Dear Friends

 

Last Sunday (13 January) I preached a message which I believe sets a course for us as we move into 2013.  In the message I asked us what it was that we desired that seemed out of reach, humanly speaking.  What do we want or believe that God is calling us to take hold of that is beyond our resources?  What is it that if we were to take hold of it we would be able to say with faith and confidence that God had provided?

 

The message on Sunday drew to a close our series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians; a series which I, personally, have found to be encouraging, inspiring and deeply challenging. In the final verses Paul encourages the Philippians to put their trust in God, to know that God will not let them down, as he makes two great statements:

 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength”

Phil 4:13

 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”

Phil 4:19

 

Paul lived a life of trusting in God as he walked in humility and obedience, and his experience and expectation was that God would give him strength to face every situation.  That is the message he brought to his friends in Philippi as he encourage them to trust in God, and that is the message which I believe comes to us at the start of 2013.

 

As blind Bartimaeus stood in front of Jesus (Mark 10) he heard Jesus ask him “What is it you want me to do for you?”.  Bartimaeus was clear about what he wanted.  He had already run the risk of rebuke as he cried out to Jesus.  He had stood when Jesus called him and had left his place and his begging cloak behind and had walked forward to stand in front of Jesus.  He had already demonstrated faith and when Jesus asked him what he wanted he was clear: "I want to see".  He asked Jesus do to for him what he was unable to do himself.  He could not reach it himself but he trusted Jesus, and he was not disappointed.

 

What is it this year that you desire,  but seems out of reach?  What has God placed on your heart that you look towards but cannot see a way to reach?  How would you answer if Jesus asks you “What is it you want me to do for you?”  As a church together we are asking God to give us a new home which represents a significant faith step.  What is it that you want personally?  Perhaps it is healing, or financial provision, a new job or new direction,or perhaps it is restoration of a relationship, or salvation for someone you love, perhaps it is for strength and courage.  Whatever it is I encourage you to write it down and to bring it before God and let us believe together this year that our God will meet all our needs.

 

Love and Great Blessing

 

 

Jon