Letter from Jon, September 2019 

 Dear Church Family
 
Last Sunday I preached the first sermon in a new short series on the book of Joshua, as we prepare to ‘take ground’ and move into Liberty Centre.  The title of that message was “Be Strong and Courageous”, a phrase that comes up again and again as Joshua prepares to take the people of God across the River Jordan and into the Promised Land. These words are spoken by Moses to the people and to Joshua before Moses dies.  They are spoken by the Lord to Joshua, by the people to Joshua and by Joshua to the people.  There is a clear encouragement, indeed command, to be strong and courageous.  Fiona and I find ourselves in a season of life at the moment with a number of challenges, not least caring for ageing parents (indeed I am writing this letter from my parents’ house where Fiona and I are helping out).  I know that many are in that same season.  These words seem particularly relevant as we face the challenges of life, but if we are not careful they can feel a bit like somebody telling you to ‘cheer up’ when the last thing you feel is ‘cheery’. 
 
For these words to mean something they need to have something substantial to back them up.  There needs to be answers to our questions: ‘Where on earth does this strength and courage come from?’  ‘Why even should I be strong and courageous?’   The answer to the first question is as much about heaven as it is about earth.  This command to be strong and courageous is accompanied each time by the truth that the Lord himself, the Lord of heaven and earth, is with us.  It is a call to trust in God’s love, power and faithfulness that is there with us in every season and circumstance of life.  It is a call to confess our weakness, lay down our own resources and trust in our God to deliver us. 
 
But just like the people of God moving into the promised land, although they faced rivers to cross, cities to conquer, battles to fight, they did it because God had promised them something great; a land flowing with milk and honey.  I believe that whatever challenge we face, we should expect God’s provision and blessing in our lives. Our new home will be a place of great richness and joy as we trust in and follow our God.  Our lives, although often beset by trials and tests, are lived out in the expectation of God’s goodness and blessing.
 
This is a significant time of taking ground, and I am grateful that I do not ever have to face life’s challenges on my own.  I am constantly grateful for the love and support we receive as part of the Liberty family, and grateful that we move into this new season of life together. I know that our God is with us and that his command to be strong and courageous is a command backed up by the presence and power of our God and the faithful expectation of God’s goodness and blessing.
 
Much love and blessing
 
Jon
 
 
Jon Farrimond
Lead Pastor