As a part of growing in faith, my healing, and God's calling, I believed
I should go to London Bible College (LBC), something which I did not
want to do because I did not consider myself, as a dyslexic, suitable
for higher education. However, God had other ideas.
Somewhat akin
to Jonah, I had tried another college previously that was more practical
than LBC, but I was turned down by the principal. Nevertheless,
amazingly, the Director Of Admissions wrote to me and advised me to
apply to LBC. So I did.
As I sat on my bed the morning of the
interview to go to LBC, sulking from having been rejected previously, I
prayed and read my Bible. I became aware, through the nudging of the
Holy Spirit that this verse from Isaiah was for me, that day.
Of
course, true to His Word, they accepted me, which was a testing and an
interesting experience, including a time preaching and teaching in
Uganda.
There have been many times over the last twenty-five
years since I left LBC that I have had to confront both my own doubts
and fears as well as my low expectations of what God is willing to do. I
have had my faith severely tested when I was at the mercy of others, but
that is yet a whole bunch of other stories to tell.
What I have
learnt through many situations as a Christian, I believe applies to
anyone who takes Jesus as their Saviour. If we are serious enough for
God's will to prevail in our lives and circumstances, we need not fear
the world unduly. He is our God, we are His people, and nothing can
separate us from Him or His will for us: not even death itself.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels
nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans
8:38-39 ESV)
Prayer: Lord, You are always faithful to Your Word to us. Forgive us
when we are intimidated, doubt and are fearful. Please instil in us
today a boldness to stand up for Jesus, and by the power of the name of
Jesus, cast off anything that may inhibit the joy of being safe in Your
care. Amen.
Rod
Marshal Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
