But then God...

I had a terrific opportunity to connect with a friend in the UK via Facebook chat this morning. The conversation surrounding what we are doing now, work, where we are living and family, leads me to remember the faithfulness of God.

I think of our (Jenny & I) children  and realise how wonderfully blessed we are. That blessing reflects the graciousness and faithfulness of God. I have always wanted that they are solid in their own faith, have good partners (Christian) in their lives and enjoying life (happy & fulfilled). 

Well, both our girls are married and their partners in life are great guys. They are loved, have fulfilling jobs and are very happy. They enjoy life and family and friends over anything else.

Our son has had a challenging time the past month or two. For him it was like the whole world was collapsing around him, all that he loved and hoped for. It is hard when you just want to say it will be ok and embrace them and care for them in your home. Easier said than done from a distance and when you are living in trust and in hope. You commit it all, commit them all in prayer to God, again, trusting, hoping and believing. Time tests you, makes you wonder, allows room for some doubt, wondering...

But then God...  back to the beginning, faithful always. Prayers answered. A house with some mates to share with. Some good final gig's for a couple of bands he has been in. A tour to commence in three states this coming week. God IS good! 

Not detracting from the faithfulness of God, I am grateful for the faithful people (some of you) who have been prayer warriors alongside us. Those willing to remember our children before the Lord and pray - 'thank you!'

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness - always! Keep our children/families close to Your heart, protecting, comforting, caring and empowering them for ministry and life - thank you!

Obedience ...

Here's a wonderful tribute to a tribe of people (the Recabites) who's stand out compliment is to do with their willingness to be faithful through obedience. They were known for the fact that they were instructed to "not drink wine, not to plant vines or build houses or plant crops, rather to merely live in tents." In so doing they were promised "If you follow these commands you will live long, good lives in the land." So what do you think they did? "So they obeyed in all these things."

It is interesting to find the amount of times that people start well, but fall away in the ensuing months or years. But here are a people commended for sticking to the command that had been directed to them. More than this, they are actually used here as an example for the Israel (as Jeremiah is to address both Judah and Jerusalem to "come learn a lesson about how to obey Me ..."

Have a look through the Scripture passage:  Jeremiah 35: 1-19

The lesson for us today is that firstly, we clearly discern (understand, hear, interpret) the message of instruction that God has for us today and the days ahead. Secondly that we ensure that we act upon the instruction as it is declared to us, in faithfulness and obedience. 

Here is a way that we might be an example of others to learn and also become true followers of the living God.