When you feel like you are drowning

"It's a bad one.....very aggressive and incurable. At best the doctors will try and apply palliative care and make her as comfortable as they can." I wailed as the words hit home and the realisation hit me. This is my mother that the doctor is talking about.

As the realisation sank in, I felt an overwhelming sadness and such incredible tiredness. The truth was brutal when told like that, but I wouldn't have wanted to know anything but the truth.

Walking away from the surgery two nights ago, I felt a remarkable peace in the midst of the storm. And then I knew that this peace could only come from One... no-one other than my Father God could leave anyone with such peace in the face of such devastating news.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

As I have spent many hours yesterday and today reflecting, I know with absolute certainty that my God is in control, that medicine is not an exact science and that He is our healer. I also know that He will use even these circumstances and this situation for good and so I have hope to carry on and face tomorrow.

May God's peace touch you today.

Selah

The Platinum Suite

Ever imagined what God's house is like?

I recently attended the Hillsong Europe Conference... and the venue was the Excel Centre in London....

There in front of me as I walked to the auditorium, were these bold words : The Platinum Suite...and as I stood there, God reminded me of the incredible Home that we are looking forward to.

And then I dreamt of what Our Father's home is like...The Platinum Suite - it has to be, like no other..... one that simply takes your breath away, finer than silver, finer than gold and one so illuminated by His Glory that even platinum will pale into the shadows in His presence.

Situated at the centre of the Universe - the Heart of where we will meet our Saviour and our King.

So you may ask, what are the characteristics of the Platinum Suite:

• Simple and yet inspirational
  
• He just requires you to turn up and to bring as many guests as you can
• The Owner is my best Friend - and I want Him to be your friend too
  

• His house hosts the biggest names in The business - Matthew, Paul, John, Peter, James, Luke.... need I go on?

• Halls and galleries, a mansion with many rooms - Jesus tells us in John 14 verse 2:

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

• To get rid of your daily stresses, all you have to do - is walk in (Matthew 11:28) - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
• He is waiting

I would recommend this home in eternity and for all eternity. It is your home to and to enter all you need to do is knock and the door will be opened. (Matthew 7: 7 ) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

What a wonderful promise, claim it as your own my friend. (Luke 11:9) "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

God bless you

Where is your focus today?

Isn't it incredible how when you have your focus on Jesus, everything else pales into the background and suddenly seems small and insignificant. What a wonderful thought, that as each step of suffering wants to drag you down, Jesus is there to pick you up and carry you ! Have you ever read "Footsteps in the Sand"... I have, many times and identified with it so often.

Yes, you've guessed it... life is challenging.. actually no, it's just pretty tough right now. A new day dawns and just as I want to reach out and enjoy the beauty and the glory of all God has created, the enemy strikes another blow.

I grow weary and my spirits sink... the storms of life are battering me from one side and then the next, I toss and turn and tumble....and then I just remember the great I am, my Master and my Maker....the Great Creator... and then I don't feel so grey anymore. God can calm the storm.

Our God is greater, mightier and more powerful than any multitudes of armies sent out to battle. He protects us on every front and when we stand to face Him, the enemy is always behind us and Jesus is covering our backs. Hallelujah, what a mighty Saviour !! So why don't we call on Him, why do we always try and solve ours and the worlds problems on our own?

Today I was reminded by Joyce Meyer's daily note, of one of God's rich promises over my life (Romans 5: 3 and 4) "...we continue to shout our praise even when we are hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we are never left feeling shortchanged. ...we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit..." Message Bible.

My friend, the enemy has strategies to break you down, to tire you out, to eat you up and then spit you out, to beat you relentlessely - and all to take your focus away from the God given gifts that you are blessed with and that you want to put to God's purposes. Don't let him overcome you, don't let him get the upper hand...Our Father, God with his almighty armies will not let the enemy have his way. Focus your eyes on Jesus and I promise you, you will be the victor.

God has so much planned for you, just as He has for me.... His plans are to prosper you and bless you and to make you His mighty warrior. So if you are feeling low today, just lift your eyes towards the heavens, speak to Jesus and call on His help - and you will see the Glory of the face of Jesus and the darkness will chase into the shadows.

He loves you and never gives up on you !

God Bless you