Pastor's Message - August 2008
With the summer holidays in full swing, it is comforting to remember that God does not go away on holiday. He will never, fail us (leave us in some versions) or forsake us, is His promise in Deuteronomy 31 v 6. When we get the opportunity, we often, rightly use the summer as a time to recoup our energies from a busy and stressful lifestyle. All too often, however, we also relax in our walk with God, as holiday activities take over and we indulge ourselves in some treats that are not possible at other times of the year. This can then leave room for the enemy of our souls, who also does not go on holiday, but is always prowling around seeking whom he may devour, to wreak havoc in our lives, leaving us weak and discouraged and feeling in need of another holiday. It can take months to recover.
As a few of us have been praying for the UK recently, we have felt an urgent need for Chris tians to press through to see the breakthroughs that God wants for His people. This is definitely not a time to take our eyes off of God, but rather to keep alert and urgent in our prayers and our personal relationship with The Lord. Even as we give rest to our bodies during a God given and well earned rest and enjoy our times together with our friends and families, let us also take the opportunities (as we often promise ourselves that we will) to draw close to God and receive the strength that we need to help us in our times of need (Heb 4 v 16).
We sometimes feel that life has been too hard and we are disappointed that expected blessings and breakthroughs have not materialised. It is easy to want to escape, if only for a brief period, the pressures and hardships of modern life. The Olympic games, which are now upon us, can illustrate a biblical truth to help us. Athletes train for many years in order to compete in their chosen sport. Their training is often painful and arduous but, as they persevere, they build a fitness, strength and competency which gives them hope that they may win a medal. The apostle Paul in Romans chapter 5 says that, as we persevere in our faith, even through trials and tribulations, it builds and proves our Chris tian character.
That then leads to hope of victory in our lives and that sort of hope will never disappoint us, because, unlike the Olympic hopeful, Jesus has already won the victory when He died on the cross for us and rose again to be seated in heaven, with all things in subjection to Him and with us, as believers, seated with Him.
That is why we need to persevere, press on and not give up the hope, which is an anchor to our souls (Heb 6 v 19).
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