Dear Level10 family & friends,
What’s around the corner? Have you, like me, through this unique period of history taken time to think and reflect over past events in your life?
Living in the countryside, as I am privileged to do, I have to be very cautious these days when driving out of our drive onto the narrow lane. Certainly I think it would be beneficial for us to have a road mirror set up so that we can observe what’s coming round the corner! So often the unexpected surprises and shocks me!
How often in our personal reflections on past events can we think:
if I had been slower,
or a bit sharper,
or if only I had been more considered,
or been more understanding,
or maybe if I had been more precise in that decision,
or arrived at it at a different time,
or left it for another day!
These, it would seem to me, are life issues – many a mystery to ponder and consider. ‘What’s around the corner’ can bring many surprises!
After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (John 21 v 1-7)
This story in the bible tells of Jesus’ disciples going back to their old ways after Jesus had died and risen again. Back to their fishing boats, seven men going back to their old thinking, back to what they were used to, men experienced in their trade yet striving through the night and achieving nothing.
We all can experience battles between the natural and spiritual. Spiritual battles fought through the darkness when the accuser of our souls plagues us with negativity and lies, the scorn of lack of achievement and emptiness. The enemy endeavours to plant in our minds and souls that we are forsaken, unworthy, alone and unloved! Then the dawn breaks! The Son rises and round the corner He waits having symbolically prepared breakfast and refreshment and, above all, He calls them, and us, into His presence. What joy!
Friends there’s coming a day when we all once again will be able to celebrate and party and BBQ and be together. Nothing will thwart His love for us, He does not break His promises, God is amazingly faithful in His dealings with each and every one of us. The storm shall be calmed. His light will shine, we shall stand strong for we have a task and a job to achieve for Him. We shall know His provision and fullness.
We are not forsaken, for He has completely undertaken for us. Praise Him! He is with us!
May God bless you all.
Love in Jesus
Terry (elder)