Lessons from the road

I am in the midst of seven Sundays on the trot around the UK speaking on behalf of BMS.  I must confess that at times this can be daunting and draining, but whenever the day is done I am so grateful for the warmth of the welcome and the encouragement given by those who faithfully support the mission that we are engaged in across the world.  Most who listen to the stories of BMS mission will never have the opportunity to see first-hand as I often do, but in acts of confident faith pray and support.  In some ways I am going to give, but I find myself receiving from the faithful encouragement of those gathered.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews describes faith with these words, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 12:1).  I suppose that we can all relate to doubting Thomas who needed to see the wounds in the hands and feet of the risen Jesus.  We struggle to have faith in what we do not see.  Jesus calls us to live by faith, not in ourselves, but in him as the resurrected one.

As well as being encouraged by the faith of God’s people, I am also struck by the importance of listening.  There is the old saying that we are given one mouth and two ears and should use them in that proportion.  Whilst I am invited to preach and share stories of BMS work across the world, I really appreciate the opportunity to listen to what God is doing in and through his people.  It is easy to be unduly influenced by stories of church decline and struggles in the UK, but I am encouraged to see signs of life and God at work.

After Woodley, Kirkintilloch, Bookham, Dumfries and the churches of north Oxfordshire, I now have Leigh-on-Sea and Horsham to go.  I am looking forward to seeing more faith and hearing more of what the Lord is doing, but then it will be good to have a break!