Carol Purves

God planned the life of Joseph. He also plans our lives. Often it is not what we would plan for ourselves. But because He loves us, we know that His plans for us are the best.

‘The Lord will fulfil His purpose for me.’ Psalm 138:8

We do not have to compromise to share our faith. I must stand by what we believe. But we need to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, so that we can understand where they are coming from.

‘To the weak I become weak to win the weak , I have become all things to all people so that by all means possible I might save some.’ 1 Corinthians 9:22

Of course, not that Paul does the saving. that is all from God.

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your on understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight.’ Proverbs 3:5-6

I love the way that this text manages to use the word ‘all’ twice. There is nothing half-hearted about this. It really is everything. We can’t be a half Christian; it’s a full time job. Quite a thought this Lent time.

To know Christ and the power of His resurrection.’ Philippians 3:10

I’m wondering exactly what this means. It probably means spending more time in God’s presence and therefore getting to know Him better and understand more of His ways.

‘And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news’ Romans 10:15

I’ve just been to the pediatrist because my human feet are not beautiful. I can only pray that my spiritual feet are good and well.

‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send our workers into the harvest field.’ Mark 9:37-38

If I ask the Lord to send out workers, that must mean me. So I ask the Lord to equip me and send me out. I can’t point the fingers towards others; it must be for me.

God is the God of love and He died for our sins, but He is still a God of justice and also needs to be feared. When we think about who He is we can only bow down and worship.

‘Declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, He is to be feared above ll gods.’ Psalm 96:3,4

‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.’ 1 John 5:14

What is the secret? Ask according to His will. What is the secret to that? Listen to Him more often.

Visiting the sick in hospital I meet people who are sick, frightened and broken hearted. Instead of following their normal life they are lying in a hospital bed. They don’t know what the future will be. Will they gain full health? How are their families coping with their hospital stay. These people need to know the love and care of God.

‘The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ Psalm 34:18

It seems to be human nature to worry. But it really is unwise to worry about things we cannot change. God has everything in control. Instead of looking around around, we need to look upwards to Him who know what He’s doing.

‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow.’ Matthew 6:34

All our tomorrows are in God’s hands.