Helensburgh Parish Church - Meditative Reflections

Then he prayed, O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Genesis 24:12 The major emphasis of this passage is centered on what we might call the cooperation of the Spirit. This is the missing note in much personal evangelism. Many men and women have heard the command of God, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15). They have recognized this is a command, but then they go out, acting as though it all depends upon them. This is where the grim-faced, fever-eyed fanatic comes from, on the one hand and, on the other, the timid, blushing, flustered Christian who hardly ever dares to utter a word. There is a failure to recognize that not only has God commanded us to do this, but he has also provided the Spirit by which to do it. This is what we see as the story progresses. Here is a man expecting God to work. He does not go into this land and say to himself, Well now...

4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!  5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.     An expectant life is not lived by denying fear, but by choosing where to place our attention. Paul writes from prison, yet his words overflow with joy, gentleness, prayer, and peace.  Paul offers a quiet guide for those learning to live expectantly. Rejoice even before circumstances change, pray instead of surrendering to anxiety, and trust that God is nearer than we realise. Expectation grows whenever gratitude and trust are practised daily. It is t...