Author: Carol Purves

I’m the person who has failed in many areas of my life, in relationships, in career, exams, financially and so on. It seems to be a human characteristic of mankind to concentrate on what we haven’t achieved. The latest generation tries to overcome this trait by exalting themselves and believing they are marvellous and can do anything. Neither attitude is healthy or accurate.

But I remember God’s love, not my failure, defines me. I’m the son or daughter of a King. I was and am so loved that Jesus died for me. I have a place ready for me in heaven. That doesn’t sound like failure to me; it shouts of success.

Yes, here on earth, things often so wrong and we get it wrong and life is not as we would wish. But God has it sorted. So as I say, God’s love, not my failure, defines who I am. God’s love, not your failure, defines who you are.

We don’t miss something until we lose it. How ungrateful we human beings are! I have recently been ‘laid aside’ for a couple of weeks. In my present state it is easy to moan about my weakness, restrictions to my social life and the whole feeling of life not being good.

Then I stop and question myself. When did I last give thanks to God for my health and freedom? In the midst of my frantic activity when did I stop and think of those who are permanently ill? My FOMO (fear of missing out) is nothing compared to theirs.

God showers us with numerous blessings in this life. Are we like the nine lepers or are we like the one, giving thanks and praising God?

Hours – 24/7 except when asleep you will never be off duty. Tasks – whatever the Master requires of you, but it will be necessary to keep in touch with His wishes. He is a kind task master and will never force you to do things, but as you grow to love and respect Him you will happily obey. Danger – at times there will be great danger even to the point of death. In addition there will always be struggles, disappointments and opposition. Pay – many, many times of great happiness and satisfaction. The final generous reward will stretch into eternity. Only sinner need apply.

The Israelites had the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. In spite of this guidance from God they still made many mistakes and were easily led astray. Theirs sins were so bad that with two exceptions they never their Promised Land.

At times I long for pillars of cloud and fire to guide me because like the Israelites I often take the wrong path. Then I realise I am not travelling across a sandy desert where these aids are needed; I’m crossing the desert of life and God has given me my own pillars. I have the whole Bible in my own language; the scriptures which the Israelites had were incomplete. I have the gift of the Holy Spirit for my guidance. Prayer and Christian fellowship are available for me. I can only pray that unlike the Israelites I do indeed reach my Promised Land.

It was just a normal day in the prison. The jailor at Philippi was quite enjoying listening to the prisoners singing and giving praises to their God. He felt his heart strangely warmed.

Suddenly without warning there was a violent earthquake. The earth shook and the prison doors flew open. He realised what this meant. The prisoners would escaped and his life would be forfeited as punishment. In desperation he drew his sword to end his life. Suddenly an authoritative voice said, ‘Don’t harm yourself.’ Falling down on his knees he begged. ‘Sirs , what must I do to be saved.’

If Peter and Silas hadn’t been singing and praising God there would have been no time to witness as the earthquake struck. This conversation couldn’t have taken place. The jailer wouldn’t have had the chance of salvation.