My parents separated a year ago. The grief was complex and hard to articulate. Last week, I was driving past the house where I grew up. I looked from afar at first, not feeling worthy of getting close. I felt massive grief looking on the house where I’d grown up. What I would give to have another Sunday roast around that dining room table, Mum’s gravy, dad putting on his same old playlist. But I also know it wasn’t all perfect. As a family, we faced grief, mental health problems, and a whole host of other issues.

I drove away, following my old favourite running route, and asked God what he wanted to say about it. “It was a gift,” he told me. I didn’t know whether to smile at what I’d had or cry at what is gone. So I did both.

It made me suddenly aware of how much things can change - some things imperceptibly slowly, others shockingly fast. Losing what we love is painful, and the enemy is hard at work causing devastation, but if we believe that God is good and God is in control, we can find a reason to thank him (even if it takes time). So I thanked him for the memories and I thanked him for how things have changed.

Thankfulness in hardship is counter-intuitive, supernatural even, and that’s what makes it so powerful. It’s the biggest act of defiance we can throw against the enemy. Embrace thanking God in all things and see the riches for yourself. “In the midst of everything, be always giving thanks” 1 Thes 5:18

Just a short encouragement today:

With relationships with others, it's ok if things aren't perfect, but instead of talking to other people about it, be brave and loyal enough to address it with that person, remembering that you have your own quirks they have to deal with in relationship with you.

Proverbs 3:3 NLT

[3] Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Scripture: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.” — Matthew 5:39

Being wronged isn’t easy. When someone hurts or takes from us, our natural reaction is to want justice, or even revenge. I’ve always found Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” one of the hardest to live out.

That truth was tested recently when I was mugged. The man stole my brand-new iPhone, something I had saved up for a long time. Shock, anger, and frustration flooded in. As I sat with it, God gently reminded me of Matthew 5:39 and challenged me to forgive my mugger.

At first, I resisted. “Forgive him? Are you kidding me, Lord?” But as God ministered to my heart, the anger began to fade, replaced by compassion. I found myself praying for the man, asking that he would find salvation and restoration through this encounter.

In surrendering my right to revenge, I felt a peace that only Jesus can give. I was reminded that God is sovereign, and He will vindicate us in His own perfect way.

And as a beautiful reminder of His goodness, He even provided me with an even better iPhone, completely free!

What the enemy meant for harm, God turned for good. (Genesis 50:20)

When we choose forgiveness over retaliation, we make room for God to work miracles in our hearts and our circumstances.

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me that forgiveness isn’t weakness, it’s trust. Help me to let go of my right to get even and instead rest in Your justice and peace. Amen.

Church in Caerphilly. Caerphilly Church.

God is a God who sees you completely. He knows how you feel, every thought, every intention of the heart and he collects all your tears.

He told me recently 'I see you Ann' which brought me much comfort during a time of hardship and testing. He also told me to 'keep going', persevere and not give up.

In Genesis 16 we see, in verse 13, that Hagar “…gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees me’, for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'” El Roi - the God who sees.

No one can know fully how someone else is feeling, or what they have experienced or fully walk in their shoes. They may not understand or see how much you try but God does. He knows, he sees it all and he understands.

My encouragement to you this week is if your going through a time of testing, stretching or hardship go to the God who sees you and understands you completely. He is the greatest comforter and he is the God of the breakthrough.

Thank you God that you see and help us.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Church in Caerphilly. Caerphilly Church.