Conversations, always there are conversations. We meet pastors and local leaders, missionaries and those who are searching for truth. Often, it’s only after, when we have time to reflect on discussions, that we pick up on the significance of some comments.

              Last week we met with a couple who led a city church, have been involved in mission overseas and now are working in the countryside. We were talking about growth in godliness and character when our friend said, ‘That’s all very well, but what we have here now is how it is and we can’t change it.’

              We nodded and the conversation continued but when we got home, we wondered: do such comments surreptitiously imply that we don’t believe God can or wants to change people? It used to be that the young Mongolian church would entreat God to act in miraculous ways, to change lives and to heal, however, sadly, today some churches seem to have found a comfortable spot where they settle for less.

              Naturally, life’s rough treatment batters our early experiences of the simplicity of faith. Worries and problems drain us. Different opinions and personalities bring discord, and man’s worldly wisdom questions our belief in the ultimacy of God’s power. Our faith is under attack and, without care, we can be misled.

              Yet, if our focus is on God alone, we see the underlying truth: fear dominates many lives. Crisis comes, people cry out, praying to a being, a god they do not know but sense exists. They need Him, need His help. Bargaining, they promise allegiance to Him. Only, when the trouble has passed the promise soon fades.

              There it is again – that question: Can God really change man? Experiences of the world’s reality seep into my mind overshadowing God’s truth and leaving me hesitant. I want to take a step of faith and believe, but my confidence is weak. Nevertheless, I determine to step over my doubts, surrender my frustrations, disappointments and fears and accept God’s mission. I will not hide my faith, will not keep it a private affair. I will bring it out into the open and declare the realities I know: God saves, He changes lives and births us into a kingdom that will last forever.

              These steps that take me beyond momentary uncertainties fill me with quiet strength and assurance. The world is searching for true meaning, for the real God. Maybe it’s unrecognised, even unarticulated, but the longing is there. When we walk through this world, living out the realities of our faith in God and being, by His grace, the person He designs us to be, then He works. His care and compassion impacts those around us, giving Him opportunities to bring change. We do not know how or what He will do in and through us, but one thing is certain, He will bring change to my open heart and others too because His heart is to redeem and continue redeeming man.

© copyright Gillian Newham 2022