play_arrow
Premier Christian Radio Your voice of hope!
Galatians 1:18 NLT
‘Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.’
It’s encouraging that Paul took himself off into the desert and then waited in Damascus for three years ahead of meeting the apostles in Jerusalem. A desert conjures up a series of images for me. I felt as if I was in a barren desert during the years I cared for Katey as she deteriorated with MS. It was barren emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. Yet, a desert is also the place of solitude and stillness where God speaks most clearly as he did with Jesus who wrestled with the devil following his baptism. So it is in the desert I both faced my greatest demons, while also learning to listen to God’s voice with greater clarity than I’d ever known before.
When Katey died, I was grief-stricken – at the same time relieved that Katey was now secure with the Lord and the weight of caring had been lifted from my shoulders. Until I became a carer I never conceived the physical and emotional tiredness it generated. It is also a bleak role, not because of Katey, but because each day saw further deterioration and there was nothing substantial to bring encouragement or hope. My heart goes out to all carers who enjoy my deepest respect, and should be feted by the Church.
Yet as time passed, my expectations that God would put me to work at once were unmet. I languished, in truth feeling wretched for I still measured my value by what I did and the affirmation that was attached to such activity. It was a mental nightmare, learning to accept that I was loved purely for who I was; a spiritual challenge – still is – to actually agree to remain dependent upon God to resource me.
It was six years before I was sufficiently quiet within and obedient (ie attentive) to God so that I was able to make my way in God’s call.
QUESTION: How well are you holding to God’s direction for your life?
PRAYER: Father, help me be patient when you put me in desert places, knowing you are preparing me according to your good plan.
Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham It seems like barely a minute goes by without the newspapers reporting a new fad diet, celeb cleansing craze or something similar. However, what about cleansing our soul?Pastor Jo Naughton popped in to speak to Inspirational Breakfast about her '30 Day Detox for Your Soul'. Toxic mindsets, influences and attitudes all have an impact on our our self-esteem and our relationship with God. How can […]
