Listen:
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 14:68-69)
Reflect:
“Lord, to whom shall we go?”
There is no one else.
A few years ago, I was hearing from God regularly and encouraging others to do the same. ‘Everyone can hear from God’ was my strap line!
It was not all joy, life had its difficulties, but hearing from God got me through.
Then, when I faced rejection and personal attack, others sent me verses and words of encouragement. I journeyed with loving friends and knew God was with me.
Until I came to a place where it was as if I was in a room with no light.
“I can’t do this Lord. I can’t be a Christian, it’s too hard.” I said.
For those weeks I was held by the trellis of my life—attend church, meet for prayer, read the Bible, listen to Lectio 365, pray with my husband. The darkness gradually receded as I enjoyed making new friends, time with family and other good things. But spiritually I was still in the wilderness.
And so I prayed this verse. I heard an answer.
“Say yes to what you are asked to do.”
I was given LSM UK to care for and writing for my church. Sometimes it was hard work. Where were the warm fuzzy feelings, the words from God, the ‘blessed assurance’? Yet I had concrete evidence of God keeping me and enabling me to fulfil the tasks he gave me.
I continue to travel in the wilderness of my questions and doubts, yet it is watered by streams and springs where I find love, support, nourishment, and purpose. Carried at times by the prayers of others. I know that God’s faithful love and care do not depend on me.
Prayer of Response:
May I be like one of your first disciples Lord. Help me to wait and pray and worship as they did in that Upper Room. Come Holy Spirit. Take me on the adventure you have for me. I trust you.
Questions to ponder:
- How is your trellis? What habits do you need to cultivate to keep you following Jesus whatever the weather.
- How might you build stronger friendships?
—Submitted by Elaine Davis
A retired grandmother, life continues to be full of surprises. Journeying with this wonderful group. Discovering more about God’s ‘HESED’ for us. Keeping up with old friends, growing new ones. Supporting family. At present I feel like an Events Organiser. (Elaine front row, left with her Lifesprings UK team.)
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