[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 06/March/2022]
Do you remember the song, “He gives beauty from ashes”? Isaiah 61 v 3. How true this verse is when we hear about the war in Ukraine and various other atrocities around the world. The Bible says while the earth remains there will be seed time and harvest Genesis 8 verse 22.
All this seems so glib to write about when such terrible things are happening in the world, but God, Our Father is full of encouragement even in the bleakest of situations and will give us new hope. I only have to look out of our window and our garden is producing new shoots of spring flowers. Walking through the woods the same thing is happening.
To hear stories of how people are encouraging each other is amazing and gives new hope to a weary world. So at this time what can we do, as Christians, to encourage each other? Speaking hope and love in difficult circumstances and do whatever needs doing within our capability is key to a healthy community.
I remember listening to Richard Wurmbrand when I was at Bible College in Dallas Texas, he was a Romanian, Lutheran Pastor who was persecuted for his faith. While he was in prison a man was sentenced to death and on his way to be killed he gave his shoes to another prisoner so the other man could walk comfortably.
Show us Lord how to be a blessing where we are in our day and in our time.
Every blessing,
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Contributed by Chris Ginter; © the Author
