Out On a Limb

I grew up in a small mill village, which some might today regard as an idyllic childhood. We were free to roam in complete safety in the streets, vast parkland and surrounding countryside and get up to all sorts of tricks. My mother used to tell people that I was ‘such a good boy!’ Little did she know!

One day we were playing on the outskirts of the village. In the middle of the field we discovered a scruffy apple tree and there on a high branch was just one apple. I was dared to climb up and get it and not to be outdone I started to clamber up, cheered on by my friends. It was higher than I thought and felt a bit unnerved as I gingerly wrapped my legs around the branch. I really felt out on a limb as I inched my way along the bough, which was beginning to bend. Just then the farmer appeared, striding across the field. He looked angry! The other boys ran off, but I had my eye on that apple. Just as I grabbed it the branch broke and I fell to the ground on my stomach, winding myself. The farmer was fast approaching, so I ran off, but forgot the secret way across the boggy stream and was soon up to my knees, with the farmer standing on the edge, waving his stick. I extricated myself and made my way home wondering what my mother would say about the state of my shoes and socks.

I can look back now and see how significant that episode was. As a child I had a sense of adventure that somehow, over the responsibilities, trials and pressures of my adult years got dimmed. However God, in His infinite love and wisdom saw into my heart and wasn’t going to let it stay that way. He didn’t want me to stay in my ‘comfortable nest,’ so He allowed circumstances to come along to bump start me into ‘risky living!’ Whether it was trying to find my way through very trying circumstances or in stepping out on a project that was on my heart, I have often found myself out on a limb. It was fine at first, especially with friend’s encouragement, but as the going got tough that support tended to evaporate. I then felt all alone, going where I hadn’t been before - into the unknown. Holding onto that branch was scary, even frightening. I looked behind, but could see there was no going back. I looked down, but that made me feel panicky, so I fixed my gaze on that apple and somehow, in a way I don’t understand I finally had my hands on that fruit - and sometimes I didn’t!

I believe God wants us out on a limb, trusting in him. We may feel unsafe out on the ‘branch,’ but remember it is connected to the solid dependable tree of life. We may even fall, but we ‘fall up’ into His arms and in our journey we will have moved on, ready for the next time. He will never ever let us down.

Let’s go for that golden apple.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you;” New International Version

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Listen My People

Our French teacher at grammar (high) school loved her subject and her pupils. She was strict but we knew she had our interests at heart. Somehow we couldn’t help but catch her infectious enthusiasm. As she breezed into the classroom, gown flowing behind her, “Bonjour mes eleves,” we all stood and replied in unison, “Bonjour Mademoiselle Saul.”

She was dedicated to getting us all through the final examination and although she was very understanding and patient, she expected the same dedication from us. For example, she didn’t just want us to write the language, but wanted perfect pronunciation - not easy for our lazy English tongues. She made sure we were listening, “Ecoutez mes eleves,” and woe betide any student who persistently failed to pay attention for the full forty minutes. A brief display of calculated anger and an Order Mark or even worse, the dreaded Detention would come winging their way.

When the day of the exam finally dawned, I found I could draw upon much of what I had stored away from the lessons. And to our surprise and the delight of our French Mistress, we nearly all passed and had our certificates to prove it.

Does God have our full attention and do we really listen?

He has sacrificed His only Son, given us His Presence, His Word and made His Power available to us and put everything in place for us to receive a ‘certificate.’ It’s a done deal! What more do we want? So why, when things are going well, do we sometimes relegate God to second place in our lives? Or why when the going gets tough, do we complain and forget - Oh woe is me! - how He has led us and provided for us in the past?

Our answers of course are varied and personal. But it is just possible that we may hear something, that if acted upon, may change our lives for ever.

“Listen, my people, to my teaching, and pay attention to what I say.” Psalm 78 Good News Bible

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Pooh Sticks

One of the favourite places to take our grandchildren is their local wood, especially in autumn when it’s like a wonderland of falling golden leaves. A river runs through the middle. - well, it’s more like a fast-flowing stream at this stage - and is crossed by an old wooden bridge.

Last time we were there, we played Pooh sticks. As we each carefully chose a twig, I watched as our grandson clutched the heaviest stick he could find. Just like a boy! At the count of three we dropped them in the centre of the stream and raced to the other side of the bridge to see whose would emerge first. Then cheered them on as they were carried downstream, bobbing up and down in the ripples. I rejoiced as mine reached the bend first and disappeared into the wide blue yonder. But our grandson cried as his soggy branch lurched into the side and stuck in the reeds. Of course, we played this again, and again!

Are we in the River, God’s River of Blessing as described in Ezekiel 47? If we long to be in the River, we have to let go of all we are holding onto. We need to be empty handed. It’s no good hanging onto the edge of the bridge with our finger nails. We have to let go in complete surrender and abandonment. We may feel we are going to die - and in a way we do! - but we always land in Jesus’s arms and move along in the gentle current of His blessing.

Even if we hit turbulence or the river widens into deep threatening waters, despite our fears, we are still carried along in absolute safety and provision as we cling to Him. If for some reason we become waterlogged and drift into stagnant water, the way back is just the same. We give Him our heavy load and in surrender and trust we are once more back in the flow.

“He said to me, "Mortal man, note all this carefully." Then the man took me back to the riverbank - Wherever the stream flows - it will bring life.” Ezekiel 47:6-9 Good News Bible

I have quoted from these few verses, but really Ezekiel 47 needs to be read in its entirety

The image above is not 'our' bridge but the "Pooh Sticks Bridge, Ashdown Forest” © Copyright David Brooker and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence. Geograph Project, UK. which see.

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This is a Biggy!

As an engineer I had to adapt my basic engineering skills to various environments, such as power generation, road building, multi-story concrete structures and tunnelling etc.

This was especially so when I was employed in the water industry. In our regional water company there was a full mixture of disciplines, such as chemical, biological, electronic, electrical, mechanical - apart from my own civil and structural - some of which were foreign to me. Quite often I received a phone call in the middle of the night concerning an emergency situation and looking to me to put the matter right.

One one occasion, after driving to a large works wondering what I was going to find, I was met by an enthusiastic technician who liked a challenge. He was rubbing his hands exclaiming, ‘this is a biggy!’ By that he meant that it seemed risky and complicated, we hadn’t experienced it before and if the wrong decision was made the repercussions could be wide-reaching. In these circumstances, a colleague and I used to pray, handing over the whole situation to God. We asked Him for wisdom and to bring into the light whatever was hidden. We wouldn’t tell anyone that it seemed on occasion a whole city’s water supply was dependant upon prayer. Sometimes the project was really big and we had to take it step by step, hour by hour and day by day until we got through. He never ever let us down.

I find that God is continually allowing situations in my life where I haven’t been before. Circumstances that seem bigger and riskier than ever. My only way of dealing with it, once I've got over the intial shock, is to get back to basics and put my whole trust in God. It’s only afterwards that I realise once again, that nothing is too big or too difficult for Him.

As the song goes:

Ah Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens
And the earth by Thy great power
Ah Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens
And the earth by Thine outstretched arm.
Nothing is too difficult for Thee
Nothing is too difficult for Thee

“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.” Jeremiah 32:17 NASB

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Will You Go All the Way With Me?

I received a phone call the other day; personal family news that had the potential to send me into anxiety. As I was mulling this over, I felt these words come in a way that I just knew it was from God, “Will you go all the way with me?”

Now my first reaction was to think, “Strange! Why say that at this time? What’s the connection?” But my second reaction was, “Well, yes of course Lord!” I then thought it over. There were implications in this. What am I being asked to do? Does it imply that I am not going all the way and if so, what’s holding me back? I worked all this through, a process that continued for days, until I got the message.

But the real point of this, what I’m getting at, is what came next! Because in my spiritual groping with Father, in desperation I asked, “What should I do Lord? What should my response be?”

Immediately I was arrested. That word “should!” There’s no place in a love relationship for that word. Imagine saying to your loved one, your wife, husband or fiance, whoever, when they ask, “Will you trust me?” and you reply “What should I do?” Jesus is not expecting us to look up a list of rules - “Oh yes, rule 17: I must trust God!” He gives us free will. He doesn’t make us follow Him. Always there is the invitation to go further, deeper and He looks for our love response. He longs for us to respond and say “Yes!” because we really want to trust Him because we love Him.

Peter eventually went ‘all the way’ with Jesus and was led in ways he certainly wouldn’t have chosen, but just look at how God worked through Him and the difference that made to the whole of Christendom! If we go all the way with Jesus, there’s no limit to the miracles that will follow! That stirs my soul!

“The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” John 21:17-18

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The Big Picture

My wife is part of a lovely encouraging art group in our village. Each year they decide upon a painting by a well known artist and produce a sort of large mural, for display at the annual art exhibition.

The person who has the master copy, divides it up into tiny rectangles and gives one to each participating member. They then go away and copy it onto a large piece of pre-measured paper, in whatever painting medium suits them. The picture this year depicts friends around a table, sharing a meal together. Any one portion being worked upon may have only part of a face or a hand or some tableware, so each artist may be in the dark as to how it fits in with the rest of the picture. It's not until several weeks later, when all the pieces are brought back and fitted together, does the final big picture emerge.

I think this can be how it is in life. We may wonder at times where we are heading and be unsure what the future holds for us. Life can even feel like being in a fog. But we cannot go wrong if we stay close to Jesus and obey Him day by day. God sorts out all the pieces of our lives and of others, then brings them all together at the right time. This applies whether it's short term or even for eternity. We can rest in the knowledge that Father has everything in hand.

Only God sees the Big Picture. Only He knows what's around the next bend. We can trust Him with our future.

"He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does." Ecclesiastes 3:11

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 - both Good News Bible

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Living Beyond Ourselves

"Come!" answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. "Save me, Lord!" he cried. Matthew 14:29-30 Good News Bible

I used to think that this account had no relevance to us today. After all, who walks on water these days? I just put it down to Peter's bravado.

I've always liked messing about in boats. Preferably on inland waters and in a sturdy craft I can stand up in. I need to feel safe and secure. Not so sure about being on a rough sea. I love the thrill of watching crashing waves, but prefer to keep them at a distance.

God must see that hunger in our hearts for adventure and to live life to the full, even if those longings have been long buried or denied. He knows we may not leave the comfort of our boat voluntarily, so allows situations where we feel we can't cope.

Once outside our comfort zone and into unknown territory it can seem frightening. The waves of anxiety and doubt threaten to engulf us and we may fear that we will go under. However, as we take our eyes off the circumstances and put our trust in Jesus and keep looking to Him with everything within us, the fears begin to calm. We soon find that we are moving forward with the circumstances under our feet. We need to be extra careful then, because walking on water can be exhilarating and can divert us from trusting in Jesus. Once more we need to continue looking to Him.

Only God sees the big picture and prepares us for what is round the next bend in our lives. He knows just how much we can stand, whether it's a rippled puddle or a stormy ocean. One way or another He will always bring us through.

If we have given ourselves to the Lord and are His, we will want to follow Him wherever He beckons. Sooner or later we will find ourselves in situations that may seem impossible. He allows that because He wants to see us grow in the knowledge of His mighty love and power and live beyond ourselves and our own limited capabilities. Whatever happens, if we trust in Him, He will never ever let us down. We may even experience a miracle!

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He Really Does Care

We've not long been back from two weeks away. It all went remarkably well, although we nearly didn't go!

It was to be a time for family business, keeping in touch and just enjoying each other. We really felt it was right to go and the timing was right for everyone. It would be a challenge, as my wife is disabled and I am still recovering from chronic fatigue (M.E.), so we always have to lean heavily on God for His provision, what we call 'His enabling.'

However, a few days before we were due to leave, things started to go wrong. My wife was diagnosed with an infection that we were told could be life-threatening. Then we heard that my wife's brother had been taken into hospital. There were other things that I'll not mention.

For a few hours I thought everything was going wrong and our plans, if not our lives, were turning pear-shaped. I began to worry about all the 'what-if's' and I felt under attack. Anxiety still tends to be a bit of a weak area for me, but I decided I would not give into circumstances. During all the phone calls and hospital visits I tried to keep focussed on Jesus and let it all go to Him. He has brought us through enough darkness for me to realise He will not let us down.

Guess what? My wife responded well to the prescribed drugs and although we left a day later than planned it was really, really good! The long car journey went like clockwork, as if the car had wings, even miraculously avoiding all traffic congestion on a busy route. It was one of the best times we have had with the family, with memorable experiences. Everything slotted into place, even to the extent of losing my car keys in a park and having them handed back to me within half an hour. We even arrived just in time to take my wife's brother home from hospital where he had successful treatment. The whole time was a catalogue of what we call 'God-incidences!'

The scripture says it all. Why worry about something in the future that most likely will never happen? Our heavenly Father really does care for every detail of our lives and provided we put our trust in Him, He will look after everything and His unlimited power will be available to us.

"Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Good News Bible

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No Turning Back

There is a secluded part of our beach that can only be reached near low tide. It's so beautiful, it feels like being on a desert island. I know it like the back of my hand, so it's surprising to say that I once was cut off by the tide.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts, I lost track of time. Driven by a strong on-shore wind, the angry sea had cut off my retreat. I seriously considered swimming around the promontory, but eventually dismissed that as being too dangerous. I could easily have drowned.If I couldn’t return the familiar way, what was the alternative? I didn’t fancy spending the night out there at that time of year.

Suddenly I remembered there used to be a rope that hung down the side of the cliff. It had been put there by sun-worshippers to enable a short cut from the woods above. I soon found it and reached up and gave the ragged end a tentative tug. This was to be my lifeline, but I wondered if it would be secure? It probably hadn’t been used all winter.

I stepped back and considered my options. Well, there weren’t any really, this was the only way forward. But it seemed very risky. Eventually, I looped the rope around my waist and willed myself to go up. It had to take my full weight as I pulled myself up the scree-strewn rocks. Soon there were dubious handholds here and there, until I came to a very narrow goat track ascending into the trees. There was a terrific sense of relief and achievement as I made my way through the cliff-side woods to the road and the way home.

This was at a time when I was being challenged to go forward into an unknown and frightening situation. It taught me a vital real life lesson. God is always doing a new thing and no matter how good or bad the last experience was we have to leave it behind and move forward with God without looking back. He will never let us down.

"But Lot's wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:26 Good News Bible

"But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already---you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there." Isaiah 43:18-19 Good News Bible

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Living your Dream

"To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of:" Ephesians 3:20 Good News Bible

"... because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." Philippians 2:13 Good News Bible

We have just returned from a short break in the countryside, a delayed birthday treat. Because my wife has a disability and my energy is limited, we had to lean heavily on God for his enabling. We saw it as an adventure. He didn't disappoint us, as we were blessed on every turn, far more than we could have imagined. Also, being relaxed and away from routine, we were particularly open to what God might show us.

I found a children's book on the hotel bookshelves. It was a fascinating story about a family who had an unfulfilled dream. The loss of the father's job acted as a catalyst for their decision to buy a boat and sail around the world. They embarked on an adventure into the unknown, that was to change their lives for ever.

It really spoke to me and touched in on my own sense of adventure. I want to be open to all the opportunities God puts my way and saw this as a prompt from God, to check things out with Him.

These are my thoughts today:

As Christians, we say that all we want is to do God's will, but surely we need to discover what that means for us. He wants us to get in touch with our own hearts and discover our desires, the longings he has put there.

We could start by asking ourselves: "What do I really want to do or be, more than anything else in the whole world? What do I have a passion for?" The answer may link to yearnings that have been hidden away since childhood and stifled by life's pressures and burdens.

Moving out on a dream, going for 'gold,' may be risky, but if God put the desires there, He will provide all that is necessary for them to come about. It may be a choice of staying in a comfortable rut or living life to the full. There may be a time of waiting patiently upon God, until the time comes to make the first step. That takes courage, but even that comes from Him.

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In Quietness and Trust

"in quietness and in trust shall be your strength" Isaiah 30:15 English Standard Version

Yesterday started well and we were looking forward to the day. However, all of a sudden, things began to take a downward turn.

I discovered there was a problem with our car and couldn't see how it could be fixed. Then, when trying to complete an important form, I couldn't find the necessary document to accompany it. I wasn't sure whether I had mislaid it, never received it, or it was lost in the post. All this started to wind me up and I became agitated. After frantic searching and several phone calls, I was no further forward. I even thought of accusing my wife.

Thankfully, I came to my senses and realised what was going on. While I was ignoring God in all this, the Enemy was taking advantage of the situation. He was trying to destroy my peace and even drive a wedge between my wife and I. After repenting of my attitude, I did what I should have done at the start. I handed everything over to God. After all, I wasn't getting anywhere trying to do it my way.

Not surprisingly, without having to change our plans, the car was repaired, and without charge. The document, which had been delayed in the post, arrived later.

When we go about our day, looking to God and resting in Him, we can have complete confidence, that He has everything in hand.

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Shaky start - Brilliant ending

“You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.” (Proverbs 16:9 GNB)

We were both in recovery, my wife from an operation and myself from fatigue, and decided we needed a break. We chose Guernsey, an island several miles from Jersey at the mouth of the English Channel and close to France. We planned the journey to be as easy as possible. We were to be driven to our local airport and would be in the comfort of the hotel for late afternoon tea. We felt a peace in our hearts about our little adventure.

Everything went according to plan, until we approached Guernsey. The pilot announced it was too foggy to land, so he took us on to Jersey. He left us on the tarmac to make our own way to Guernsey by boat. We weren’t sure how and when we were going to get to our destination, but made our way to the ferry terminal. With several hundred other hopefuls milling around us, I just surrendered the whole thing to God.

We eventually arrived at our hotel just before midnight. Every little detail that had concerned me had worked out, from the unscheduled ferry, to the car rental girl bringing the car to the dock on a hunch. What followed was an unforgettable holiday.

This simple example serves to remind me that however prayerfully and carefully we make our plans, God sees the whole picture. Provided we surrender to Him, He will direct every little detail to our eventual benefit.

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Be Still!

"Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

When I was in a high-pressure job, I really looked forward to vacation time. Once we’d arrived at our destination and I was seated by the pool, the relief was evident. It took several days however, before I even began to relax, let alone be quiet inside. When I retired I discovered something else. I made my own stress, so couldn’t blame it all on my work. The need was still there.

Jesus had to get away from the demands made upon him. If he needed to get alone with his Father, then surely we do too? So often it’s hard to find quality time in our daily schedule, when ‘busyness’ seems to take over. We become in danger of just giving lip service to our precious relationship. Perhaps making do with a few hurried prayers, thinking we’ll leave the rest for later. But ‘later’ never happens!

It can take effort to be still, I mean really still in our thoughts, feelings and body. It can seem like the whole world wars against it. But I find, as we lay aside our agendas, and keep looking to Him, the thoughts and problems grow dim and fade away. When we eventually get ‘there’ and become quieted within our very being, it becomes effortless. It’s then when we are left with just the real presence of God.

This is the place where, for a moment, we can soar on the mountain tops, find out who we really are and even hear his voice. There may be none of this, but above all else we know that we know, He is God. Words cannot describe it. But the very silence declares “I am God” and our hearts cry out for Him.

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Nestle not Wrestle

"I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, ....... I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick ….” (Ezekiel 34:15-16 GNB)

Driving over the hill to a meeting in the next village, my wife sensed movement in the hedgerow. On investigation, we found a newborn lamb caught up in brambles. It had strayed from its mother and fallen through a gap in the hedge. From its sorry state, it must have hung there some time. Our hearts went out to this little fearful one. We longed to set it free, so it could live.

Speaking ever so gently to reassure, we approached and I tried to cut through the brambles with a craft knife. Unfortunately it wouldn’t keep still and allow me to make the delicate incision. The more I tried, the more it struggled, and the more it struggled, the more the chords tightened around its body and limbs. It was petrified with terror. Eventually it became so exhausted it gave in and allowed me to cut it free. I cradled it in my arms and carried it around to the field entrance and placed it on a bed of straw for its mother to care for.

Any of this sound familiar?

The little compassion we displayed that evening is nothing compared with the immense love Jesus, our Shepherd feels for us. It must really hurt Him when we struggle on our own. If only we would always allow Him to have His way in our lives and sort out our entanglements. He longs for us to Trust Him and expose our wounds, for the Shepherd to gently cleanse and heal.

I am learning to ‘nestle’ and not ‘wrestle.’

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