The face behind the blog.... 

Walking together 

Encouraging each other 

Christians can find themselves struggling in the day-to-day of life with a variety of issues. Whether it be anxiety, mental health, addictions, grief etc. I think it is important to let you know I share forms of these 'thorns in the flesh' just as St Paul describes (2Corinthians 12). 

However, if we take Paul as a Christian example, we know there is a way forward.... there is hope. Yes that's right the Paul who Jesus spoke to on the road to Damascus and who Jesus commissioned to set up the early church. Remember, Paul spoke of his 'thorns' and still managed to keep going. In fact, the more I read Paul's letters and contemporary biographies about him the more I'm tempted to wonder how he made it through. For example, there were major disagreements to sort out between believers and issues constantly arising between himself and others! Furthermore, there were theological arguments to be thrashed out between converted Jews and Christians concerning the OT law. Other issues of pastoral concern emerged where some churches had problems around individual and group christian conduct with in-fighting between factions in the churches. 

Added to all this pressure Paul's letters describe him being imprisoned or shipwrecked. It was hardly plain sailing. The span of problems faced seemed to have no end. The only explanation as to how Paul survived the intense pressure was that he had supernatural support. He also drew strength through prayer and connecting with Jesus. The good news is that we too as Christians have that supernatural support. We need to put our will into action to access what the Lord has provided including standing on the bible promises He gave to us:

'He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless' (Isaiah 40:29)

'but the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one' (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

One of the parting words of Jesus was that he had to go to be with his Father so that the Holy Spirit down could come to help us. In other words we need to 'walk in the spirit'. Paul was given a royal commission and as Christians we have a special gifting to edify the church and encourage each other. In his earthly ministry, Paul had access to the same Jesus as us. Nothing is different.

What is important right now is that you need to know that the challenges we face need not overcome us. So together - let us allow ourselves to be encouraged, uplifted and supported by Jesus and the Holy Spirit as we are commanded to do (1Thessalonians 5v11).

If you have something to share please write in with your words of encouragement and/or testimonies of how God is working in your lives.