September 10, 2012

SPRING STORMS

It's been a while since I wrote here ... so much happening in this season and so many challenges.

I read in the Herald today of the spring storms that are currently blowing over the country and how there will be a few icy blasts to follow!  In the last couple of days I have found myself constantly thinking about 'spring rains' that water the earth and cause new growth.

How many of us have been experiencing our own spring storms in the last little while?  Do we run and hide from them, or turn our faces into the rain and wind in order that we might be watered and new growth will come out of our lives, even if the buffeting is uncomfortable?

This weekend I read again the beautiful little book by Gene Edwards "A Tale of Three Kings".  I had been asking the Lord for a word that I knew was from Him in this season, and when He brought it I knew He was talking to me about 'dodging spears'.  David could at any time have picked up (or pulled out!) a spear thrown by King Saul and very accurately thrown it back - but the making of the new king, one after God's own heart, was that he dodged them and didn't throw them back.  He learnt how to position himself in God in ALL circumstances and it held him pretty steady through the challenges of  the rest of his life.

Someone lent me a DVD on the life of Padre Pio - it is amazingly well done and again emphasises that this life in God doesn't follow the comfortable path!  However, when this man prayed God moved and wonderful things took place.  Again I saw an example of a man who was prepared to be positioned in God, regardless of the personal cost.

The final gem was going to see "How Far is Heaven", the gentle documentary film about the Sisters of Compassion at Jerusalem on the Wanganui River.  The three remaining sisters lead a prayerful and practical life that is quietly redemptive.  It's a beautiful and poignant movie.

Without doubt I know that my God is calling me deeper into the life of prayer that has always been my journey with Him.  In this past week I have been encouraged and inspired to turn my face into this current wind and allow Him to reshape and water me ready for what is to come.

I am reminded of the words that have always challenged my heart in John 14 where Jesus speaks of what He knows and expects for us:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in My Name, and I will do it."

Lord, teach us to pray.