(Posted by Lydia)
Shifting gears
There will be something of a shift in the coming days as we move from urgent tasks to thinking about the longer term. With this shift is the recognition of the need to rest ourselves for the times ahead. Fatigue will be an issue and it is important that we rest ourselves as well as recognise the signs of fatigue around us. Be generous to others around as we all respond differently!
As well as fatigue, we need to help people around process some of the events of the last week. It is important we create space for people to share what they experienced with others. Some of our members were right in the centre of the events last week and have seen awful things. Please pray for one another in this. You may also consider creating extra space at the dinner table each night to show hospitality to others who would appreciate that at this time.
We also need to be people who have a hope that is not controlled by the events of the coming months. We need to be people who can live for others now, because of a confidence we have of what is to come. Our possessions may be damaged or destroyed, but that is not the final word for us.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)
Yours In His Service,
Nick Duke