Jehoveh Jireh – Provider. A Testimony.

Where does provision begin and do we always recognize when God is at work? Do we acknowledge our full dependence on Him – without reservation? Without hypocrisy? Without instructions? Do we genuinely give Him free reign over our lives saying “Not our will but Your will be done”? My special Psalm reminds us: I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor (wo)man called, and the Lord heard; He saved her out of all her troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:4-8 I have recently been given assurance of this – again! Christmas into New Year kept us occupied, and with family all far away, so no chance of fellowship with them, we helped out by house sitting for friends who went away to enjoy their holiday in peace. And indeed, Christmas in the sun on the beautiful beaches of South Africa, is an unforgettable experience, so with their family from the cold UK visiting, they relaxed – and so did we. The day after the house-sit was completed I received news that my sister was critically ill. The following day it was decided that I must make the trip to England which was speedily arranged by a miracle utilized by our travel agent. Another miracle made it possible for my brother to meet me at Humberside Airport, thus enabling us to get to the hospital where our sister was coupled up to miraculous machinery enabling her to breathe, and her heart to beat, although she was practically comatose. A phone call from the hospital the following morning pushed us into an immediate return to the hospital, an hour’s drive away. After seeing June, so helpless, so feeble and pitiable, we were called into a meeting with the doctor in charge, who informed us that there was nothing more they could do. We gave our permission for the machinery to be uncoupled and we sat with June until she passed into the Presence of the Lord. Knowing that she had confessed a faith in Jesus Christ gave strength and comfort in the understanding that now she is whole, no longer blind, crippled or disabled in any way. The Lord’s provision did not stop there, for within a week we were able to register June’s death, and arrange a Memorial Service at the Leonard Cheshire Home, Godfrey Robinson House, in Ferriby, where she has lived for the past 28 years. That after being told that such things were impossible to do so quickly. The service was led by an Evangelical Minister who knew June at the Home, but who had been hospitalized overnight for observation regarding a heart problem. Would he be able to conduct the service, or would we have to call someone who had not been so involved in the Home? Once more, the Lord provided! Everyone who had known and loved June was present at the service, something that would not have happened if it had been held elsewhere, and the Gospel message was proclaimed again – Jesus saves! In the grief of loss the peace of God prevailed, that peace that passes all understanding, and brings with it praise and joy in the awareness that God is in control. Meanwhile, snow had begun to fall, hampering first our arrangements, which were eventually enabled, but then my return to South Africa. My flight was cancelled! I was rebooked, but cancelled again! Another booking was made and another cancellation followed. What was happening? Sometimes it is hard to let go, and let God. But it is the only way! And I was being watched! One comment grabbed my attention. “How can you be so calm? If it was me, I would be spitting feathers!” “The Lord is in control. His time is right!” There followed a taxi ride across England, paid for by the Airline. A flight back across England to Heathrow,- in Business class! Then Heathrow to Johannesburg, - again in Business class, so I could stretch in extra space and enjoy a better sleep than I would have, before, although missing a connection, being assisted with yet another replacement booking to bring me to Durban, where I was greeted by an exultant husband and son who had been granted five hours of “peaceful” waiting for the announcement that at last I was home! Be encouraged precious reader! And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Tribute to a beloved sister.

How does one pay tribute to a much loved sister whose living in this world has taught many lessons and whose departure to live in heaven leaves many precious memories. I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Ps 34:4 I was afraid I would not get to see June in time. I was afraid to ask the Lord, believing I had received, in case it was not His will. I didn’t want June to suffer, but I wanted her to be reassured of my love, and that Jesus loves her. It was difficult to get a flight to be with her, yet the Lord had gone before in providing a way and the means. I fail to understand how anyone can doubt the Lord’s awareness of our needs and His willingness to meet them. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. V18. My sister in law is battling through secondary cancer with the added problem of multiple sclerosis. She does not have the peace of understanding the Lord’s love and providence, though she is seeking. She is heartbroken about June’s death, yet striving to understand how I can rejoice in knowledge that June is with Jesus, and now talking and walking, singing and dancing, in heaven. What June did not have in life here, she has in abundance in life there! No, it’s not pie in the sky when we die, it’s simple truth. Thanks to a special friend, also disabled, June confessed a love and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we read in 1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God … and from verse 13 on, I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him. I testify to this, for the years of prayer throughout my sister’s life, have brought her into the Presence of God. Take heart, my readers, and may this be your hope and assurance also. Brothers [and sisters], we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep [died] in Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15.

Giving up or Giving in!

Many of us I am sure have looked at Philippians 3:14 at the beginning of this new year, and decided to follow the lead given by Paul. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in christ Jesus. God's Word. Yet, if I look back, I see God's provision, so when I look forward I can trust that he will continue to provide. Therefore I run with confidence into an unknown future, knowing that I am not alone. I would love to see round the corner and have an idea of what awaits for I know that the changes will be monumental, but where would my trust be if I knew every detail? How would my faith be fed if I could see a preview of the future? I have to follow Paul's further instruction, and be Joyful. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything, but in every situation let God know what I need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard my thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7) No, I can't consider myself a winner yet, but I am surely going to keep on keeping on - in His grace.

Jeremiah 29:13 Seek, my brother! Seek!

My brother has called his autobiography “Everything in my Favour is Against Me" which is derived from a favourite saying of our father. While I smile at the many family stories he has to tell and the twists of fate that have brought his many challenges into focus, he asks, “Where is God in what is happening to us now?” I count it as nothing peculiar when setbacks occur because I know 1 Peter 4:12, and I can say “No weapon that’s fashioned against me will stand. The battle belongs to the Lord.” Though this is a concept that is foreign to him it is my comfort and encouragement every step and stumble along the way. In February this year we felt the Lord’s assurance that the time to visit family was now, but in March contrary happenings caused changes of plans, though the basic plan for travel was not in doubt. God does not change His mind! Health issues on various fronts brought the question, “Are we really intended to go?” and always an inner peace held panic at bay. God has shown His goodness and mercy, but has yet to reveal His plan of action regarding my family and their Spiritual health, which is of critical importance together with their physical well-being. Another promise is that it is not His will that any should be lost, and answered prayer with regard to another confirmed His finished work. What a privilege to be in prayer, to know to whom we pray and that when we have called before, He has answered. Jehoveh Jirer, is indeed our provider. And now, having directed our steps so far, we wait His guidance for the next steps in faith . He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper, not to harm, plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Running With Perseverance.

With strep throat and a hubby completely off balance, wandering like a drunk, even with his walking stick, our travels got off to an interesting start. Having asked for assistance we were grateful for every step when someone else was there to ferry us about the airports. It certainly made it easy to recognise the Lord’s provision in a myriad different ways. What a relief to finally reach our destination, after almost 30 hours of travel. Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, gave the perseverance that was needed to complete the journey. An added bonus was the opportunity to share with co-travellers the fact that we served the God who is able to meet our every need. Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9 I am so grateful that we never travel alone when we have asked Him into our hearts and lives. His promise to never leave is nor forsake us is so evident in times like these.

THE LIVING WORD

The reason I know the Bible is alive is not just because it tells me so, (Hebrews 4:10 & 2 Timothy 3:16) but because it proves itself, and challenges in a living way. On the verge of starting our travels, and still with many uncertainties ahead, although I have been a little stressed about the ‘doings’ that are necessary before a trip, I have had peace about the actual ‘beings’ – where we will be, how we will get there, who we will be with, etc. So I started to feel guilty! Was I placing too much reliance on God’s provision and taking Him for granted? Should I have considered a Plan B? Or even a distinct Plan A? Was I really trusting, or being a hypocrite in hope? Then my morning reading from Daily Light brought me back to reality. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Indeed, His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 So satan had his try, but I am back standing on the promises of God my Saviour. And I have asked Him for a chance each day to share my faith, and tell what God has done.