faith

According to my nights of worry I have been broke 3 times, had many marriage breakdowns, been sacked by my church, estranged from my kids etc etc.

In reality none of those things have happened. I hope I can rest in God and trust this truth the next time worry rears it’s ugly head.

I am at a palliative care unit with a lady from church. I don’t think she will see another day out. It is such a privilege to be with someone when their life journey is ending. Trivial things don’t matter and what does matter is crystal clear.

The nurses are amazing and so gentle. It’s time for this dear warrior to relax into the arms of Jesus. No more pain. No disappointment. She has run her race with dignity.

I read a story about a man who when he got to his mansion in heaven he could get the door fully open. He asked the angel that was with him why this so. The angel said, “It’s full of of the things you didn’t ask for when you were on earth”,

Now obviously this is NOT a true story. Yet it does raise the question are there things we want from God but have been too afraid to ask.

Before I was married I was a professional actor on the road 11 months of the year. I will never forget the time I was in a remote Western Australia town. This was before ATMs existed. I went for a long walk and realised I was really hungry and thirsty but hadn’t picked up my wallet. I looked in every pocket, even turned them inside out. No money. So I prayed, “Father I am really want a coke and some fries”.

I put my hand in my main pocket and miraculously there was a $5 note. I had triple checked this pocket before. I was amazed that God was interested in fries and coke. Of course God is interested in every aspect of our lives.

God has four standard answers to prayer. 1. Yes 2. No 3. Not now 4. You do it.

What are you afraid to ask God for? We have nothing to lose by asking and we might get reminded God looks after us completely. Even providing miracle supply of coke and fries.

With the benefit of hindsight I have found this to be true. My goal is to hold onto this truth in the midst of the battle and not having to wait to it’s over before holding onto this truth.

This is one of two plaques I have on my wall with this poem that has always spoken to me. I have always loved the coast and feel closest to God when I'm there. The expanse and beauty of the ocean reminds me of His immensity and my finite nature.

Until recently I did not know that this poem is derived from a specific scripture in the Bible. Psalms 77:19 beautifully illustrates the invisible presence of our Creator and Comforter:

"...yet Your footprints were unseen."

This also reminds me of a scene from the series The Chosen where Jesus explains to Nicodemus the Holy Spirit. He illustrated the concept by alluding to the wind saying you can't see it yet you can see and feel the effects of it.

What can we take away from this? When in the midst of our pain, when we feel very much alone, we aren't. For those of us who believe and trust in the presence of the One who loves us more than any other, we are never alone. For those of you who don't, He is gently nudging you toward Himself so that He can supply you with the same comfort and peace that only He can give:

"…a peace that surpasses all understanding." - Philippians 4:7

Not only that, but as portrayed in the movie, The Shack, and spoken in Psalm 56:8, He is not only with us but:

"You collect all my tears in a bottle."

It is so good to know I don't have to go it alone.

#TheMighty #MightyTogether #IntercessionforIllness #Comfort #peace #Faith #god #comforter