Embracing Storms With Jesus
I want to dive into one of my favourite stories from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus walked on the water, and Peter took a bold step of faith to join Him. It's a story full of awe, wonder, and valuable lessons.
Daring To Hope Again
Today, I want to discuss something close to my heart - hope. You know, that beautiful thing that sometimes slips through our fingers, leaving us feeling lost and unsure. But fear not, because just like the theme of the book I’m currently working on suggests, we can dare to hope again!
Life can be challenging, and we all face our share of ups and downs. There are moments when hope seems like a distant memory, fading away with every passing trial. But let me tell you a little secret: hope is not lost forever. It may be buried deep within, waiting for the right moment to burst forth like a radiant sunrise.
Battles Lost and Victories Won
In the book of Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple faced opposition from both within and without. Countless attacks and attempts to infiltrate the workforce eventually led the enemy to approach the king, arguing that the temple's reconstruction would be detrimental to business. Their persuasive argument resulted in a government decree to cease, bringing the work to a standstill for over 15 years.
I can relate to how the Israelites felt during that time. Since we received news about the government questioning the validity of our sponsorship and the pending outcome of our appeal, our ministry here in Wales has had to pause temporarily.
Embracing Life’s Mix of Good and Bad
Life is a fascinating journey, isn't it? It's a blend of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, blessings, and challenges. As Christians, we may sometimes find ourselves longing for a perfect life, free from difficulties and setbacks. However, the reality is that life, even for the believer, is a beautiful medley of good and bad.
This summer in Wales, the weather has been an apt metaphor for life's unpredictable nature. We've experienced days of cool rain, perfect for cozy indoor activities like reading and writing. But alongside those rainy days, we've also had moments of warm sunshine that beckon us to venture outdoors and soak up its rays.
Hungering for Peace
I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of peas. Unfortunately, they are a staple here in Wales, as they are all over Great Britain. Yes, the main food groups in Wales are meat, potatoes, and peas. I'm fine with the first two, but I could do without the latter, especially when served in their "mushy" form. Yuck!
Why is it that peace often seems like a distant dream or fateful mishap, like a plateful of peas, when we were hoping for something more appetizing? Let's take a quick look at some of the reasons why peace can feel so elusive.