eNews | Fri 24th Sept '21
Dear e-News friends & church family,
The unforced rhythms of grace
This week I’ve spoken to so many of you who are facing challenges. Some who are sick with covid, others trying to juggle going back to work with child care. One family grieving over the loss of a loved one, yet another trying to find a new home to live in. Some are deeply concerned about the well-being of close family members. Then I’ve spoken to students who have left home for the first time and learning to buy and cook for themselves. Still, others are testifying of God’s remarkable goodness in new jobs, with others so excited about the vision and projects in their hearts and the initiatives they are about to start.
Although we are going through such a wide variety of experiences the one common factor I am hearing from all of you is your unrelenting confidence in an unshakable God. WOW!
This is life, and we are doing it together - and God is with us.
We read:
"Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:29-30 MSG
In each and every season God has got a rhythm of Grace ready for you, it’s like a gentle beat inviting you to get into step with its offer of life.
I love this message version we have just read which calls it the unforced rhythms of Grace.
So much is forced on us at the moment, but Grace is never forced. Grace is always gratefully received. Grace is meant to fit us like a glove or a comfortable slipper.
I had to go to the Dentist this week with a broken tooth. On arriving I found my dentist off with covid and a pleasant new lady standing in.
She did something that no dentist has ever done in my life of visiting dentists, she hummed away as she fixed my tooth. Clearly, she was happy at her work. Whilst wishing I was somewhere else than a dentist’s chair, her melodic humming made the experience so much better than it otherwise could have been.
We can’t avoid life as it comes, but let’s not miss the grace God wants us to find in it.
Not only will it help us - it will in turn touch those who touch us.
We love you guys.
Can’t wait to see you on the weekend,
Andrew & Sue
PS. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help you with anything or pray the prayer of faith with you for something in particular.