LIKE A ROARING LION

One night, after the service, we drank tea in the hall as usual.

This usually gives one the opportunity of meeting new people, which I enjoy. I joined a table where there were people I have not met before; we introduced ourselves and enjoyed conversing around the table.

I looked at one of the men and thought that he reminded me very much of someone who had often appeared on television – even his voice sounded similar. I was going to pass some remark about it but thought better of it. Later a friend came to our table to say “Hi” and whilst standing beside the chair of this particular gentleman, he said something to the effect; “ So you have met our TV personality”. I realised then that I had in fact been nearer the truth than I thought.

What struck me was that in real life, this person was not as “dramatic” or “distinctive” looking as when viewed under the very bright lights of a television set, and in Technicolor, having been “touched up” by the make-up artists. Also, he seemed smaller in stature than I expected from what I saw on TV, but of course, also more down to earth, more natural, and more human.

I recalled that this was in fact also the case when I bumped into a well-known singer and a TV News presenter in the past and I thought that we often ascribe attributes to people and characters because of our own incorrect perceptions rather than reality.

For instance, when looking at the dramatic characterization on stage at the opera, it is not easy under all the make-up and costumes to recognize the softly spoken, humble God-loving human being that the opera singer is at home.

This led to another thought:

In the same way, we ascribe attributes to Satan that are far removed from reality!

Because we have from an early age learnt that he was responsible for the fall of man, we automatically think of him as a very strong, diabolical looking, larger than life character with immeasurable power when in fact, the Word says:

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Pet. 5: 8

Yes, be sober; yes, be vigilant; yes, remember that he is your adversary and that he seeks to devour, that he has come to steal, to destroy, to murder, BUT also remember that he walks about like a roaring lion – he isn’t a roaring lion!

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4: 7

“Nor give place to the devil” Eph. 4: 27

“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Rom.16: 20

Also remember that:

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” 1 Joh.4: 4

            "...and powers, He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over

            them in it.” Col. 2: 15

(My insertion between brackets)

Let us not see Satan as a friendly ghost, but also let us not see him artistically made-up, under the floodlights, in Technicolor. Let us remember that God is the only One who is Almighty, Omnipotent and that He is mighty and willing to save.

Thank you, Lord, that we may rely on Your Strength, Your power, Your presence, Your Spirit when facing our adversaries. Thank You, that You have already overcome our enemy number one and that you have given us all power and authority to do the same.

YOUR WALK WILL BETRAY YOU

We all know the story how Jacob cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright.

That was a big thing. Being the firstborn in a family, especially in those days, carried special privileges and blessings.

Also, think about this: If Esau had not sold his birthright, would Scriptures have read: “God…the Father or Abraham, Isaac and Esau” instead of “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” as the Lord subsequently revealed Himself to mankind?

Awesome thought!

Anyway, now years have gone by since he stole his brother’s birthright, and we find Jacob married to two sisters. He fled from his father-in-law, Laban, the two of them also not having dealt quite honestly with each other over the years, and then entered into a covenant with Laban.

Now he is on his way to meet his brother, Esau, and he is scared stiff out of his tiny little mind…

“Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau,

and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” So Jacob

was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him,

and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies.” Gen. 32: 6 – 7

He travels with two companies – if Esau attacks the one company at least the other company may have a chance to escape.

He starts praying very fervently to the Lord for His protection. Isn’t that just so typical of man? We do exactly as we please and then ask God to save and protect us?

Then He selects from all his possessions, including his live stock, a gift for his brother Esau and sends it ahead.

Again, typical of man. Don’t we always promise God all sorts of things if He would just come to our aid?

Then, because of his fears, he separates himself from everybody, having sent his wives and children over the river Jabbok, and in his sleep, a Man wrestles with him.

“Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of

his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.

And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks,” But he said, “I will not let You go

unless You bless me!’ So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said

“Jacob”. And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel;

for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ”

Gen. 32: 25 - 28

Again, typical of man. He is wrestling with God, but he insists on a blessing!

What is of significance here to me is the fact that from that moment on everyone could see that Jacob had been wrestling with God by the way that he walked because we read:

"Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.

 Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank,

 which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in

 the muscle that shrank.” Gen. 32: 31 – 32

In the New Testament we find the following testimony, although it is not a physical manifestation:

“And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders and scribes, as

well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many

as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by

what name have you done this?” then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said

to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged

for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,

let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the

dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.” Acts 4: 5 – 10

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived

that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And

they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who

had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”

Acts. 4: 13 – 14

Here are Peter and John, two of the disciples of Jesus who ran away earlier when Jesus needed them most, facing the High Priest, his whole family, all the rulers of Israel. BOLDLY and in their faces they testify to the fact that Jesus was not only killed by those whom they are addressing but was resurrected from the dead by God. What they were in fact telling the addressees were enough to have them crucified as well! Yet, we find that the fearful had now become the fearless.

You could see from their new way of walking that they had been with Jesus! Even the High Priest had to admit that!

How many times whilst Jesus was on the earth had this been seen. The lame being able to walk after being with Him, the deaf hearing, the blind seeing, the mute talking – you could see by the changes in them that they had been with Christ.

The secret is, of course, that you must want to be changed, be healed of your infirmities. Jesus meets with a man who had suffered from an infirmity for 38 years, lying at the pool of Bethesda, and Jesus asks this man:

“…Do you want to be made well?” John 5: 6

Why ask what seems to be such a silly question to a man who had been sick for 38 years?

Well, just maybe, the sick man had become accustomed to his condition; maybe he enjoyed all the attention – the fact that people had to wait on him, that he did not have to do much for himself… even though he answers with valid reasons why he has not been healed to date…

Perhaps we love being in the circumstances we are, being used, abused, being trodden on, being made to feel unworthy, being a martyr.

Perhaps we enjoy drinking too much to not want to be an alcoholic; enjoy the effect of the drugs too much to want to be ‘clean’ – enjoy our sexual sins too much to want to be free? Enjoy the feeling of being loved too much to want to give up our secret love…

Hear Jesus asking:

“Do you want to be made well?”

Well, do you?

Of course, you know it would be better for all if you were well… if you can fend for yourself…if you are free from booze, drugs, prostitution, your extra-marital affair…your embezzling of the companies funds…whatever…

But do you?

What is holding you back from taking that first step to freedom?

I am writing this not in a judgmental way. In fact, I know only too well what this is all about. I have also at times struggled with my own infirmities, knowing full well that I needed to be freed from it.Wanting to live according to God’s will and wanting God to be in control of my life, yet…hoping I can convince God that this should be His will for my life for this time. Then one Friday morning I sat down in front of the piano…coming into the presence of Almighty God…singing well-known oldies…”In the presence of the Lord there is love. In the presence of the Lord there is peace. In the presence of the Lord there is healing (here the tears started…) Lord I stand in Your presence with my life, Lord, I stand in Your presence with my life…” and “Into Thy presence I come, not by the works I have done, but by Thy grace, and Thy grace alone, into Thy presence I come.” And: “In His presence, in His holy presence, the weary will find perfect peace, the broken are restored…”

After a while, I just sat on the couch, waiting…Suddenly, the Lord was there…Father God…embracing me…I could feel the texture of His hair, his garment, feel the gentle pressure of His hand on my back as He pulled me close…leaning against his chest … no judgment…such gentle love, such kindness…such comfort and compassion.

Afterwards I wondered why the overwhelming experience was that of comfort?

That Sunday morning I overslept very badly – I was too late to go to the service…and after about an hour realised something had changed…something was no longer the same…something had been mended…the process of healing had in fact been started…

“Do you want to be made well? ” And It would be noticed by my daily walk...

Thank You, Lord, that You love us unconditionally. Thank You that Your love is kind, compassionate. That you want to comfort us but change us to reveal Your glory.

CHILDLIKE FAITH

One Friday morning, our staff attended a team building workshop. It was something out of the ordinary and very enjoyable. We were divided into teams of six and each team had to paint part of a picture on two squares, using the same colours, and in the end, when placed in the correct order, it all formed one very large picture - which speaks for itself.

The day before our tea lady had celebrated her birthday, and we all thronged around her, singing "Happy birthday to you!", wished her well and handed her a cake with candles, as well as an envelope containing quite a handsome sum of money, which we had collected amongst ourselves. It was a happy and enjoyable occasion for her.

On the next Monday morning I arrived at the office to find that three members of staff had been retrneched on the basis of last in, first out, a decision made because of the decline in the market and economics which is experienced in general on an international scale at the moment. What a blow! What a let down from team 'building'... This was very upsetting indeed, as two of the ladies, the receptionist and the tea lady were really efficient. In fact, in my humble view, the best we had had in these positions.

The Tuesday morning, I asked our tea lady whether she had made application for another position as yet and her answer really was a lesson in faith to me.

She said: "You know, these things happen. I was not upset. I arived at work on Friday bubbling with the joy of the Lord. So... I am not in a great haste. I am at peace. I have asked the Lord to provide and just as He opened this door for me, which He has now closed, so He will open another, better door, in His perfect time. When one has asked, one must not be impatient or in a hurry, but, in faith, you must wait on Him. I know what I know, that He will provide for me and that is good enough for me."

WOW! I was indeed impressed and humbled by her faith!

               "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the
               kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the
               midst of them and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted
               and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of
               heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest
               in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18: 1-4

When a child, days are not spent worrying about food or clothes, or money or furniture. No, life is simply accepted in the knowledge that parents are there to provide.

               "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever
               you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. Until now you have asked
               nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John
               16:23 - 24

                "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears: "Lord, I believe;
                 help my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

I knew exactly what that father experienced. I promised to stand with her in faith.

Thank You, Lord, for sending your witnesses to teach us valuable lessons on a daily basis. Thank You that You only ask of us to have faith as a child: We believe; help our unbelief!

DRAW NEAR TO GOD

One Friday evening, the youth at our church invited a few prominent sports personalities to share their testimonies with us.

Louis Koen, of South African Springbok-rugby fame was there, as well as Pieter Louw, Western Province rugby player; Kobus Meintjies, a Boland Club rugby player, and Eric Hofmeyer, South African champion power lifter.

Eric was a member of the infamous Cape Flats "Staggie" gang. His story really tore at my heart. He told how, whilst still a member of this infamous gang, alone in his room one evening, he asked the Lord to enter into his life and how, immediately, he was aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. He knew that a change had taken place in his life and heart as he prayed.

             "Therefore submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to
              God and He will draw near to you..." James 4:7,8.

He also told how he now visits some of his old gang friends, who are currently serving prison sentences of up to 25 years. He is fully aware and not ashamed to admit that, if the Lord had not changed his own life, he would have shared their fate or have ended up in a wheelchair or dead. Some of his friends have, in fact, died violent deaths.

Questions were posed to these men as to why they had chosen to commit their lives to the Lord. They told how their loving Christian parents were their role models, how the love of their parents for the Lord and each other, led to their accepting Christ and committing their lives to the Lord. Eric, the "Skollie", or "gangster" as he jokingly referred to himself, on the other hand, had no such role model at all. There was no father figure in his home.

It is a fact that these caring, loving, Christian parents, whom the sports stars were testifying about, were all part of the privileged society during the apartheid era, whilst Eric came from one of the 'disadvantaged' segments of the apartheid era. I wondered how this affected Eric emotionally and spiritually as he listened to their testimonies.

Yet, here was this young man, who with his wife have adopted and are raising a 12 year old girl, who was an abandoned baby found in a bag lying on the street; here he was standing praising God with his hands raised in the air. They have a vision to open a house for more abandoned babies.

All these celebrities emphasized that living a life commited to the Lord is not about religion, but about a loving and intimate relationship between a person and a very personal God.

             "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears
             Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10: 34-35

Thank You, Lord, that You save us, as well as those that we, in our sinful, or ignorant ways, have abandoned, or neglected as being not worthy of living within the confines of our own guarded societies.

Thank You that You never needed our help to do this and that You are capable and willing to raise them up far above anything that most of us have, or ever will, achieve.

Thank You that You do not care about any political system that we may ascribe to or support; that You love all the world with the same everlasting love and compassion.

Thank You, Lord, that You do not have to rely on any specific culture, or tribe, or 'colour' to spread the gospel of Good News. Thank You that You are capable of reaching the lost at any time and any place through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Lord, that You are willing and able to use us to enlarge Your kingdom to the measure in which we are willing to submit to Your will.

ARE YOU ALSO NEVER SATISFIED WITH SELF AND YOUR OWN PERFORMANCE?

Looking back on this day, I felt a surge of frustration. I thought about it for a few seconds, wondering what was causing the dissatisfaction within and with myself, this  feeling of incompetence, of not having achieved enough in the day; not having been the best I could have been in any and all ways.

Do you ever feel like that?

I'm sure at least some of you have experienced similar feelings...

I was forced to admit that it was because I experienced anger against a colleague rising within me today...

Was it my conscious spurring these feelings of inadequacy? Or was it my spirit revolting against my not being able to 'be more than a conqueror'? Maybe both... it sickens me when I feel that I am not living up to who I am in Christ. There is definitely also a good measure of remorse somewhere deep inside...
Have you noticed that it's usually not the things we do that causes the most frustration - but the things we fail to do?

But then I was gently reminded that even the great apostle Paul had occasion to say "the things I will, I do not, and the things I will not, I do" - or words to this effect.

What to do about it? Repent, of course, with remorse, accept forgiveness and start afresh.

I was also reminded of a verse in the Psalms:

               "...I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness." Ps. 17:15

I am sure it will not be in this lifetime, but the vision is there.....and one day, when all things have been stripped away, and we face our Redeemer...the vision is there!

Thank You, Lord, that you are longsuffering with our weaknesses, and forgiving of our tresspasses.
Help us to daily be conformed more and more to Your likeness.
               

ARE YOU TRUSTING IN FRIENDS, OR IN GOD

I was in bed with a cold for the past few days. Fortunately, with modern technology, that does not necessarily mean that one is cut off from all friends...SMS's and phone calls brought friends, who also work during the day, right into my bedroom and I again realised how grateful I am to my friends for their constant love and support.

My neighbour across the landing, brought a plate of home cooked dinner - what a blessing! She is a very generous and caring person and I am spoilt by all the unexpected and undeserved meals and delicacies that she provides from time to time.

During this time I had plenty of opportunity to read and meditate on the Word of  God.

Rethinking the passages in Matthew dealing with the arrest of Jesus and his last conversations with His disciples before His arrest, it struck me again that He was totally alone during His trial. Forsaken by all...

We read:

              "Peter answered and said unto Him, 'Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not
                deny Thee'. Likewise also said all the disciples." Matt. 26:35

We all, from time to time receive assurances of love, companionship, friendship and support from family and friends, and the little words "never" and "always" are often used...'I will always love you'; 'I will never let you down', 'I will never leave you'... What is it then that happens that "I" so easily stop loving "you" and start loving someone else - that "I" so easily leave "you" without a second thought - that "you" so easily find yourself wondering what has happened to all "your" friends when you find yourself in a tight spot?

People change... circumstances change... emotions are not stable...words have lost their meaning...such promises are made subject to silent (unspoken) conditions...or expectations...

Even Jesus found that to be true:

                "... then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled." Matt. 26: 56

Same chapter...certainly different picture!

The question is: Who do we rely on when we experience difficulties? People... be it relatives, friends, loved ones? Or God?

Who can you trust to be totally one hundred percent reliable?

Thank You, Lord, for friends. How precious they are. We truly appreciate them. Thank You, for everything they mean to us. Help us, though, to understand that ultimately we have to put our trust in You.

MY 'HANDSOME DUDE'

'Pet' en 'skin' het jy my genoem;
omdat ek so naby is as jou vel het jy bedoel -
geliefde 'pommie' - my 'handsome dude', my pêl.

Die troukoek, drie lae, reeds bestel,
Franse kant, en sy, vir die rok gesny en gespeld.
Uitnodigings, indrukwekkend en formeel
reeds na die Windsors oorsee verseel-
op die rol van dromme sou ons na mekaar tree...

Toe ry ons die dag jou troupak te haal -
opgewonde, gelukkig; ons het albei gestraal,
Jy't so 'n skewe, stout glimlaggie gelag
daar op die Witkoppen pad.
Daardie bruin oë glinsterend sag:
"Vandag nog net 'n maand," het jy gesê,
"ek kan nie wag nie, ek wil jou hê."

'n Sewe ton vragwa met sand gelaai
het onverwags ons pad, en lewens, gekruis...
rubber het bo die geruis van enjins geskree!
Vlymskerp metaalrepe skeur ons vir altyd uiteen...
en ons droom stol - saam met jou bloed - op die teer,
My 'handsome dude' - sien jou anderkant weer.

SEEING WITH AWE AND WONDER

Visiting my son and family to meet Jeneè, I was sitting in the bedroom holding her in my arms and Melissa, her sister, two and a half years old, was with us in the room. Melissa came to me and asked to hold Jeneè, so I told her to take a seat in the armchair Adrie, her mom, uses for breastfeeding and put Jeneè on her lap.

"No, ouma", she said, "not like that. Put her over my shoulder", which I did. She started gently tapping Jeneè on  the back, and said: "Perhaps she has a little wind..."

After a little while I told her we should return Jeneè to her lap as she would be  more comfortable and proceeded to do so.

Melissa then put her little finger, or pinkie, as we say, into Jeneè's mouth and the baby promptly started sucking her little finger.

I wish you could have seen the expression on Melissa's face when that happened! The wonder and awe on her face when Jeneè latched onto her little finger is something I truly will not forget for a long time.

"Look ouma", she said, "she is drinking my milk..." The wonder and innocence of the moment was absolutely stunning to experience.

When last have we looked at the world with such innocence and awe? When last have we contemplated the work of God's hands with such naïvity and wonder? It made me want to weep... what a picture they made... the two innocent babes...

I softly called to my children who were nearby and were able to capture the moment on film to have and look at again and again...

             "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who is the greatest in the
             kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the
             midst of them and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted
             and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
             Therefore whoever humbles himself  as this little child is the greatest in the king-
             dom of heaven." " Matt. 18:1-4

Thank You, Lord, that we can learn so much from innocent little children. Thank You, that you have ordained that we would be their guardians and caregivers so that we may have ample opportunity to see, learn and humble ourselves before You. Help us to not be blind to the lessons that You provide for our benefit every day in our relationships with our children and to set a proper example for them to learn from us in return.
             

RELIABLE WITNESSES

When someone is prosecuted in Court, legal representation, an alibi, and reliable eye-witnesses are employed to establish the accused's innocence. Until an accused's innocence has been established 'beyond reasonable doubt' people are often sceptical or unbelieving of his or her innocence, especially if circumstancial evidence seem to be against the accused even though the law states that a person that be innocent unless his/her guilt has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In this age, there are many sceptics, agnostics and atheists who, looking at the world and the events taking place in modern society, allege that there is no God, and it would seem that even God needs witnesses to prove that He Is and that He is who He claims to be!

This may sound strange indeed, but we find that the Word of God actually appoints us to act as His witnesses:

            "You are my witnesses," says the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, that
             you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was
             no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me
             there is no saviour. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was
             no foreign god among you; therefore you are My witnesses," says the Lord, "that I
             am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver
             out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" Isaiah 43:10-13

How do we know that He is God?

Truly, I think that God's works, the creation, all creatures and those works called "acts of God" have been seen by all, believers and unbelievers alike during the recent past. Acts which no one else could have performed; which no one can reverse, the extent of which no one could have predicted or forestalled! Deeds that no human could have accomplished or copied! Deeds that required and displayed the awesome supernatural power of such force and magnitude as to put the fear of God in all men.

              "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being
               understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so
               that they are without excuse... " Rom. 1:20

God's supernatural power is not only displayed in deeds of great destruction, but often in a gentle, quiet, unobtrusive manner and, then again, at times in spectacular ways for the benefit of those who call on His name.

Think about the parting of the Red Sea; the provision of manna in the desert; Daniel in the lion's den, the feeding of the 5000, the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead, and much more recently, in our own country, the peaceful transition from apartheid during the 1994 elections, and even more recently, the 60 000 South African men congregating for prayer in Kwa-Zulu Natal! Miracles quietly displaying supernatural power if we can but recognise it as such with our spiritually blinded eyes!

"You are my witnesses..."

Yet, to me, the biggest miracle of all is seeing the wholistic tranformation in the life of a sinful, lost person turning to God and allowing the Spirit of God to take control of his or her life.

In the book of Daniel, chapter 2, we read the account of how king Nebuchadnezar demanded the impossible from the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans. Not only were they to tell him the interpretation of the dream that he had, but also the dream itself, failing which, they would all be killed!

Daniel, known to the king to be serving the one true God, received the dream and the interpretation from the Lord and stood before the king as the one and only reliable witness of the Lord's supernatural power, thereby not only saving the lives of his three friends as well as his own, but seeing the king praising Almighty God. Why did God choose to reveal the secret to Daniel? Because Daniel prayerfully remained His witness in dire circumstances!

Today, we face many dire situations, when unreasonable demands are facing us, even in our own country... living behind security fences, feeling unsafe and insecure because of the terribly high crime rate... people expected to eke out a living somehow in the face of the economic recession; the very high food prices... the high unemployment rate, the high petrol and elecricity prices...

What does God expect from us in these traumatic circumstances when we face there unrealistic demands? What are we to do?

Be My witnesses...

             "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying: "All authority has been given to Me in
              heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
              them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
              to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even
              to the end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20

Go, be My witnesses...

              "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall
               be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the
               earth." Acts 1:8

               "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God
                has given to those who obey Him." Acts 5:32

Thank You, Lord God, that You are still "I Am"; You are still the One and Only God, that all authority still belong to You, Jesus, and that Your Spirit is still with us always, even to the end of the age; that even as we prayerfully witness for You, Your will shall always be done on earth as it is always done in heaven and that your Word shall not return to you void and empty.

Thank You also that we will have a reliable Eye-witness before the throne of God, to testify that the price for our salvation has indeed been paid in full.

GROWING THRU ADVERSITIES

I have found praise and worship to be a wonderful way to enter into the presence of the Lord, even when I am on my own.

One morning, playing praise and worship songs as part of my quiet time before the Lord, I found myself playing a 'new chord' in one of the old melodies that I have played for years. I wondered why suddenly this 'new chord' found its way into this tune...

Then I wondered why I was surprised that it should have... Has the Lord not taught me that there is always some small measure of growth in one area or another after I have weathered a crisis or endured some trial in my life? Something small, yet new to enhance whatever talents the Lord had seen fit to give me? Some form of spiritual growth, I am sure, is gained from every trauma or crisis weathered by anyone - we are just not always aware enough to look out for it...

That same afternoon a friend phoned from Bela Bela, and we discussed a crisis which she had experienced at the time. A sickness in her body of which she had become aware some months before, which had caused her great distress, and has necessitated a number of adjustments to her lifestyle.

She was telling me of a conversation between herself and another friend who told her that any individual's pain belongs to that individual only. A cross to bear - and to adjust to. She further stated that she was told that if you accept it, embrace it, own it, and deal with it joyfully and with patience and endurance, you would grow richer spiritually and draw closer to God.

Verbal confirmation for exactly what I had experienced.

Of course, we are not denying God's ability to change our adverse situations, or denying that He is able and willing to heal our bodies. We are also not denying that our loads are made the easier to bear through the prayers and love of family and friends - we are simply acknowledging that adversities, if allowed, can prove to be positive catalists for spiritual growth in the afflicted person.

There are certain experiences that others cannot undergo on our behalf, no matter how much they love or care for us. Giving birth, suffering a disease, writing an exam, dying... to mention but a few. We have to accept it, embrace it, own it, and deal with it. BUT, God is ALWAYS with us in all that we may experience and therefore we truly are not alone - ever.

             "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those
              who are the called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28

Thank You, Lord, that we may be drawn closer to You and grow in spirit and truth, even through our very adversities.

GODFEARING MEN

I have just again spent a wonderful long weekend with my children in Centurion, the main reason for the visit being to meet my brand spanking new granddaughter, Jeneè, who was born on 22 July 2011. A baby's birth will always remain a miracle to me.

And of course, she is perfect in every way, although she has extremely long, narrow feet for her size! She is beautiful - looks like a doll - and very good too! And her sister, Melissa's, pride!

My son and I got up at 3.45 this morning as my flight to Cape Town departed from Lanseria Airport at 6.00am. On the way to the airport we were talking, amongst other things, about the fact that he, whilst at Varsity, went through a period of doubt and spiritual seeking.

He related to me how one Sunday morning in church he asked God to reveal Himself to him and how faithful God was in answering his prayer. He related how he went to, we think it was the third "Mighty Men" conference with Angus Buchan, when 60 000 men arrived for the conference!

During my lifetime certainly, it was definitely a first for so many South African men to gather for a spiritual gathering at a given time and unheard of up until then. Jacques said that when he was amongst those men, God spoke quietly in his spirit: "I have now revealed Myself to you", and how at once he was aware of a certainty and a inner knowledge and peace.

He also related how whilst driving to work one morning some time ago, he saw a beautiful motor car that he greatly admired and desired, and how the Spirit of God quietly reprimanded him, "How can you think of purchasing that vehicle when your tithing is not in order?" Further along the same road, he gave way to a fellow driver who was looking for a gap to cut in in front of him. When they came to a red traffic light, the driver of that vehicle, who was now ahead of him, got out his car, walked along to my son's vehicle, gestured for him to open his window, and handed him a R100 bill, saying, "Buy yourself a bottle of whiskey!"

Again the Spirit of God spoke to him through a thought that popped into his head: "This is how things are achieved. Give and you shall receive..."

             "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have
              we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings." Mal. 3:8

              "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and
              try Me now in this", says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows
              of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough
              to receive it." Mal. 3:10

This is the only time in the Word of God that we are given permission to test or 'try' God!

It is such a wonderful joy and comfort to know that your father, husband, son and/or brother is serving the Lord and is communicating with God.

Thank You, Lord, for godly men, who revere You and walk in Your ways. Help us to daily pray for the men in our lives and our country and to hold their arms up in prayer so that we may have peace and security in our homes and land. Help us all to live according to your spiritual laws and principles so that we may experience the rewards of Your many promises of abundant blessings.

ON THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD WILL PROVIDE

Do you feel that your life is being spent as a burnt offering for others? That everything you do is for the benefit of another person or persons, that you have no time to yourself, to dream your own dreams, take care of your own needs pursue your own goals? That others are using you, abusing you, pouring you out as a sacrifice to attain their goals and aims?

As Isaac was being led up the mountain to be sacrificed, he said:

              "My father!" And he said: "Here I am, my son," Then he said, "Look, the fire and the
               wood but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" And Abraham said, "My son
               God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." Gen. 22:7-8.

               "And Abraham called the name of the place "The Lord Will Provide; as it is said to
               this day, 'In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided."  Gen. 22:14

Thank You, Lord, that this is true to this day. Thank You that we may know that even, as with Isaac, we may feel that we are being sacrified, and we see no lamb to substitute for the sacrifice, if we keep looking to You, then 'In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided'.

THE WIND OF THE SPIRIT

My youngest daughter and I arrived home in the middle of the night from the airport, from visiting my son in California for a month, to find that people were camping in our lounge, sleeping on the floor and that we had to step over bodies to find a seat.

They were quickly awakened by the commotion we caused carrying in our luggage and we found out that it was a mother and her three teenage children, who were without a home, employment or the finances to find accommodation for even one night. A local lady taxi driver saw them roaming the streets and kindly picked them up. She was a member of the cell group weekly gathering in our home, and as she did not know where else to drop them, she brought them to our duplex.

This destitute mom had been married to a psychopath, who from time to time sexually assaulted her so badly, resulting in such physical injuries that she had to be hospitalised on more than one occasion and he was eventually arrested, convicted and jailed for raping his own wife.

During the years of this marriage, and as a result of the physical, mental and emotional abuse suffered at  he hands of this man, his wife became dependent on painkillers, and later also addicted to alcohol and other substances.

This family was totally dysfunctional and self-destructive.

Now they were separated and he was serving a lengthy sentence in jail again. She had brought the children to Durban in the hope of finding employment and a safe home for her family.

She had no self-esteem. Her handsome teenage son, who was the father's constant companion, and who had been introduced to nightclubs, alcohol, sexual orgies and escort agencies by the father, was displaying extremely damaging and destructive behaviour. He was smoking pot, using ecstasy, sexually active and involved with a number of young teenage girls and had dropped out of school at age 16.

Dilemma... what to do? Loving and accommodating them would be the first step. Introducing them to the Lord an urgent priority and finding them a home, and employment for the mom and eldest daughter, a desperate need.

            "Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our
             hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Rom. 5:5

They were invited to join us going to Sunday services and to attend our weekly cell meetings, and the Holy
Spirit's prompting soon convinced the mom and the youngest daughter to submit their lives to God's saving grace and loving care.

           "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may
           abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom. 15:13

They now came to the understanding that the next step in their relationship with the Lord was obedience to the instruction to be baptised. The youngest daughter had no problem with this, but the mom felt so totally unworthy that she could not see her way clear to be baptised in full view of the congregation, saying that she was not worthy to become a member of the functioning body of Christ.

I had opportunity to speak with her one dayl. Knowing that she had come to love the Lord very much, I asked her whether, if the Lord should require her to leave her family and move to a foreign country to testify for Him in obedience to His instructions, she would be prepared to do so. She immediately answered in the affirmative. No doubts whatsoever.

I explained that all God required from her was, in fact, obedience to His Word. She set about making the necessary arrangements to be baptised.

Coming up out of the baptism pool, her face was aglow and she had the most beautiful smile on her face.

Then the Spirit of the Lord swept through the congregation and the whole congregation started praising and worshipping the Lord as in one voice, hands raised to God. The Spirit of the Lord had showed up to show her how precious she was in His sight! I do not recall such a display of the glory of the Lord at any other baptism service ever!

Suddenly, she was assured of her worth. She knew that she also was created in the image of God and loved and accepted by God. What a wonderful God we serve.

            "For I say to you likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
            repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Luke 15:7

            "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench;" Is. 42:3

Thank You, Lord, that the heavens rejoice over one sinner coming to repentance. Thank you that You do not reject us, but are standing waiting to receive us with Your loving arms extended to us. Thank you for changing and rebirthing us into your Kingdom.

            "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
            behold, all things have become new." 2 Cor. 5:17

WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE MIRROR...

What do you see?

Oftentimes people to not have healthy self-images and that is understandable. We are fully aware of our many failings and shortcomings. No ons knows them better than we do ourselves! And sometimes our opinion of ourselves are severely warped  resulting from damage caused by past experiences, grief, and shame in our lives, some of which may even not be of our own choice, or doing...

So, more often than not, we do not believe that we deserve to be loved, or cherished, or respected, or even liked by others, especially by Almighty God! We may feel that we do not deserve salvation, are too sinful to be saved, or to be called righteous and that we do not deserve to even have a glimpse of the portals of heaven!

Why should God love me, when there are many more deserving people who have proved their love for Him... people who have not only lived blameless lives before Him, but who have sacrificed their lives for Him and who have died for His cause and Kingdom?

Some years ago, I was privileged to know a Zulu lady who, when I first met her, made no great impression on me except for the very gentle expression on her face... just another big, humble, quietly spoken mama. She died unexpectedly and when I travelled to her three-bedroom, brick under tile home, in Umlazi Township, Kwa-Zulu Natal, to sympathise with her family I was totally amazed and unprepared for the scene that met my eyes. There were no luxurious furniture in the house, yet in the backyard she had erected a brick under tile church building, fitted with pews, pulpit, a keyboard, a sound system and a kombi to transport the elderly to and from services. She hired and paid a pastor to minister the word every Sunday and during the week she, a nursing sister by profession, would lead the prayer meetings herself when her nursing shifts allowed. She also attended evening classes, studying towards a Diploma in Theology, in order to become an ordained minister of the Word of God.

When I first saw and understood the sacrifices this family made because of their love for the Lord, I cried before Him. What did my efforts for His Kingdom amount to in comparison with what I had seen? Why would God even consider using me in any way whatsoever?

These thoughts brought to mind an e-mail I had received earlier:

"The next time you feel like God can't use you just remember...

Noah became drunk
Abraham was very old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David was an adulterer (and a scheming murderer)
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was, well you know...
The Samarian woman was divorced, (more than once, and
living in sin)
Zaccheus was (a corrupt tax collector and) too short
Paul was too religious (and a persecutor of Christians)
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND
Lazarus was dead!

No more excuses now. God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are the messenger."
Author unknown (I added the bits in brackets.)

Very crudely put, but technically correct.

Yes, we are sinful by nature and not deserving of any of God's mercies:

            "For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God... " Rom. 3:23

The good news, however, is that salvation depends not on me, or who I am, or what I have or have not done, but on the mercy, grace and love of God, and on what Jesus had done:

          "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
            Lord." Rom. 6:23

and it is for ALL, notwithstanding anything you may have said or done, or not have done:

            "For there is no distinction beween Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over
             all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the
             Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:12,13

             "For God so loved the world (that would include you and me also) that He
              gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
              perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

              (I included that in brackets)

              "God shows no personal favoritism to no man..." Gal. 2:6

Thank You, Lord God, that no matter how inferior or undeserving I am, or appear to be in the eyes of others, God's love and mercy and salvation includes me. It is up to me, in faith, to accept it as a free gift from Your hand and to offer myself, as I am, to be of use in Your service to Your honour and glory.
          

IMPERFECT, INCONSISTENT AND DEPENDENT

There is no perfect human being. This is an undeniable fact.

I heard someone say one day that Moses did the only thing humanly possible with the Ten Commandments: "He broke it"!

The Israelites could never keep the commandments of the Lord and because of our sinful nature neither are we capable of doing so.

We are inperfect, but God is perfect and capable of keeping us by His mercy and grace.

We are dependent on Him for our very lives... Who gives the breath of life to a newborn baby?

Who can regulate his/her own heartbeat, or breathing?
Who can prevent hunger or thirst from manifesting in our bodies?
Who can instill the urge to live, to reproduce, and to survive?
Who can engineer the functions of his own kidneys?

God knows we are inconsistent in our ways. He takes responsibility for these functions on our behalf. He has created us to be dependent on Him for the most basic functions of our being.

God knows that we are weak spiritually as well, therefore He also provided a way of salvation, a scapegoat to bear our sins, sicknesses and shame. Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the Annointed One, the Crucified, the Risen Lord.

I love babies best when they are at their most vulnerable and totally dependent on their parents. I think it is true of God that He loves us at His most tender when we are weakest... He loves us to be dependent on Him. The weaker we are the stronger He proves Himself to be. When we are faced with situations that we cannot handle, His miraculous power can take over - as long as we acknowledge our dependence on Him.

Who could have been in a weaker position than David facing Goliath with a slingshot and some river stones, having rejected the King's armour?

Or Lazarus having been four days dead?
Or the widow whose only son had died?
Or the lepers having been cast out from their community?
Or the woman suffering from the issuing of blood, having received no relief or healing from many medical doctors?
Or the lame man lying next to the bath of Bethesda having been afflicted for 38 years?

           "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations,
            a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be
            exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times
            that it might depart from me. And He said to me: "My grace is sufficient for you,
            for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:7-9

Are you feeling weak today?
Do you suffer from one or other weakness or affliction, over which you seem unable to gain the victory?

Take courage, God is still on His throne. He is still the same, still capable of making perfect His strength in your weakness.

            "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you
             will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6

             "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait,
              I say, on the Lord." Ps. 27:14

Thank You, Lord, for life, for loving us tenderly and caring for us, notwithstanding our inconsistencies and our weaknesses.

HE TOUCHED THEM

                     "Then they brought little children to Him that He might touch them, but the
                      disciples rebuked those who brought them." Mark 10:13

There are lots of things about these little children we do not know. We do not know their respective ages, or how many they were. We do not know whether they still had parents, whether they were orphans or perhaps from single parent families. We do not know whether they were from wealthy homes, or from poor backgrounds; whether they were born in or out of wedlock.

We do not know whether they were male or female, or whether they had any idea who Jesus was or why there were brought to Him to touch them.

I wonder whose idea it was initially to bring the children to Jesus and why. Maybe they were ill? Or maybe one or two were ill and when the other mothers, or parents, saw Jesus touching these children and making them whole, they thought it would be a good idea if Jesus touched their children as well. Then they would be sure that their children also were blessed. I would have done that if I had been there with my children, I am sure.

We do not know exactly why the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. Maybe Jesus was very tired or they thought that Jesus had a tough enough time dealing with the needs of all the adults, without having to bother with the small children.

What we do know is that Jesus made it very clear that the children were welcome and that He held them in high regard. In fact, this seems to be one of the few incidents we know of where He was displeased with his disciples!

               "But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little
                children come to Me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.
                Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little
                child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands
                on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14-16.

They were indeed blessed.

The birth of a child should always be a joyful and exciting event.

How can we, in this day and age, 'bring our children to Jesus'?

By lovingly teaching them about Jesus and His love for them from an early age. Praying for them; kneeling and praying with them. Teaching them to speak directly to the Master, to take their cares to Him, to have a living relationship with Him, to wait to hear His voice. Making sure they understand just how precious they are in the sight of God. Loving them unconditionally. Allowing them to experience our love for God and one another.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to know your attitude towards our children. Thank You for loving all children, no matter what colour, culture or nationality, and for blessing our children and making them whole.

WHAT DO WE CLING TO?

Whilst I was still living and working in Durban, I had reason to travel to Cape Town to attend a conference. It was a demanding time, meetings and concentration all day, eating too much (having three full meals a day) and having no exercise.

We were staying in a hotel on the foreshore. One evening after we had all parted company I decided to take a walk to the city center to window shop. Traffic was still quite heavy, especially at the traffic circle at which I intended to cross the boulevard. People were coming to town for an evening's entertainment or leaving the city after work. It took a few minutes before I could even try to cross the road safely. In the meantime, a very strong southeastern wind had come up and was blowing fiercely. Standing on the side of the road waiting to cross I held on to the lamppost, and memories of yesteryears when I was a young girl and used to live and work in Cape Town were evoked. I suddenly recalled similar situations back then, when the wind would literally blow you into the street if you did not hold fast onto something. The corner between the main Post Office and the then OK Bazaars, where the flower sellers used to sell their beautiful flowers was a spot especially known for this to happen. In those days we wore many petticoats under very wide skirts, with high stiletto heels and many an embarrassed young lady ended up sitting on the pavement holding down her dress and petticoats at that corner. In later years, the Cape Town City Council erected railings along the pavement at that spot.

Waiting to cross the street and thinking back to my own experiences at that specific corner, I giggled softly. On reaching the other side of the road, fighting my way against the wind and having almost been blown right back into the street, I helplessly grabbed hold of the nearest lamppost again and clung for life. In the process of crossing the street, the wind actually blew one of my dangling earrings right off my ear and onto the street, where a car drove over it with disastrous results - I had truly forgotten what the Cape Doctor (as the South Easter is called) was capable of! The speed of the wind had reached almost gale proportions. Leaves and pieces of paper, cardboard and other debris were being carried in swirls and circles ever higher by the raucous wind and flying through the air. Empty soft drink cans were being blown clanging as they went.

Life can also be like that.

Without warning one may suddenly find yourself in the midst of a storm of life destroying magnitude. You may find yourself facing tremendous perils in a storm that seems capable of sweeping you off your feet and totally out of control. Unforeseen circumstances may have you gasping for breath, in physical or emotional pain or longing that seems just too much to bear.

In times like these, we need 'a lamppost' to grab hold of, to hold onto for dear life until the storm subsides.

We have such a post! The cross of Calvary!

It does not matter how bad the situation may be; how dire the straits may seem; how difficult the road to cross; or the burden to bear; how strong the winds of conflict may rage in our souls - the victory wrought on the cross cannot be denied.

Do not take notice of the debris flying and swirling around you. Never mind if your ears are assaulted by the sound of the tempter's raging voice; never mind if things precious to you are being trampled on and destoyed underfoot - fix your will on the Cross and cling; if that's all you can manage, just cling.

He persevered to the bitterest end - He was of God and man forsaken - so that we may have a Post to cling to.

Cling to it with all your might. Even as you experience the loss of a love, friends and/or family and/or health, cling to the cross. Do not let go. Hold fast until the end. He is and will be with you always.

           "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man
            be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
            For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever
            believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His
            Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be
            saved." John 3: 14-17

When Jesus' disciples were in the boat on the sea of Galilee, and the wind was raging, we find Him walking on the water towards them:

             "But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was
              contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
             And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a
             ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be
             of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!"

It was in the dark of night. They were in the middle of the sea being tossed by the waves; the wind was howling - so many perils surrounding them - they were in fear of their lives, yet in the midst of all this: we find Jesus there!

In another storm we find the disciples in fear of their lives with Jesus sleeping in the boat with them.

He knew that they would be safe; otherwise He would surely have stilled the storm. But they did not know that and in their fear, they woke Him and asked:

              "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4: 38

Jesus then stills the storm, and rebukes them for not having faith even though He was in the boat with them.

Do not let Him have to rebuke you - hold onto your faith - even if it may seem to you that God is unaware or unconcerned about your plight. He is in the boat with you.

Thank You, Lord, that we may cling to the cross of Calvary in every tempest or storm that may beset us. Thank you that even in the midst of the storm, You are with us and your arm has not become too short or too tired to still the storm and to help us from the waves when in weakness our faith may falter.

Thank You that the victory that was gained on the Cross of Calvary was also for me in my peculiar circumstances.

I HAVE RUN THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH

The older I get, the more I understand and appreciate the power and victory in Paul's declaration of faith found in 2 Tim. 4:7 :

              "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

I confess to experiencing difficulty keeping the faith and running the race at certain times in my life. When things don't seem to want to fall in line, according to plan or purpose or desire, or I experience a tribulation that is particularly hard to bear, or an unexpected hurdle suddenly looms on the way - when I try to live to His glory and be everything that God would want from me and yet, and yet, for some reason the attacks seem to fly from all directions... then it is sometimes tempting to think of giving up the struggle, of slowing down on the course, of just sighing: "I give up..." But then, thank God, the next minute, or hour, or day, I find new strength to carry on...and I know that He carried me through the difficult phase... again.

Do you have similar thoughts at times?

Maybe you were sexually molested as a child; maybe physically and/or emotionally abused by a parent or a spouse...

Maybe you were raped and maybe you even contracted HIV as a consequence! Maybe you fell pregnant as a result of the rape and had an abortion, or gave birth to an HIV positive baby.

Maybe you were robbed.

Perhaps your house was broken into; maybe you were hijacked and lost your car. Maybe you were involved in a car accident and your car was written off - maybe your car was not even insured.

Perhaps you failed an important examination and as a result your plans for the future had to be shelved, or amended, or postponed. Perhaps you did not have the finances to complete your studies and pursue your dreams...

Perhaps you have known the disappointment of not being good enough to be chosen for the National Football team... or for the Springboks...

Maybe the love of your life found someone new and left you with a broken heart. Maybe your loved one died just before your wedding day, or worse, on your wedding day...

Maybe you fell in love or developed nurturing feeling for somebody already married which you found difficult to fight and overcome.

Maybe your health is poorly. Maybe you were involved in a freak accident and as a result lost a limb, or the use of your limbs; maybe you are now paralyzed - confined to a wheelchair or your bed.

Perhaps you have suffered rejection and have felt unwanted and unloved all your life; maybe because of a physical handicap.

Maybe you are struggling to overcome an alcohol or drug addiciton.

Maybe your marriage has ended in the divorce court.
Maybe your husband passed away.
Maybe you are a single parent trying to raise your children and hold down a fulltime job at the same time.

Maybe you have to watch a loved one suffer from a terminal disease.
Maybe one or more of your children have passed away.
Maybe you were unable to have any children...

Maybe your house burnt down with all your worldly possessions and precious memoirs of life in it.

Maybe you suffer financial constraints and have to make do with the barest necessities of life.

Any one or more of the above could happen to any one person! I have certainly experienced at least some of the above trials and tribulations myself. There are very few people who can say their lives have been disaster free experiences.

The apostle Paul did not utter the quoted words lightly. Running the race did not come easy even to him. Let us have a look at some of the trials in his life:

             "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was
              beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and
              a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of
              robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the
              city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
              in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often.
              In cold and nakedness - besides the other things, what comes upon me daily, my
              deep concern for all the churches... In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the
              king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest
              me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped
              from his hands." 2 Cor. 11:22-28,32

Now disasters may befall us while we are living our everyday lives, but they happened to Paul whilst he was travelling and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Ironically, when Paul was actively persecuting the early Christians, none of these perils befell him. No, he was revered and honoured as a righteous man of the church, a Pharisee!

Yet, Paul was not discouraged:

             "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?
              Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the
              prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but
              we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: Not with uncertainty. Thus
              I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into
              subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become
              unqualified." 1 Cor. 9:24-27

              "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
               let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us
               run with endurance the race that is set before us." Heb. 12:1

               "...saying that chain and tribulations await me, but none of these things move me,
               nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and
               the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the
               grace of God." Acts 20:24

               "...Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do,
                forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things
               which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
               in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:12-14

Jesus talks to his disciples about the end times and the tribulations that they may expect, and says the following:

               "But hold fast what you have till I come. To him who overcomes, and keeps my
                words until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. He shall rule them
                with a rod of iron. They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels."
                Rev. 2:25

                "Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the
                hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on
                the earth." Rev. 4:10

Because we are mere mortals, our thoughts and efforts are mostly concerned with this life, often avoiding or disregarding thoughts of eternity. Recently, recalling a particularly trying tribulation experienced quite early in my lifetime, I pondered what God could possibly still have in store for me during this life that would require my having had to learn from that particular experience. In my spirit I heard the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit asking: "Do you think you are being prepared for life this side of the grave only?"

Let us take courage from the Word. God knows, understands, loves and cares for us. He will see us through. He sees your struggles, the attacks launched against you... Let us persevere, run the race, keep the faith:

               "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens,
                Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High
                Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted
                as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that
                we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:14-15

Herein, perhaps, lies part of the answer why we have to experience these trials:

                "...and find grace to help in time of need."

Maybe we can be of comfort or help to someone going through a similar tribulation? Be a friend to the friendless, be a companion to the lonely...

Thank You, Lord, that it does not matter what we are experiencing, who or whatever may be the cause and for whatever reason. Thank You that we may come boldly to you for help in time of need, during perils and tribulations, knowing that You understand and see our hearts and minds and sympathize with and intercede and fight the battle on our behalf.

Thank You for the many promises to those who persevere and complete the race on the track mapped out for us.