Restoring Life Foundation Magazine issue 8

RESTORING LIFE FOUNDATION MAGAZINE Issue 8

Witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses Part2

Ways to boost your soul when you’re struggling with life 10

When the road is dark and lonely

Be bold Dealing with impatience

The 6R’s to avoiding temptation

TO ME Where is God when

I need Him?

Many Christians go through periods where their life seems to be an uphill struggle, the sky appears like brass as if God has gone on journey; is asleep; or just doesn't care. Some people call these times dark nights of the soul, others refer to them as valleys in our experience: no matter what we call them these times can seem insufferable and if we are not careful we might be tempted to ‘throw in the towel’ or ‘give up hope’ of ever being delivered. During these times when the fire is hot we can suffer from great temptation, lose sight of the simplicity of relationship with God, and become impatient with the speed of his responses.

This edition of our magazine offers some tools to help with temptation, patience, encourage boldness and nourish your soul in the struggle. It is our hope that you will make God your strong tower as you pass through, as Winston Churchill is quoted as saying “if you are going through hell don’t stop.” We want to add our ‘DON'T STOP! Don't give in, become passive, sit still, mope, complain, or contemplate turning back’ as Dory in the Disney movie Finding Nemo says ‘just keep going’.

A big thank you goes out to all our contributors: The Holy Spirit, Val Stephenson, Rose Provencher, the 3dwoman, Raymond Aldridge, Mary Clark, Ann Lane, Cas Cornelissen, and David Castillo Dominici /FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Until next time God bless...

COPYRIGHT © RESTORING LIFE FOUNDATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright of articles and photographs in the Restoring Life Foundation Magazine remain with the original contributors, No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Applications should be made directly to www.restoringlifefoundation.org

In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. Psalm 118:5-8 (NLT)

CONTENTS Page 6-9

Where is Gods when I need Him?

Page 10-11

Be bold

Page 12-13

When the road is dark and lonely

Page 14—17

Witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses Part2

Page 18– 21

The 6 R’s to avoiding temptation

Page 24-25

Simply speak to Me

Page 26—29

10 Ways to boost your soul when you’re struggling with life

Page 32—37

Dealing with impatience

Page 38-39

Promises to hold onto

Page 40-41

Denying my reality doesn't give God glory.

The Struggle

blessings.

of life

is

It makes us

It teaches us that although it is also full of the Helen Keller

one of our greatest patient, sensitive, and Godlike. the world is full of suffering, overcoming of it.

WHERE IS GOD WHEN I NEED HIM? By val Stephenson I cannot believe that I am the only person who questions why my heavenly Father allows negative things in society, families and relationships, and the like, or more importantly why does it happen to me?

Whilst I don’t pretend to be perfect, I do strive to do the ‘right’ thing in His eyes. To be a ‘good’ Christian woman and someone that He can be proud of, but sometimes I doubt if that is even enough.

to be found in war, or when children are forced to drink filthy dirty water; in starvation; child abuse; mental illness or disability?

Where are you Lord?

Why have you allowed these Every day I call to you, travesties to As I reflect on my God, but you do not occur? Why my life and the answer. Every night you don’t you pain, suffering stop it? Why hear my voice, but I find and heartache don’t you inno relief. that I have extervene? Why perienced, I don’t you Psalm 22:2 have to be honshow up and est, sometimes put a stop to my faith has all this pain”? wavered and sometimes the questions Your word says, ask have arisen in my mind. and it shall be given, Is there really a God? but I have asked! I have Do I trust in someone cried! begged! I have that doesn’t exist? Is pleaded with you to this religious doctrine show me that you are a just a clever way of merciful God: that you keeping humanity in would stop the pain control? and suffering, but unfortunately the pain goes on.

After all, where is God

Children continue to be brutally murdered; sometimes by the very people you chose to be their parent. Christian marriages fall apart: as leaving seems better to stop the pain, that staying together is causing the family. Cancer erodes a love one’s body and relatives are accidently killed simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Is it any wonder that I ask the question; “Is there really a God, and if so isn’t it time for action”?

These are questions I’ve asked myself several times, usually when my life is not going how I planned, or wanted it to go. In good times there’s never a question as to if there is a God, of course there is, He is blessing my life with wonderful things: a job, financial security, a

happy family and good health.

HOWEVER, when I feel my life is on a downward spiral out of control, then, the doubt begins to immerse my mind and I ask: “Where are you Lord can you not see the pain I’m going through, can you not see how this situation is affecting me, am I not your daughter, did you not hear me cry out for salvation, did you not promise to answer my prayer, and did your word says that you will not give your children a stone if they ask for bread?”

In my early years this is something I struggled with but knowledge and building on my faith has allowed me to continue to believe that my Father has everything in control.

I am like a player in a big movie, but God is the director who directs my steps.

I’ve come to understand that we will never have all the answers in our lifetime; but when we get to glory we will see all the cuts and edits that my Lord has made in my life, and the lives of others. We will see that although the suffering of war resulted in hundreds of people perishing because my Lord was in control, thousands of lives were saved. Although some marriages did not survive, children were born who went on to change lives, because

God used their experiences to bring people into His Kingdom.

Through the years I have come to understand that God is complex and to try and understand; what, why and when will always cause us further confusion. All we can do is continue to pray trusting that He will continue to allow us to stand in His strength and hold on to Him when things are not what we would hope them to be. After all He has promised that nothing in all creation can separate us from His love. (Romans 8)

When God Pushes You To The Edge Of Difficulty Trust Him Fully Because Two Things Can Happen Either He’ll Catch You When You Fall Or He Will Teach You How to Fly

Job 5:19 From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you.

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Psalm 34:21

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

Jeremiah 8:4 "Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: "'When men fall down, do they not get up?

When a man turns away, does he not return?

Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

Psalm 37:24

Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Proverbs 24:16 For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

Psalm 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!

Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

WHEN THE ROAD IS DARK AND LONELY

BY THE 3DWOMAN

When the road is dark and lonely and you’re feeling all afraid. When it seems like Gods forsaken you and your prayers are not being heard.

Just look up and seek the reason and search out for the gift. For there is sure to be one there if you look above the rift.

There’s a gift in the presence of the death of your child. For saviour waits upon him with his arms open wide.

There’s a gift in the losing of the job that pays the way. With eyes open wide each morning witness God leading you each day.

There’s a gift in the trouble and there’s a gift in the strife. When you cast your burdens upon Jesus you receive the gift of life.

There’s a gift in everything that we see, experience and feel. The gift of love and eternal happiness only the Saviour can reveal.

He promised to make all of our wrongs, to turn out being right. When we walk by faith with Him He is the guiding light.

So when the road seems dark and lonely, this promise is to you. I’ll never leave nor forsake you, I’ll surely guide you through.

All things work together, this day I say to you.

I will forsake you never, this is my gift for you.

Just look for the Gift

Be bold, stand tall! Fear not, falter not! Go! Know who you are; know whose you are. Throw off the shackles that have held you, you are free!

Allow My plan to prevail; the day is dark, the times are treacherous, but I have seen and I have known and prepared for it.

Do not slack, and do not be stubbornly obstinate. Do not look back, but proceed; for I will proceed with you, and you will not be deterred of detoured. Allow that which I have placed within you to motivate you.

You will succeed, you will have victory, so sanctify yourself to the truth. Seek the truth, speak the truth. Realize the time, understand the season. See My plan unfold. Arise, be about your Father's work; as Jesus did, so you will do.

Set your face like flint. Flinch not at the onslaught of the enemy.

It is an illusion, for truly the enemy has lost already. Do not wander aimlessly, but walk with purpose. Choose, decide, and do not be moved.

A new time is coming, a new day, when the promises will be seen.

Unlike Abraham, you will see what I have promised come to pass. Come out from the darkness of your own understanding, walk into the light of My revelation. Be diligent, be obedient and I will be faithful.

Be Bold!

By Rose Provencher

Top 10 Questions

to ask a Jehovah Witness at the Door

By

Raymond Aldridge

Witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses

Top 10 Questions to ask at the Door

In the last edition of our magazine Raymond Aldridge shared with us his thoughts on Witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses. In this edition he shares his Top 10 questions to ask at the Door:

Don’t forget the keys he shared in our last edition      

 

Let love be your guide.

Be polite and respectful.

Adopt friendliness.

Be humble Listen actively Prayerfully focus on a single point .

Express your understanding.

Sow a seed.

Q1 What is the main reason why you call on people? Can you describe the Gospel in the Bible?

Follow up with: Can I share with you a scripture 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and ask what do they think this is referring to? It is unlikely they would have said, this as part of their version of the Gospel. A nice method of approach is to confirm back to them what they said and ask for them to then verbally agree, this way they cannot use the excuse “but that is what I said/meant”.

Q2 Do you believe if someone from reading the Bible turns to God, and wants to give his life to Christ, God will answer him?

They believe that you can only come to truth is through their Organisation, so this will be an interesting discussion point, but if the discussion carries on, you can say that you would like to discuss more and invite them back.

Q3 How do you think you can be saved?

Follow up with a Question that tries to establish what they mean by that, and what you do in your life that will impact your hope of everlasting life? Then show them Romans 10:9-10 and ask for their comments Then explain if your salvation is a free Gift, then would it be fair to say, you do not need to earn it. (Eph 2;8)

Q4 Do you rely on the Org to provide you with the teachings of the Bible, and does that mean you fully rely on what they provide in terms of sermons, and literature?

Now ask them, are the Watchtower Organisation inspired? Which they will say “NO”, Does that mean they are imperfect and make mistakes? So do you think it is right to put your trust in them, especially over your eternal Life?

Show them the scripture where Jesus says NOT to put trust in man (Jer 17:5) and then ask I thought Jesus way the way, the Truth & the Light?

(John 14:6)

Q5 If I became a Jehovah Witness, would I have to obey everything the Watch Tower asks of me, even if I don’t believe it is in line with the Bible?

Explain that would that mean we are putting something that is not “inspired” ahead of what “Is inspired”?

Q6 I see you have the New World Translation (NWT), – ( Jehovah witnesses own translation of the bible) is that the Bible translation of choice? And do you think it is a good version?

This can be quite a delicate point here, so keep it friendly, and explain you use a certain Bible, and it would be nice to compare it with theirs. Use this as an invitation to come back. If the JW is happy perhaps you could share with them one verse.

Highlight Colossian1:16-18 and read from their NWT pointing out the word “other” and if possible, then show them in your Bible that this word is not included, so ask why it would of been added?

If Paul wanted to say the word “other” he would of added the Greek word and therefore we would find it in the manuscripts. Then suggest to them to look it up in their Kingdom Interlinear and get back to you.

Q7 I hear the Jehovah Witnesses talk a lot about what they call “New Light”, can you explain what it means?

ship with Christ? And what do you think the Bible means by this? Do you believe Jesus is our Mediator?

Then offer them the point that if “new light” replaces “old light”, where the old light has not been updated but actually replaced, making it now “false”, does that mean that the “Old Light” could not have come from God, as he cannot lie. So how do you ever know “new light” is from God?

In terms of Jesus being our mediator, show them 1Tim 2:4-6, Heb 7:25,26 & Heb 1:6, and ask for their comments.

Use scriptures that explain that God is love and through your love for God, you need to be Born of God, and then Christ through His Spirit will abide in you, see what they think of these verses. Show that it says this is for “ALL” so would they not be eligible? (1 John 4:7.8 & 5:1)

Q8 Why does the Organisation provide many predictions on “End Times”?

Try not to say too much on the door, but if they respond respectfully, offer for them to come back to discuss further.

Q9 Do you have a relation-

Q10 Why do you think the JW’s are the only ones that have the truth?

This is a huge subject and many Witnesses will answer this differently, so pick up what they say and suggest for a follow up discussion.

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Word of Warning, Only invite them into your home if they are willing to be open to discuss certain points, and look into the Bible for answers. In other words as long as you are not taking part in their wrongful works. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” (2 John 1:10-11 ESV) Please be encouraged that Christ is by your side, so continually speak to Him through prayer and ask others to also pray for you also.

To find out more about the ministry to Jehovah Witnesses including how to help a person leave the organisation visit his website www.upfc.org.uk .

FEAR is

a LIAR

Denying my reality doesn't give God glory.

By Ann Lane

I have experienced a number of disappointments over the last few years which have left me in some aspects worse off than I was before they occurred. What has been most frustrating for me, is the comments that I have received from some very mature Christians. These frustrations have led me to reframe thankfulness with a view to understanding how it can work against the abundance Christ died that we might experience.

Does thankfulness ever cause us to settle rather than to push ahead to greater things?

Is it possible that rather than being a time for great growth that thankfulness can be a stumbling block to the more that God wants you to accomplish?

Redefining thankfulness?

Whilst thankfulness is an antidote for bitterness; it is also a prison of lack? Despite the fact that I am not one for hosting pity parties, I am one for recognising that grief, disappointment and sadness has its place in the array of human experience.

Does thankfulness mean settling or can we be thankful but still want and work for more? This is a question I have been asking myself for a while.

Particularly this year after being told that I should put up with my current situation and not seek out more because there are others in the world far worse of than me. Whilst in one way that might sound like solid Christian advice, that kind of thinking can lead to stagnation.

a caterpillar she would never learn to fly. The bible and nature shows us that great victory can come as a result of struggle, something that settling in the name of thankfulness will never teach us. Even the whole concept of sanctification means wanting more in terms of holiness and moving with God towards the goal. Settling can mean that we never push past difficulty and that we fail to accomplish all that God intended us to do, thereby ending up living a mediocre life as opJust imagine if God had left the Israelposed to the great one God ordained ites in the desert, they would have for us. been free from slavery but would not have entered the promise land, likewise if the butterfly was content to be Biblical thankfulness - gratitude and relief?

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

The 6 R’s to AVOIDING TEMPTATION

by Cheryl Ridener

It is inevitable that we will face temptation as a Christian. However, rather than being a ‘sitting duck’ there are a few practical things, that we can do to avoid buckling under the pressure of temptation.

Remember

R

that everyone is tempted.

emember that everyone that has ever walked the earth has experienced temptation. God in His mercy has empowered you to resist, and He will, if you trust Him show you a way to escape.

“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way

Recognize

T

your sin patterns.

here is an old adage which says ‘when you fail to plan, you plan to fail’ that is especially true when it comes to temptation. If you honestly review your life you will begin to recognise that your sin has a pattern. Each one of us as James 1:14 highlights has natural desires that will lead us into sin and over time manifest as flesh patterns. One of the key’s to successfully overcome your flesh patterns is to recognise what they are. The issues that trip me up will be relevant to my own life and character, the same will be true for you. So don’t be surprised by it.

Rather, expect to be tempted. Be prepared for it by planning how you will respond when the temptation arises.

Run

R

away from temptation.

un from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT) My children think that my suggestion of running away from trouble makes them out to be ‘chickens’, but I have to remind them of the giants that fell because they thought that they could handle temptation, as well as those who were considered nothing who became giants after fleeing from trouble. David dwelled in the place of temptation and fell into a catalogue of sin, whilst Joseph faced with a similar situation took flight and avoided sinning against God. We too would be wise to run in the face of temptation when it arises.

There is a verse in Ecclesiasticus 21:2 of the Apocrypha which gives apt advice. “Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.”

Resist

S

with the Word of truth.

ometime ago I attached a long shoulder strap to my bible bag which made it much easier to carry around. When people made remarks about it, I reminded them that a soldier’s weapon is always positioned ready for action. Whilst advances in technology allow us the convenience of carrying the word of God on mobile devices, I am not too sure whether it has also created an environment where people are more likely to whip it out to help them to resist temptation.

Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is living and active, Sharper than any double-edged sword, able to cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet to expose our innermost thoughts and desires.

(2 Corinthians 10:4-5) the Word is so powerful that it is able to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. You definitely want to become adept at using This piece of weaponry; the quicker you are on the draw the less likely you are going to be taken out by the enemy. In Psalm 119:11 David said “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” He did that so it might be ready to him whenever he had occasion to use it. When Jesus was tempted He resisted with the word, We would be wise to do likewise.

Reflect

J

Christ.

esus often went away on His own to spend time with His Father; this time of rejuvenation prepared him with reserves for the assault of His daily life. We too can ensure that we keep the airways open and our spirit man topped up by spending time in the presence of God. Like a sponge we absorb whatever we immerse ourselves in. Whatever the direction of our focus, that is what we become, therefore by beholding more of Christ we

become changed to His likeness, and in so doing are better able to resist temptation when it arises.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed unto the same image from glory to glory, even

Repent

W

quickly when you fail.

hilst we are aware that one of the best ways to resist temptation is to flee, we must also recognise that we will from time to time fail, and fall into sin. James 1, verse 15 explains that sin "when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” therefore when you sin repent quickly. Whilst It is not the end of the world when you fail, it is however, very dangerous to persist in your sin.

In Summary if you wish to avoid being entangled in temptation consider these 6 R’s and steer clear of sin: 1. Remember you are not alone we have all been tempted: God will give you a way to escape; 2. Recognize your sin patterns. Prepare ahead of time how you will cope with your temptations; 3. Run away from temptation don’t stand, sit or dwell in it – RUN! 4. Resist with the Word of truth. The word is spirit and life, sharper than a sword, use it to destroy the temptation; 5. Reflect Christ – immerse yourself in His presence – avoid prayerlessness and bad company, be selective with things like TV, magazines, etc; 6. Repent quickly when you fail. Christ is ready to forgive and restore you.

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By Mary Clark Speak simply to Me, beloved. Tell Me of

your heart’ s desire. Tell Me how you are feeling and tell Me about what you expect to see as time draws to a close.

Speak simple words of love and adoration.

I need no flowery speeches. I am satisfied with the simplest of wording. I am satisfied with words that come from your precious heart.

Mankind has tried to make talking to the Beloved difficult. Mankind has put a burden on My children. I release you of that burden

and tell you truly that I delight in the sim-

plest words of love. I delight in words that come from a loving heart.

In fact, you could say that I delight in every aspect of YOU!!!

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Ways to boost your soul when you’re struggling with life

By Cheryl Ridener

Many years ago when I started my coaching training I attended a course with one of the more well known coaching schools. During the weekend introduction course I got talking with a psychologist who was thinking about diversifying her practice to include a coaching element.

One thing struck me about her was that whilst she was far more qualified than our trainers, she was not too proud to admit that they had something new to teach her, even if it was just about the encouragement, energy and enthusiasm she could bring to her clients. It was then that it struck me that from time to time even the most qualified amongst us could do with a boost to keep us focussed energised and on track.

The Christian life can be full of up’s and downs, in our low points a word in season can be like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). So if you are looking for some simple ways to encourage your heart and feed your soul why not check out our list below?

Beauty is all around us, however far too often we are too rushed to notice. ‘We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel

1

His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence.’ ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Take time out to stop, enjoy and absorb the beauty and splendour of God's creation “The earth has music for those who listen.” ― George Santayana.

Start your day with God. Create a morning routine.

Efficiency experts claim that the first 30 minutes of each day sets the tone for the entire day. As such what better way could there be for setting yourself up than spending it with God. If you get up a little earlier than 2 usual, create a space for you and God. In this way you can find yourself approaching your day with new zeal and insight. Remember this promise “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

In your quiet time you might want to write down questions and/or things that trouble you; listen for God's answers and write those too.

Create a personal book of remembrance and record God's blessings and the answers to your prayers. Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare (Psalm 40:5). By keeping a book of remembrance we can remind ourselves that no matter how bleak things might appear, God has blessed us abundantly in the past; and as his word says the LORD plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

3

“Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done.�

Ask God to bless the people you don't get on with and to help you to see them through His eyes. You could also make a point of being kind to people even when they aren't kind to you.

In the middle of a busy day take a few minutes to relax and unwind. Powernaps are meant to inject a burst of energy into your day, even if you cant put your head down in a lunch break you could find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed, Close your eyes and remind yourself that God is there with you.

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5

Sit quietly and meditate. ‘In the silence of the heart God speaks’

5

- Mother Teresa. Living in an always on world it can be difficult to find time and space to meditate; however we will find that as we do, we will hear the voice of God speaking through the silence— enjoy the stillness.

let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

6

Keep a gratitude journal.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything. For ‘gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.’ Zig Ziglar

I am grateful for

7

Slow down, focus on the moment and pay attention to what you are doing now and what is around you. ’Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.’ - Margaret J. Wheatley Ask yourself :

What emotions am I experiencing right now and Why?

What is affecting my thinking right now?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Memorise a poem, psalm or portion of scripture that gladdens your heart.

‘Poetry

8

is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words .’ Edgar Allan Poe

‘If we would be changed into Christ likeness we must steadily see him. Bible memorization has the effect of making our gaze on Jesus steadier and clearer.’ God still speaks through scripture – as you memorise the verse, poem or psalm allow God to gladden your soul.

Create your own prayer book. When you find a quotation or prayer that helps you, write it in your book. ‘Prayer is not asking.

Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.’ Mother Teresa

Create a CD of uplifting music that you can listen to when you need a boost. Music is a powerful tool that each person can use to connect with God and nourish their soul. Psalm 22:3 says ‘But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.’ ‘Inhabit’ means to dwell in, live in, or abide in; that means as you praise God you will experience His presence. What better way is there to have a boost but to enter into praises to God?

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‘My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.’ Martin Luther

Finally there are many other things that you can do to give yourself a boost these could include lending a helping hand, not taking life too seriously and remembering to take care of your physical needs as well as your spiritual.

Whatever you do try to remember God created you in His image, for relationship; and He has promised to draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8 ), so what are you waiting for? He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22 ).

When I was a girl there was a child in my class called Patience, I remember very little about her apart from the hysterical afternoon we had when our teacher having had enough of her whining finally screamed at the top of her voice “Patience have some patience and be quiet!” It has since become apparent to me that whilst Patience’s parents had bestowed upon her a virtuous name; try as they might, they were unsuccessful in bestowing the virtue itself.

So what is patience and why Photo by David Castillo Dominici /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

do we struggle to wait?

Patience is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

Through supplying everything from instant mash to instant cash modern living in the 21st century has developed a generation of people who seek instant gratification and who are devoid of the ability to wait. 24 hour news, the internet, smart phones, social media and online shopping has created a society that is ‘always on’.

Below are three pointers that can help us to identify why we act with impatience.

1. Lack of Trust for God to work things out

“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.” ― Elisabeth Elliot When Moses encountered the Egyptian beating his fellow Israelite he took matters into his own hands, lost his temper and killed him. Little did he realise, that God had in fact planned for him to permanently remove the Israelites from being subjugated to the Egyptians whip.

Whilst this may seem like it is a relatively new phenomenon, the However his impatience created parable of the prodigal son (Luke the scenario where he would need to escape from Egypt and go into 15:11-32) not only addresses the isexile in the desert. God in His wissue of impatience and the demand for instant gratification but dom used Moses’ time in the wilderalso highlights the consequences ness to establish the patience he we may face when we attempt would need to lead the Israelites to do things in our own way and through their own wilderness journey. in our own timing.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—however we should be aware that that is referring to God ordained seasons and timing not ours.

Have you learnt to trust God or are you trying to be god in the situation?

2. Idols in your heart Sometimes like the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher we can be “extraordinarily patient, provided we get our own way in the end.� However this is not the biblical version of patience. Impatience may be a signal that an idol, a felt need, or desire which is not a real need is holding our attention.

When we are stuck on an idea, it will be hard for us to be reflective enough to recognise that our own will rather than the will of God is operating in our heart and fuelling an impatient attitude.

Idols stemming from the unregenerate soul, whilst appearing attractive, are nothing more than empty promises. Unless we are swift to remove them, impatience can create a real mess of our lives.

Is idolatry at the root of your impatience?

What are you demanding?

3. Being triggered Understanding what your triggers are can be an important key to defusing them. If you regularly exhibit impatience you may be able to recognise patterns, keeping a journal recording the things that are happening in your life when you exhibit impatience will help you process your responses.

Are you impatient with a specific person or a specific situation?

Is your impatience towards this person rooted in another issue that you need to resolve with this person?

Can you do anything to unravel this situation or make changes to the circumstance that is triggering your impatience?

As Henri J.M. Nouwen says “A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us.” The question we need to consider then is will we let our belief be our guide or follow the flow of this generation seeking instant gratification?

In Gods economy there are generally 3 answers to our request ‘Yes’, ‘No’ and ‘Wait’.

While yes and no give us a definite answer, wait can take us to that place of uncertainty which can cause us to take matters into our own hands. “If you're serious about sanctification, you can expect to experience heartwrenching moments that try your faith, your endurance, and your patience.” Therefore, after you have done everything that you can, stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children.

Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:13 –14

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