WHY HERE - WHY NOW??

If you could live at any time in history (including now) when would that be?

Next questions.  If you could live anywhere in the world, including where you live now, where would that be?

I just finished reading a short novel called, "A Wagon Train Weekend" by Stephanie H McGee.  I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to you.  The idea behind the book is that a couple finds themselves somehow transported to another time in history and then what they discovered about themselves in that context.  

I've always been a bit of an old-fashioned soul, and also a soul that is given to feeling guilty about things I can do nothing about!  (Hello Lynda - you're not God!!!)  

For instance, when my children were young there was severe suffering in Rwanda because of civil war and famine.  I used to look at the mothers and think they were no different to me, we all want the same things, being loved, and a secure environment in which to raise our children.  I felt guilty that I was living the good life with free health care, ample food, clothing and a peaceful neighbourhood. 

Then I heard Acts 17:26 "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."  

Although this verse talks about nations rather than individuals, it does tell us that He determines time and place.  In light of current conflicts this sound very harsh, like God is arbitrarily putting some people in horrible places.  That is not true, He determines the time and place, but what we do with that time and place is our decision, and seeing as each nation has leaders, they will one day answer to God regarding how they stewarded that trust.

However, it did settle my guilt, I didn't choose to be born in the land I was, but what I do with that privilege is my choice.

Back to here and now.  We have just come through the most difficult couple of years of our time, bookended by natural disasters of fire and flood.  Now we are witnessing a war between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially become an international disaster.

My concern is for younger people. You are carrying hopes and dreams for your future and trying to hold to those hopes and dreams in spite of all the hardship and controversy that we find ourselves in.  My concern is the fear and despair that threatens to creep in wont take over your hope and your courage.

I want to say this to you.... YOU WERE BORN FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.  You carry the grace of God for YOUR time.  What you need, God will provide.  You are growing up in a different world from what I grew up in.  The grace you carry will be different to the grace I carried.  

God will meet your need in extraordinary ways.  He will make you equal to the task.  There will be a release of the supernatural power of The Holy Spirit in your lives that will more than match the challenges.  

The world we stand in right now is overcome with fear and suffering.  And yet, as Christ-followers we live under an open heaven.  The Christ who you follow is The One who walks on water and is in charge of the storm.  I like to say that Jesus is The ultimate 'Storm-surfer'.  

So as you look out at a world in a storm, don't let the waves of fear overcome you, put your faith in Him, hop on the board of His Word and ride the waves!  As you do, you will bring hope and life to those around you.

Let me leave you with some Scripture to stand on...

Arise, shine, for your light has come,  and the glory of the 
Lord rises upon you.

2 

See, darkness covers the earth

    and thick darkness is over the peoples,

but the Lord rises upon you

    and his glory appears over you.

3 

Nations will come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  (Isaiah 60:1-3)

 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.

11 

The Lord gives strength to his people;

    the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:10-11)

When you pass through the waters,

    I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

    they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

    you will not be burned;

    the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)

Read Daniel 3 and see how true this verse is!

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.  When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. (Matthew 14:24-29)

My prayer for you is that you would be just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Esther and, Joseph.  What does that mean?  That you would be strong, righteous, courageous and influential in an ungodly world as you learn to surf the storms with Jesus!

You are going to see things that older people only dreamed about as you keep your focus on Jesus, your feet on His Word and make time to allow The Holy Spirit to soak your heart with joy.

With love,

Lynda xx