Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thursday May 14, 2009

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25.

There are several of our daughter Alex’s In-laws who are going through a period of anxiety and grief. We have mentioned L.’s losing fight with cancer in our last blog and she passed away at 2.30 a.m. yesterday morning. So this is a time for mourning for her parents, her two daughters and a remaining sister and three brothers. It is made harder as one of L.’s daughters has recently had a lump removed from her breast, but the situation is worse than at first diagnosed and it appears that further surgery is probable.

It is difficult to find kind and encouraging words at a time like this; not that the words aren’t there, but they can sound so trite and pat when shared at the wrong time. Grief has to run its course, and in many situations just being there to share in the grief can be a comfort; the offer to pray for God’s comfort is rarely refused in times of distress. And that offer is not just to comfort the grieving ones, because we know that God hears those prayers and responds to our distress, and a sense of his presence will draw the needy one to him.

I know the deep distress felt by Alex, who is firmly part of the family. Others closely associated with them like ourselves, will be praying through this difficult time. For now the kind words are words that share in their sadness. We know that grief washes over like waves, with times of respite in between. It is at those times when grief lifts for a while, words of encouragement and hope will find their place. Please join us to pray for comfort and hope for this deeply hurting family.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tuesday May 12, 2009

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

This is a peculiarly Christian text. I doubt the average man on the street would agree with it. It is only in the recognition that there is value to be found in the adversities of life, particularly that God is at work in those circumstances, that produces a perseverance of faith, strengthened character and hope for the future. From a general point of view, it is readily noticeable that a life of ease encourages a superficial attitude to life; those that have had much difficulty to deal with frequently have a greater depth of character and personal resources.

We are currently dealing with three areas of adversity. We have already mentioned our daughter’s sister-in-law L. who has been fighting cancer for some time and is still holding on to life. But now she is only given days to live. Faith in these circumstances is the difference between despair and hope. Secondly, we have a niece in England whose son is a dwarf. After much research and soul searching, and committing him to the finest surgeon in the UK, he will commence leg lengthening with a five hour surgery on Monday. He is now five years old, and the process will take him until he is eleven. He is an outgoing, plucky lad, but prayer for him would be appreciated.

Thirdly—hardly adversity now!—I have been told I am free of cancer, that all the numerous samples of tissue taken from around the removed prostate are clear. While I am feeling like my old self again, I am still dealing with some of the after effects of the surgery. But in my case the worst is over, and it would be highly difficult to get prostate cancer again! Many thanks for those of you that prayed for me and to the medical staff and others who worked with me through the surgery. And especially to God who continues to be my rock and stay though all of life.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sunday May 10, 2009

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.

In our day of tolerance these are fighting words. It goes against the politically correct notion that all religions are equal and none is exclusive, leading to accusations of intolerance and bigotry for those who think different. Today’s text and Jesus words in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” give us little choice in the matter. Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God and Christian desire to share the freedom found in him is the driving force behind Christian evangelisation.

Of all the religions in the world, only Christianity and Islam aggressively seek to expand their message of exclusiveness. Thus the stage is set for confrontation between these faiths, and the current visit of the Pope to the Holy Land and his apparently contradictory statements about Islam highlight this dilemma. Space does not allow for listing all the differences between Christianity and Islam, but one thing stands out: the mass migration of Muslims away from Islamic countries to the west.

From the many Muslim families Ann and I have known, it is clear that the majority seek a place of freedom and safety for their families, away from the oppressive rule of most Islamic states. Given the chance, they are good hardworking citizens glad of the opportunity of living in the west. Contrary to the fears frequently expressed of the inevitable Islamization of the western nations, and apart from the small radical elements in their midst, I believe that most western Muslims don’t want their adopted country turned into the coercive one they left. They want what most Christians want: freedom to practise their faith in peace.

So how do we square our desire to evangelize with the freedom of others to practise their faith? Is conflict between Christianity and Islam at a personal level inevitable? In considering this question, I am brought back to the story of the rich ruler who chose his wealth rather than following Christ (Luke 18:18-23). Jesus was saddened by this man’s choice but allowed him that freedom. While we may have the opportunity to share our faith with those of other beliefs, if we love them and wish to retain their friendship, we will allow them their freedom of choice also.

The current cultural idea of tolerance is one that imposes the idea of the equality of all religions. True tolerance allows for acceptance of another but without compromise of personal belief.