Last Thursday, the American team who were supposed to
lead our evening meeting, had to return home. Their Mission Board recommended
this action, as a sensible response to the Coronovirus pandemic, so that they
wouldn’t become stranded in the UK, if the travel restrictions were extended.
We were sad, because we were looking forward to their ministry among us. But, as it was then too late to cancel our meeting, we went ahead. I am glad we did. Although, humanly speaking, we did not have a lot of time to prepare, we were able to worship God, led by Rebecca and Allan, where we experienced a powerful anointing of his Holy Spirit. People really entered into the felt presence of the Lord, with many visibly moved.
We were sad, because we were looking forward to their ministry among us. But, as it was then too late to cancel our meeting, we went ahead. I am glad we did. Although, humanly speaking, we did not have a lot of time to prepare, we were able to worship God, led by Rebecca and Allan, where we experienced a powerful anointing of his Holy Spirit. People really entered into the felt presence of the Lord, with many visibly moved.
Then I was able to share a Word from Psalm 142, a plea
for help from God, by David, when he was in the cave (1 Sa. 22.1). Wherever we
are in our lives, personally or politically, we can go to God for deliverance
and refuge. Our new Youth, Student and Young Adult worker, Rochelle, sang one
of her own compositions (if you remember Tracy Chapman, Rochelle sounds
uncannily like her!), which gave us space to reflect and ponder the message.
Following that, several people came forward to ask for prayer. Sue and I were able to pray for them. It was a great time of ministry, with many individuals touched by his Spirit. For us two, it also felt like a new season of blessing, as we ministered together – is the Lord bringing us into a way of serving together, as a couple?
Why do I mention this? Because, in times of crisis, God’s people have a source of comfort and strength, in our Saviour, which carries us through. While, from a human point of view, there may be much uncertainty, we know that God is sovereign. He knows the future from the beginning. He has purposes beyond our understanding, beyond the government’s understanding. He works all things for good, for those who love him and know whay they are called (Ro. 8.28).
With international travel bans, with the economy in crisis, our whole global civilisation is in crisis. The foundations upon which we have built this edifice are now proved to be unstable. But he has foretold that, in times of shaking, it will reveal what and who is built on the solid rock (He. 12.26-28). So, our response must always be to praise him and exalt his name.
The situation also loosens confidence in merely human plans. Yesterday, I was given an opportunity to share the faith with a woman serving in a café in Kings Cross. She shared her personal problems, and her worry over the virus. I promised to pray for her. God will give many of us openings to express our confidence in him over the coming weeks and months. Let us be open to these possibilities. For we have been given the Word of Life to share.
Following that, several people came forward to ask for prayer. Sue and I were able to pray for them. It was a great time of ministry, with many individuals touched by his Spirit. For us two, it also felt like a new season of blessing, as we ministered together – is the Lord bringing us into a way of serving together, as a couple?
Why do I mention this? Because, in times of crisis, God’s people have a source of comfort and strength, in our Saviour, which carries us through. While, from a human point of view, there may be much uncertainty, we know that God is sovereign. He knows the future from the beginning. He has purposes beyond our understanding, beyond the government’s understanding. He works all things for good, for those who love him and know whay they are called (Ro. 8.28).
With international travel bans, with the economy in crisis, our whole global civilisation is in crisis. The foundations upon which we have built this edifice are now proved to be unstable. But he has foretold that, in times of shaking, it will reveal what and who is built on the solid rock (He. 12.26-28). So, our response must always be to praise him and exalt his name.
The situation also loosens confidence in merely human plans. Yesterday, I was given an opportunity to share the faith with a woman serving in a café in Kings Cross. She shared her personal problems, and her worry over the virus. I promised to pray for her. God will give many of us openings to express our confidence in him over the coming weeks and months. Let us be open to these possibilities. For we have been given the Word of Life to share.
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