Weeks 07 & 08 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

We saw a kinder and softer side of British politics this week when a little boy passed away after suffering from a severe form of epilepsy combined with cerebral palsy and needed 24-hour care for his entire 6-year life. His name is Ivan and he is the first child of the Leader of the opposition Conservative Party David Cameron. The father described him as a "magical" son who made him the "happiest father ever".

Leading tributes in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown told MPs that every child was "precious and irreplaceable" and that the death of a child "was something that no parent should have to bear". Mr. Brown, whose daughter Jennifer Jane died aged just 10 days in 2002, added: "I know that in an all too brief life, he brought joy to all those around him and I know also that for all the days of his life, he was surrounded by his family's love."

Mr. William Hague, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party said: "Ivan's six years of life were not easy ones. His parents lived with the knowledge for a long time that he could die young, but this has made their loss no less heart-breaking. Ivan suffered much in his short life, but he brought joy and love to those around him."

It is tough to talk about God or His love at a time such as this. Many may even question the heart of God in Ivan's case. But one thing is certain, little Ivan's suffering is no more and he is now in a better place!

The greatest test of a man is his ability to love even when it hurts. The greatest test of a man of faith is his trust in God no matter what he is going through in life. King David knew this principle very well when he said "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts......" [Ps 15:1-5 NIV]

King David's complete trust in God is something we can emulate. He consulted God on the fight against the Philistines and he would only do so when God gave him the go ahead. He did so because his people were afraid of the might of the enemy. "When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah." But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!" Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah." [1 Sam 23:1-6 NIV] King David's total trust in God allowed him to have victory over the enemy and to win the trust and respect of his followers.

We see similar kind of strong faith in this gentile woman. "Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone." [Mark 7:24-30 NIV] Her humility and trust in Jesus allowed her daughter to be delivered from demon possession.

At a time of economic downturn and financial difficulties affecting everyone, do we have faith to trust in God's provision? Do we believe in the Word of God when it says "... Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed......When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him......In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps......Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." [Prov 16:1,3,5,6,7,9,11,20,33] This is testing time for everyone who confesses God is love and Jesus is Lord!

Amen!