What image does the phrase: “God is in control” conjure up for you? Some of us hear it so often we don’t pause to reflect on the implication anymore. I’ve used that phrase on many occasions, and often flippantly. But recently, I had reason to pause and think about what it meant in my situation. …
One of the most frustrating experiences for believers is unanswered prayer. I’ve had numerous conversations with sincere Christians who’ve had to deal with unexpected silence from heaven. At times, it’s gut-wrenching, but I’ve learnt over the years that God doesn’t need me to manage His PR. I’ve also found myself wrestling with God’s silence. Yet …
“There are two dates on a tombstone; the date the deceased was born and the date he or she died, and in between those dates is a dash. That dash is a summation of a life”. I recently stumbled on those words from a sage preacher who died several years ago, and they have been …
The Bible says: “God has given us all we need for life and godliness” [2 Peter 1:3]. I emphasise all because God doesn’t exaggerate. Pause and think about that for a minute; as children of God, we have all we need to live an abundant life that also pleases God. I remember listening to a …
I noticed something curious with my kids recently. We may have just finished talking about the fact that Jesus wants us to be generous towards others. Then, almost immediately afterwards, they are squabbling because one refuses to share a packet of sweets with the other. What I find even more amusing is the response I …
The Bible often charges Christians to wait patiently for the Lord [e.g. Lamentations 3:26]. The Hebrew word translated patiently in many Bible translations suggests enduring patience in the person waiting that is also silent or quiet. Take the context of the verse above as an example. The author is lamenting the destruction of his beloved …
Four times the Bible says: “…the just shall live by (his) faith” [Habakkuk 2:4], and elsewhere, it also says: “…for we (believers, or the just) walk by faith, and not by sight” [2 Corinthians 5:7]. These are just some of the many verses in Scripture emphasising the truth that faith is an essential virtue in …
Hang around Christians long enough, and some well-meaning person is going to tell you to “just have faith” when you’re in a quandary. Is it just me, or are there others who find that a little vague? Faith in what? That what I want to happen will happen? I know we’re meant to walk by …
I’ve been thinking of the lyrics of Be Magnified recently. The song begins with the lines: “I have made You too small in my eyes, o Lord, forgive me. I have believed in a lie, that You were unable to help me. But now, o Lord, I see my wrong”. I find those words convicting …
I don’t know anyone who likes waiting, especially when they don’t know how long they will be waiting for. Many of us are naturally impatient – a problem exacerbated by a culture that often promotes instant gratification. For many Christians, waiting for God is often the most challenging part of the Christian walk. I struggle …
