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I'm an avid watcher of BBC's Countryfile on a Sunday evening. I particularly love the introduction and the view of the beautiful and varied landscapes of The British Isles. Since the beginning of lockdown, many people, ourselves included, will have had their holidays either cancelled or postponed or any plans scuppered because of the travel restrictions. This has invariably caused some disappointment or even frustration but, for those who may be able to eventually take a break, it has potentially opened up opportunities to make the most of our beautiful island.
If we use our imagination and take ourselves on a journey the length and breadth of the U.K. we will experience such incredible variety of scenery. Sometimes the view will be of a vast horizon across flat and smooth land, enabling us to see for miles. We may travel through undulating hills and valleys, green and airy with a sense of movement and freedom. Or perhaps find ourselves through mountain regions which for some seem awesome and majestic while for others the experience may seem oppressive and intimidating. There may be rugged terrain with rocks and ridges or tunnels when we can neither see daylight nor have any sense of what's ahead or even on either side and which seems to go on forever. We may also pass through industrial landscapes, brown and dusty, and although not particularly pretty, are nevertheless vital to our economy. At some point we will inevitably come to crossroads where a decision has to be made about the direction to take.
All these experiences can be related to the life of the Christian. We describe that life as a journey - it's known as The Way because it's our journey of faith with Jesus towards God. We know it isn't always smooth and predictable giving us a long distance view. Sometimes it is pleasantly undulating and varied enough to enjoy the freedom and flow of life. Other times life seems an uphill struggle and the mountains oppressive. At these times we do well to take note of a quote by John Osteen " We, as Christians, need to stop telling God how big our mountains are and start telling the mountains how big our God is".
When we're stuck in a tunnel and can't see where we are or the way ahead, we have to switch on God's light and allow him to illuminate the way. We may need to stop and get our bearings, rest and renew our strength to continue the journey and get clarity of direction.
How we respond to God's signposts along the road determines whether life is an adventure or a frustration, a blessing or a burden. When we're taken over steep and rugged paths we need to remember that the rocks and ridges are strengthening our spiritual muscles. We may be tested, have great upheaval and be even led to question our firmest beliefs but, like the changing scenery on our journey, these events have a purpose. They may bring new beginnings, cause us to examine our attitudes and behaviour and prompt us to develop faith and courage which, without the difficult times, we would never seek to do.
Some of the greatest challenges produce the greatest opportunities for our development, helping us to become more responsible for our feelings, reactions and responses to what life brings. God is not only alongside on the journey, but within us, so wherever we are and whatever we encounter, he is there.
Joshua chapter 1 verse 9. ' Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'.
If we use our imagination and take ourselves on a journey the length and breadth of the U.K. we will experience such incredible variety of scenery. Sometimes the view will be of a vast horizon across flat and smooth land, enabling us to see for miles. We may travel through undulating hills and valleys, green and airy with a sense of movement and freedom. Or perhaps find ourselves through mountain regions which for some seem awesome and majestic while for others the experience may seem oppressive and intimidating. There may be rugged terrain with rocks and ridges or tunnels when we can neither see daylight nor have any sense of what's ahead or even on either side and which seems to go on forever. We may also pass through industrial landscapes, brown and dusty, and although not particularly pretty, are nevertheless vital to our economy. At some point we will inevitably come to crossroads where a decision has to be made about the direction to take.
All these experiences can be related to the life of the Christian. We describe that life as a journey - it's known as The Way because it's our journey of faith with Jesus towards God. We know it isn't always smooth and predictable giving us a long distance view. Sometimes it is pleasantly undulating and varied enough to enjoy the freedom and flow of life. Other times life seems an uphill struggle and the mountains oppressive. At these times we do well to take note of a quote by John Osteen " We, as Christians, need to stop telling God how big our mountains are and start telling the mountains how big our God is".
When we're stuck in a tunnel and can't see where we are or the way ahead, we have to switch on God's light and allow him to illuminate the way. We may need to stop and get our bearings, rest and renew our strength to continue the journey and get clarity of direction.
How we respond to God's signposts along the road determines whether life is an adventure or a frustration, a blessing or a burden. When we're taken over steep and rugged paths we need to remember that the rocks and ridges are strengthening our spiritual muscles. We may be tested, have great upheaval and be even led to question our firmest beliefs but, like the changing scenery on our journey, these events have a purpose. They may bring new beginnings, cause us to examine our attitudes and behaviour and prompt us to develop faith and courage which, without the difficult times, we would never seek to do.
Some of the greatest challenges produce the greatest opportunities for our development, helping us to become more responsible for our feelings, reactions and responses to what life brings. God is not only alongside on the journey, but within us, so wherever we are and whatever we encounter, he is there.
Joshua chapter 1 verse 9. ' Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'.
Note: This series of 'Pause for Thought' started on Monday 4th May. To find these previous thoughts go to the Archive section of the website listed under the 'more.....' tab at the top of the page. On the 'Daily Pause for Thought' section of the website we will only keep 2 weeks of contributions before putting them into the Archive.
Can you help?
In this current situation when our church doors are closed to our normal activities but our work to support those in need continues, our normal source of funds (Sunday Tithes and Offerings) have reduced dramatically. We need your help, so that we continue to be ready to meet the ongoing needs of our community that will undoubtedly impact beyond this lock down period. If you are willing to help please visit our Just Giving Page to make a donation to this work. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bedfordsa