Living Out Christ

Last week we all experienced the new public Matariki holiday, and it was interesting to see so many talking about the theme of new beginnings. The Lord speaks about this star constellation in Job (Pleiades) as an example of the Lord’s power and wisdom, and this past week Felicity and I witnessed the power of the Lord at work in people’s lives.

We had the opportunity to visit friends and family in Auckland and Whangarei – where I did my internship. What a wonderful time of being refreshed by people’s stories of God’s provision since the last time we saw them. There were testimonies of God’s movement in their personal lives, and amongst their community and neighbours.

For example, one couple shared of God’s provision with their elderly mother adjusting to a new life after God called her husband home. They shared how they have learnt to work with their siblings regarding support for their mum while also managing their own families. They shared about God’s provision in a career path where she was appointed to manage the office of a large school and support a new principal in his role. It was wonderful to see them living out Christ in the neighbourhood.

Another friend shared about God’s provision in the upturn of their business after heeding to God in some personal areas.  This led them to manage their time to support the local church with their professional skills to assist in a proposed extensive building project. Felicity and I could see and hear the love and joy of God expressed in their conversations and their excitement of working within their community.

In Auckland our own neighbours were shocked when they arrived to find much of the trees bordering their boundary had been cut down. Felicity and I had the opportunity to have a chat with them over coffee providing a listening ear as we talked about the change that is happening in the community. These are the stories that encourage our faith in the Lord. They are stories that reminds us of the awesome wonder of God as declared by the Psalmist in Psalm 19:1-2:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge”.

and Lamentation 3:22-24.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Finally, God speaking to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6 is the same message for us today.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”