With the imminent arrival of our baby boy, I’ve been reflecting on our journey and the difference in our season now vs the season we were in 12, 18, 24 months ago. What I keep coming back to is God’s faithfulness and how, by His grace, the ferociousness of the storm has passed. I didn’t know how long I would be in the midst of the storm (being honest, it felt too long) and even with a healthy baby on the way now, the last 3 years still feel quite raw but I just want to encourage you that the tough situation (or maybe it feels more of a season) that you are facing is not the end for you. It is not the final chapter. It does not define you. God will not leave you in the dust. There is hope for a better and good future for you!

Some life lessons God taught me in the midst of the storm I faced (or pit as I often called it):

- The Holy Spirit is my [biggest] advocate (John 14:26).

- He is patient and kind! He is faithful to walk with me through life’s challenges (Psalm 86:15).

- God understands my circumstances not *just* because He is God and all knowing but because He came as a man (Hebrews 2:18).

- God is ALWAYS active & working. When I couldn’t yet see, He encouraged me to ‘wait & see’ what He was doing and how He will turn my situation into gold (John 5:17, Philippians 1:6)!

- He will not let our pain/ suffering/ difficult circumstances be in vain or go to waste (Romans 8:28)!

The beauty and treasure I have found in Jesus despite my affliction is beyond anything I could ever have hoped for! I pray that He blows your expectations of who He is and what He will do through you and your circumstances!

I’ve also attached a link here to a song that I’m finding particularly powerful at the moment. Enjoy ☺️

Following on from Lester's amazing testimony, I was encouraged to remain in a state of thankfulness no matter the circumstances.

Now pondering on my own challenges, I thought wow, that is easier said than done and began to ask the question how do I remain thankful when everything around me is contrary? Going further I asked how can I remain with an attitude of possessing faith when my circumstances say different?

The short answer is in the song attached here.

When I begin to remember what he has done, what he has brought me through, and like our good brother Lester, how he has saved my life 😊 selah; suddenly the circumstances begin to fall away from my mind and God's promise becomes the reality.

I hope the song encourages you to ponder on his wonderful works in your life as it has done in mine

Last week was Saint Davids Day! Saint David said to be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things you have heard and see me do. 'Do the little things in life' (or 'Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd' in Welsh) became a Welsh saying.

The little things we do, can have ripple effects. You may feel like you can't change the world but you can do small things to help those around you.

Never underestimate what God can use you for. Revivals started when a few started praying. One person can share the gospel with an evangelist that can go on to save many. A small charity can grow to feed a country. There is no limit to God's creative ways of using our gifts and talents to bless others if we let him.

So I felt to encourage us in doing great acts for God in our day to day. A smile, a kind act, a thoughtful gift or a telephone call can change someone's day, week or life! Let's listen to the Holy Spirit and act on his promptings.

I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do—yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39

I’ve been contemplating/asking God what to say in this message for the last few days and there are two themes that keep coming up:

1) How utterly dependent on Jesus I am.

2) How hugely grateful I am for his abundant provision.

Currently and over the past two months I have poured every waking moment, blood, sweat and tears into turning our new house into a home. I have given it everything I’ve got, and more at times, but even with all my hardest effort there have been many, many points on the journey that I would not have met critical deadlines, and would have become overwhelmed and tempted to give up if it wasn’t for the grace and provision of God in His perfect timing.

I can’t say “thank you” enough to each and every one of you who has given of your time and energy to support Lydia & I on this journey. We genuinely would not have been able to do it without your practical help, encouragement and prayers and have been completely blown away by your generosity.

So in a round about way, my encouragement to you all this week, is to wholeheartedly give of yourselves to whatever it is that God has called you to in this season, because you will be a blessing and your impact can be life changing, and know that at the same time that you are giving all you’ve got, Jesus is upholding you and will make up for our shortfalls!

Here are two scriptures I’d like to leave with you:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

And

Colossians 3:23-24

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.