Wednesday, October 26, 2005

We've come a long long way together...

Went home for a couple of days, and was wandering round different places that bring back memories. I think most of those memories are from 2001, the year I became seriously ill. It seems like another world now, but then I was housebound, struggling to survive, completely reliant on the doc at the hospital, scared about everything, completely hopeless. I've not known anything that horrific since, and I'm so thankful to God for that.

Going back made me see how far I've come since then. I still bear the scars, and so do my family, and my church, and friendships from that period. But to see how much God has brought me through, showed me Himself, and truly taught me that His power is made perfect in weakness - that's just mindblowing.

And yet I forget so soon! Lord, help me to always remember the valleys you've taken me through, so I will never cease to praise your faithfulness.

Friday, October 07, 2005

The source of my security...

What makes me content, gives me peace? "Christ, of course", is my response. But I've realised that in the past few weeks, I started to get my security from my job. Sad, I know, but having a regular, stable, paid job (contrast with relay in all of these things!!!), made me comfortable. And that has taken precidence over Jesus. I was really challenged about this on Sunday, God showed me that I've grown to love having a regular job, as if that is what gives me security. So much so that I was afraid I'd lose my job for sharing the gospel with a colleague who didn't like it the other week. I was actually scared that I'd be sacked, because then I'd lose my security. (I know, ridiculous). Praise God He is so patient, and rebuked me thru the preaching on Sunday.

My security does NOT come from a regular job with regular hours and regular pay, as much as those things appeal to me. My security comes from the LORD, the creator and sustainer of the universe, the one who loved me enough to send His Son to die for me, so I could have relationship with Him. He is the one who holds my future in His hands, who has planned out my life and ordered it all. So why do I fear losing my job? God is sovereign, and will do what is right and good. So whether I have a job or not, I am safe in Him.

I've memorised that verse in Colossians, "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him". My job is part of my service to Him. It is not a comfort blanket that I can take solace from!!