February 2016
Well! It is all over. I have had the treatment at Sheffield and now, God willing, will regain strength gradually over the next weeks. My grateful thanks for your prayers and support over this time. I can`t begin to count the number of messages and people who have been praying for us during this time. Most of all I thank God that although I had some trepidation he gave me peace in my heart. He has never promised we would be free from ailments but He has promised to be with us through them. When we were at the hospital I was able to take my own music to listen to while I was having the treatment and I chose to take the album ‘Year of Grace’ by Robin Mark.
One song, from the album ‘All is well’, is ideal for when you`re not sure what the future holds but you have that security that He knows and it is secure in His hands.
All my changes come from Him He who never changes
I’m held firm in the grasp of the Rock of all the ages
All is well with my soul, He is God in control
I know not all His plans, but I know I’m in His hands
We are told, by Paul, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ I know how much prayer went up to the Lord on my behalf, so why should I worry and not be peaceful, when what is promised to us, is, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil 4:6-7).
This is more noticeable when you meet people who don`t have the peace of God in the situation they are facing. Hilary got the opportunity to share words of comfort and hope to a wife whose husband was facing the same treatment as me. His tumour was cancerous, so more serious than mine. But when I think of Jesus raising Jairus` daughter from death as easily as we might waken someone from sleep then I know nothing is too difficult for Him. Please join us in praying for Maurice and Dawn.
Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.’ The world`s peace is very shallow and can usually be achieved only by a change of circumstances or situation. Jesus` peace, on the other hand, can be given without there being any change in our situation but a change in our attitude to it. Here are two quotes which show the extent of this peace which is beyond understanding. ‘Peace is not real peace until it has been tested in the storm.’ (Eric Hayman) ‘The peace of God means being grateful for his past mercies, conscious of his present mercies, and certain of his future mercies.’
Every blessing be yours in Christ Jesus.
John & Hilary
Scartho Celebration Church 