By Jennifer Barfoot, Local Preacher, Rossendale Circuit
Reading: Romans 5 v 1 – 5
‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
Notes:
A minister friend of mine told me this story:
There was a young family man, who we will call John whose faith was very delicate, fragile and John questioned God constantly. He went to many Alpha and Alpha like courses over the months and years. For many months the minister had talked at length with John about faith and the love of God.
One day the minister received a phone call, a call no one ever wants to receive. John’s 11-year-old daughter had passed away in an accident.
You can imagine the thoughts going through the minister’s head. The minister even question God, why of all people did this have to happen to John? John of all people whose faith is fragile, why?
So, off the minister went to visit John and his family. Nervously rang the doorbell, saying a prayer, wondering what he was going to say.
Inside the minister sat down with John and his wife and the other child. John then spoke and said something amazing, something that really astonished the minister, not at all what he expected.
John said,” it’s ok minister, I have peace with God, through Jesus my Lord”.
I still remember the minister telling me this story.
Of course, John and his family had lost what seemed like their whole world and their whole life. They were grieving an horrific grief. Here now in grief, John found a peace that passes all understanding. John found Hope, John found light in the darkest of times.
Wonder:
Romans 5 v. 2 and Romans 5 v. 5b
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Just as in the story John in his suffering declared his faith, today, can you truly say:
I boast in the hope that has been poured out into my heart through the Holy Spirit in Christ my Lord and saviour?
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Today help me not to boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But only to boast in Jesus Christ, in HIs death and resurrection, that has shone light and Hope in my life, that I may show this to all. Amen
Extract taken from Stuart Townsend, how deep the fathers love for us.