Little Thought 5

I attended a talk recently, given by Sir Terry Waite and one of the things which stuck with me was his simple message of “act within your sphere of influence”. I’ve heard it before, but coming from him in the context of the talk gave it more weight.

We do all have a sphere of influence, some to a greater degree in the sense of reaching vast numbers of people whereas others may only reach a few local to where they live. 

In Luke chapter 10 Jesus shares the parable of the good Samaritan to show us who our neighbour is. It turns out that anyone we see in need, is in fact our neighbour. This could be in the literal sense of our neighbourhood or perhaps someone we come alongside whilst on holiday far from home.

We may often be unaware of any ripple effect which our input into our neighbours’ lives may have, but if we continue to act justly, seek mercy and walk humbly before our God and do so within our area of influence on earth, then we can leave the outcomes to God. 

Our responsibility is to just keep doing the next right thing.

Ingrid x

Little Thought 4

Apparently, I am a geriatric mother because I had my children whilst in my 40’s. Now that I am 50 and still have young children, I am often bombarded with a cacophony of sounds.

In 1 Kings 19 v 12 it refers to God’s “still, small voice”. I sometimes wish my children would speak in still, small voices and as you would imagine it’s often pretty tricky to find God’s voice in the daily chaos of our home. Or so I used to think …

I now realise that God’s kindness and compassion, His great understanding of our current circumstances, means that He talks to us in whatever form or way is most appropriate. For me this will usually mean that throughout the busyness and demands of my day, He can be present in a thought, in a song, in an email, in nature, even in a WhatsApp message.

I struggle to get up early, so for me a designated quiet time before the day starts just doesn’t happen … maybe it will during another season of my life, but I know that my circumstances do not hinder God’s attention in noticing my need, in coming alongside me and providing a little word, a little encouragement, just when I need it.

God uses different methods during different times in our lives to still connect, to still maintain that relationship with us and speak to our souls whether it comes as a loud shout or a still, soft voice. As a busy mother, employee, and friend, I am very grateful for that. His voice arrives as a wonderful reassurance of his presence, peace and provision.

Ingrid x

Little Thought 3

In a recent UCB word for the day I read “When people attempt to use situations to destroy you, God can use them to develop you. He delights in turning crucifixions into resurrections”. Gosh that’s amazing, isn’t it?! 

In Malachi 3 v 6 God says, “I am the Lord, I change not”. I find it so reassuring to know that the God of resurrections is the same today as he was back in Malachi’s day … steadfast and constant. His desire and greatest delight is always to improve us, nurture and refine us. Our responsibility is to simply allow it. 

Surely living in the reality of resurrection whatever it is you have been through, or are currently enduring, enables a perspective of hope and provides a platform for peace, knowing that the one true God seeks a better future for you as an individual. I for one, want to start claiming this truth in my life.

Ingrid x