Tag: finding hope

The irritant yields the pearl.

Irradiant beauty!

I have started a cleaning phase recently! This is quite unusual, but I think it needs perseverance. Cleaning helps things look so much better. You do have to tidy first, but that is another story……….

When cleaning, often I don’t get very far unless I use something that is abrasive. That can make such a difference to get something really shiny!

This reminded me of a darker part of the human story, that often it is through difficult experiences that our lives are shaped. We would give so much not to have these experiences, and yet they are universal.

In Isaiah 48 verse 10: the prophet says ‘ see I have refined you, but not as silver is refined, I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. ‘

The little bit of irritant in an oyster shell, can cause a pearl to be formed. A refining fire, can purify an object to make it shine like silver or gold. What is precious is often made at a cost.

Today feels like an emotional day, as it would have been our wedding anniversary. Even 5 years down the line, the waves of pain and sadness can be overwhelming, for all that has been lost and broken, then and in subsequent experiences. There can be so much cruelty in life.

My hope is that what I, and so many others, have learned, about God’s presence in the midst of the darkest days, hope in the midst of despair, finding unexpected strength in the midst of painful situations, can encourage others. You yearn for there to be a meaning or purpose which can help others to know that suffering is not forever. We pray to be better after painful experiences, to be more appreciative of what we have, to be more kind, to listen more deeply to the experiences of others, to find wisdom.

God of all the universe, when things are distressing and difficult, thank you that we are never alone in our suffering. Lord Jesus, You understand for You experienced injustice and sorrow. Yet even on the cross Your love never faltered. Even in the darkest and abrasive of experiences, may You shape us to be more like You. Holy spirit refine us in the midst of the fire, and somehow help us to shine for You. Do a miracle even in situations of unfathomable pain, that something of beauty might emerge. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

The weather forecast said rain…..

But it was wrong!

This morning, the skies looked overcast and grey, and the weather forecast said it would rain. It didn’t look like a day for going out. However, I really felt like some fresh air, so putting on a big rainproof coat and boots, I ventured out, expecting the worst.

The thing was, as I started up a modest hill, all of a sudden the sun started to come out from between the clouds. The colours of the landscape around looked as if they were on fire, with yellows and oranges. And the deep indigo sky reflected in the water, and everything was gorgeous. It was such a clear and awesome view, made the more precious by being completely unexpected. It was a gift!

How often are we put off from doing something, because we are advised it is not a good idea, or it will be too hard, or it is just not possible. However listening to the negativity or advice of others is not always a good idea. It is worth listening to people’s insights, but we always need to ask the Holy spirit to guide us, and help us discern what to do. Sometimes it is worth venturing out, even when it looks like it might rain! There might be amazing experiences that we will miss if we stay in.

There is a weariness and cynicism around in the world, that can weigh us down, and make us question if it is worth bothering. But when we look to Jesus’ example, he persevered and kept on loving, even when he faced misunderstanding, opposition and even death. Through the cross, Love overcame all things.

I believe that it is important to keep venturing out, even when we do not know what we might face. In Romans 5, Paul writes about how suffering produces patient endurance, which brings character and hope. Even when things go wrong, God can help us learn things which might help another soul.

Galatians 6: 9 is also a timely reminder ‘ let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the right time, we will reap, if we do not give in.” A song from JJ Heller ‘Don’t give up too soon’ is a gentle reminder of this theme, and worth listening to.

There might be grey days, when we need to stay in and rest. There are days to go forward however, and to keep going, and not give up. For who knows what we will find, if we just keep taking the next step.

Eternal Father, You are the Creator of all things, and just being in Your Creation is such a blessing and inspiration, in all weathers. Lord Jesus, I confess sometimes I am easily put off, or discouraged from a new venture or project, because I am scared of all that might go wrong. Yet You set your face to Jerusalem, even though you faced opposition, as it was the only way to fulfil your purpose. Holy spirit, help us all to discern what to do, and when. Help us not give up too soon, but through prayer and encouragement, to persevere on our journey, Amen.