Carol Purves

During the pandemic many of us have become used to praying on our own which has become a necessity. Now that we have so more freedom it is important that we join together to pray. We are urged in Hebrews 10 ‘Let us not give up meeting together , as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.’

By meeting together we will pray together. It is sad that in many churches the most sparsely attended meeting is the prayer meeting. Prayer is the driving force of Christianity. How can we know what God wants unless we talk to Him., and talk to Him together. God wants our company. Often we have to pray together by Zoom but at least we are praying together.

When I wrote about Thomas the other day, I should have explained that Didymus means ‘double or twofold.’ Some commentaries think he may have been a twin. Let’s remember him as a twin and not a doubter.

I think the character of Thomas, the disciple, is so interesting. Often when his name is mentioned, there is an addition ‘also known as Didymus.’ Didymus, the doubter. What a burden that name must have been. Was it a name he was given at birth, or did his life reflect it. I shudder what name my friends would give me, let alone my enemies. I wonder what name God has given me.

In John 16 we read that Jesus was intending to return to Jerusalem because His friend Lazarus had died. That city spelled trouble for Jesus and His followers. Would they be captured or killed? It was up to Thomas to voice their fears. ‘Let us go also, that we may die with Him.’ What a doom laden statement. Yes, he would follow His master, but it would mean his death!

Then in John 14 we hear from Thomas again. ‘Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way.’ Practical and down to earth Thomas.

The next time we hear of Thomas is in the upper room after the resurrection of Jesus. It was obviously like Thomas to be missing at the Lord’s first appearance (I wonder where he was when all the other disciples were there) On being told of the appearance he said he needed to put his hand in the nail prints. Down to earth again until Jesus appeared, then everything was swept to one side in his adoration of his risen Lord.

We can’t judge Thomas. Just think what kind of disciple we would have been!

I’ve recently had another milestone (Well, doesn’t everyone) Friends were so kind giving me presents and cards but my overall feeling was one of gratitude to God. He has kept me safely for another year.

I’ve had quite a few birthdays now. God has kept hold of me and blessed me in spite of me often trying to go my own way. Looking back I’ve grown spiritually, not because of my endeavours but because of God’s persistence. As I’ve had time to read more during the pandemic I’ve learned more of Him.

I’m excited about the year to come. Where will God be leading me; what will He teach me? I really must talk with Him more.

As a writer I’m often asked where ideas come from. The answer is anywhere, any time and often for no logical reason. I had been wrestling with writing about ‘redemption’. Although we know what it is, it was proving to be a complex subject.

Then one morning I discovered the radiator in my bathroom was leaking. As I began to mop up the water a thousand thoughts went through my mind. I would ring the plumber, but not too early. Would he be in? Would he be away? Would he be in the Bahamas (though not likely during the pandemic) If I couldn’t get him would the electrician over the road be able to help? (though water and electricity don’t mix) One thought was I must pray. God answered my prayer but not that one.

A sudden idea came to me about redemption and how I could write my article. As I mopped up the excess water, more and more ideas came to me. There is absolutely no connection between redemption and leaking radiators. Even I couldn’t put them together. I think the lesson is that God is everywhere and always listening. Always hearing our prayers and answering in unexpected ways; not when we expect.

The end of the story is that my plumber wasn’t in the Bahamas and the leak was mended the next day. I still wait to see if my article will be accepted by the publisher.

Some of the most beautiful stained glass windows I’ve ever seem are in Canterbury cathedral The overall intensive impression is a most vivid shade of blue. I used to visit the cathedral just to view the windows. The scenes they depicted are breath-taking beautiful.

When I stood close up I could see that each picture was made up of hundreds of small pieces of jagged glass. Each piece was unremarkable on its own. It was when they were carefully placed together that the complete picture was formed.

How like my life which is a collection of jagged broken pieces. My pieces are envy, aggressiveness, jealousy, selfishness and many other ugly pieces. But I have been forged together by the Master Craftsman to form one beautifully complete picture.

In the stained glass workshop I can imagine the workers choosing and placing each piece carefully to form the very best picture. I can also imagine God working on me and all mankind, fearfully and wonderfully, to make us ready for His use.

Did Zacchaeus suffer from F.O.M.O. (fear of missing out).This is something many of us have been affected by during these last few months. While we have been locked down and isolated has the rest of the world been carrying out without us? In actual fact the world hasn’t been carrying on at all, but we’ve still missed out on significant events – birthdays, a wedding anniversary, graduations, parties and so on.

Jesus would have recognized that Zacchaeus was curious but sympathetic to His cause. He just wanted to catch a glimpse of Him. So often in the Bible there are just occasions. The woman with a bleed just wanted to touch His garment. She hadn’t reckoned on Jesus pointing out her act to everyone around. Those who were sick and suffering just wanted healing. Not only did Jesus call out to Zacchaeus, He also wanted to come into His house. (Oh dear I would have worried that my house might have been untidy or needed dusting.)

When i was about six (three quarters of a century ago) I was given a little book by Joan Gale Thomas entitled ‘If Jesus Came to My house.

If Jesus came to my house and knocked upon the door, I’m sure I’d be more happy than I’d ever been before.

I’d rush downstairs to meet him, the door I’d open wide and I would say to Jesus, Oh won’t You come inside.’

It then goes on to describe the things I’d share with Jesus and proceeds with the verse.

‘And though He may not visit me as I have wished He would,

yet even so He’ll bless my house if I am kind and good.’

Although I as a little girl could not have Jesus visit me, I could still visit the sick, share my toys and go to His house.

I’m hopeless at anything technical and it seems every week there is something new to learn. I sometimes get to screaming point when my computer doesn’t do what I want it to. (OK I know it’s my fault. The computer doesn’t have a life of it’s own). That’s when I’m thankful for the help of my friend. He’s an absolute whizz and able to sort out any problem.

I have other skills and talents. Often I can invite a friend or neighbour round for coffee or a meal. I can write a letter to someone, while someone else would bake them a cake. (I like my friends too much to do baking for them). We are all in this world together. By sharing and holding out the hand of friendship to others the world becomes a better place.

Goodbyes are never easy. But in this present pandemic climate they are even more uncertain. I am in the process of saying goodbye to a lovely couple who are returning to their work in India. They are due to remain there for one year. Because of covid, they are going to an uncertain situation; they do not know whether the disease will be more rampant there or whether there will be an easing.

Because of family illness they may have to return earlier. And then maybe have another goodbye. They may go abroad and then have difficulties returning to this country. All life is more uncertain. It always was uncertain; it’s just that we realise it more.