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"And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty." (Luke 1:50-53 ESV)
Presently my upstairs ensuite bathroom is just an empty shell with a toilet. I have started by replacing the ceiling, insulation, walls and floor, which was either missing or all rotten and unsafe. Yet I still have a long way to go: I have still to install lino flooring, bath, sink, radiator and tiles.
Some might say it is a step too far for me, especially as my back went out badly at the end of the week when I could hardly move my feet without spasms to the small of my back. I was not surprised to have some opposition to the task; apart from being a daft older man who should know when to stop and rest!
After seeking prayer from the Bible study group on Saturday I was able to get back to work on Monday. Praise God for His healing mercy and grace!
However, I know that God is with me in this rebuild, as a part of my service to God and to my wife, something He confirmed to me in an unusual rainbow revealed this week that was indicative of a poster from the 1980’s that said: “God keeps His promises”.
The only way for this job to be done was if I do it myself because of the cost. By Grace and a lifetime of purchases, I have acquired tools, gifts and experience to be God’s hands.
Jesus was a carpenter whilst here on earth and so I think I get a little prompting from Him to guide my thoughts about what to do: practically, buying tools, as well as His answering guided prayers and being healed physically.
As I filled a rubbish bag of my work’s efforts I was aware of a thought speaking to me. Just like all the rotten and useless materials I removed and put into these bags, so over the years Jesus has removed and continues removing all the rotten stuff that has been allowed to amass that is not beneficial for my Kingdom life.
I know we all have a lot to thank Jesus about; what He has done for us. Progressively He sets about removing the bad and then infills us with the good via Holy Spirit or mentors sent by God.
Prayer: Lord, we give You thanks and praise for the blessings You have bestowed on each of us to perform Your purposes where You have placed us. It is often hard to persevere through trial and temptation but You are always alongside us in what we do. Thank You for empowering us to serve in Jesus' name Amen.
Roderick Marshall
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