No matter the challenge, press
on through. Yes, my path was seemingly blocked this afternoon by a herd of
miniature cattle, each one still approaching half a ton and including at least
one bull. Those horns at the back sure look sharp and one has a nose ring, so
maybe more temperamental… naah, a bunch of softies these are, though I really
wouldn’t want to get into an argument with any of them. I’ve had a good day
today, aside from my walk I’ve managed to achieve quite a lot back at home. Painting
my staircase, followed by preparation for the next section. But it feels very
satisfying being able to tackle a much needed job and I can’t wait to get on with
it tomorrow. And I do feel quite well now, so the trick will be to make sure I
don’t overdo it. Activity management is the key, though the greatest challenge,
as always, is simply saying no when temptation to live normally is set before
me. Slow but steady. One day, I’ll break out of the dreaded Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
cycle of ill health.
Prayer is one of my biggest
challenges. I suppose the disappointment of losing Jane after so much prayer,
from so many people all around the world has had not a little effect upon my
perseverance in that arena. But I do persevere. And will continue to do so, for
sure. So, I’m reminded that there was once a man who always prayed perfect
prayers, and those prayers were always answered, completely perfectly. I’m
obviously talking about the Lord Jesus and a couple of interesting events in
his life come to mind. In Mark 8 we read of the time he healed a blind man, and
the first attempt was only partially successful. It took a further step to
completely restore the man’s eyes. I find that encouraging. I will persevere.
On another occasion Jesus
asked his Father to save him from the most terrible ordeal that would lead to
his own death. In the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest, he knew he was
facing execution and prayed for deliverance. Not just any prayer either, as
such was his fervency he even burst a blood vessel! Yet throughout this
greatest cry of prayer he prayed ‘Not my will, but yours’. Sometimes God’s
purposes are greater than any suffering we may face and our prayer must always
seek God’s will over our own needs. I don’t find that easy.
Luke 22:41-44 ’He walked away,
about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father,
if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want
your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from
heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was
in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of
blood. (NLT)
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