

The chance to save him was lost, and all hope had gone.


When we come into the New Testament, we find that patience is still in short supply. Mary and Martha have sent for the Lord Jesus. They tell Him “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (John 11:3). They waited for Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus. “Surely He’ll come?” They thought. “He loves Lazarus, why wouldn't He?”. They must have been sad when Lazarus died, and they buried their brother in a tomb. The chance to save him was lost, and all hope had gone. They had patiently waited, but Jesus had failed to help. But God’s timing is different to ours. Sometimes He wants us to go through trials and temptations to increase our faith, and so that when He does act, it’s in a far more miraculous way. Had Jesus gone to Bethany, He could have performed a miracle and given Lazarus his health back, but instead He was going to demonstrate a far greater miracle than that, He would bring him back to life.


There, outside of the village Martha met Jesus, and said “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (John 11 v 21-22). How right she was! Lazarus wouldn't have died, but then they all would have missed out on a wonderful experience! Standing at the graveside, Mary and Martha were reunited with their brother, four days after burying him. How deeper their appreciation would be for their friend Jesus, no longer just the healer of the sick, but the restorer of life! How much stronger their faith would be in “The Resurrection and the Life”.


What about us? Do we always expect our prayers to be answered that same day? or week? 

Perhaps sometimes they are. Maybe it will take many months, or even years, to see God respond to our hearts deepest longings. But could it be that God is trying to teach us patience? It may be that He has something far greater in store if we just wait. 

Patience may be the greatest answer to our problems!

Yours in Him

Dan

Questions to consider:

What are you waiting for most at this moment in time? 

How can you increase your patience?

What other bible verses would encourage us to wait on God's timing?

Happy New Year

So it's the day after New Year, and already we're making resolutions, signing up for the gym, planning to eat healthier and looking to save money in the sales. 

All the hype, magic and fun of Christmas has come and gone. Carol services are over, and we return to the humdrum of employment. This time last year I started to write this blog (Moving Forward). It started off strongly; just as my desire to be more like Christ did. But in a similar way, both became inconstant and cold. Sometimes done out of a sense of duty, or routine. Both of which are necessary, but shouldn't be the driving force behind our Christian lives. So will 2014 be different? Will there be a greater consistency? Will people see Christ in me more, and will I hear his guiding voice in my life, or continue to block Him out with the noise of this world? 

Only time will tell. Resolutions and desires are good, but day by day Christianity is better. I think the best thing to do is to forget the failures of 2013, be encouraged by the positives, and look to learn, grow and trust more. Perhaps this time next year will be a more encouraging one for me. Thankfulness should be my attitude for what I was given, forgiveness sought for where I failed and hope used for all that's unknown in the year to come. I hope 2014 is one of great laughs, unending hope, undiscriminating love and the return of our Lord. 

Thank you all for your comments, shares, likes and encouragement in 2013. There's nothing better than a message, text or comment saying how it's been of help to someone. Sometimes it's been the difference between continuing with it & giving up, so for many of you, a huge thanks.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12 v 1-2

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Please continue to share this blog, chat, and encourage others. Life is a journey that's better shared with others. 

In His name

Dan x