Yes, that is June on the horizon, and yes you could be forgiven for thinking we are just getting over Easter (I’m picturing Philip reminding us that its only 30 weeks to Christmas!)
However, I want to share some encouragement and reflect on the challenges we face because there is so much to celebrate among us. The continuing development of group activities, growth in our congregation and membership over the last few years all remind me of God’s faithfulness. As I reflect on the past and look at the present, I cannot help but see the wonderfully creative way that He works. He’s the one at the helm of the ship guiding the way. This enables us to see how far we have come and to acknowledge the challenges, which are so often the place of growth and learning.
Encouragement and thanksgiving play vital roles in the journey of those who truly follow Jesus Christ. They provide strength, hope, and motivation, even in the face of challenges. Scripture is abounding with passages that emphasise the power of encouragement and the importance of expressing gratitude. Moreover, challenges and learning experiences are seen as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. Let us delve deeper into these concepts and explore their significance.
Encouragement is like a balm to the soul. It lifts spirits, instils confidence, and motivates individuals to persevere. The apostle Paul understood the value of encouragement and frequently urged fellow believers to uplift one another. In his letter to the Thessalonians, he wrote, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Encouragement not only helps individuals overcome trials but also strengthens the bond within the Christian community.
We give thanks to Hazel, Jan, George & Pauline and Livi for their continued support with the Ark playgroup. We also give thanks for the Ladies fellowship, weekly Lunch club, Mini Messy Church, prayer walk group, Men’s breakfast, Prospects and many others. These are a vital part of outreach for SBC and the wider community. We give thanks to Carol for all that she does behind the scenes (too many to mention here). I give thanks to my team who strive to lead us forward as we discern together. I also give thanks to the faithful, committed members of SBC as we discern God’s will and missional opportunities so that we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ in our community. With that said, we cannot escape the fact that challenges are an inevitable part of life. As Christians, we are not exempt from trials, but we have the assurance of God’s presence and guidance through them. Challenges refine our character, deepen our faith, and enable us to rely on God’s strength. This has certainly helped some of us through difficult situations. Learning from these experiences is crucial for personal and spiritual development. Scripture teaches that wisdom comes through seeking God and meditating on His Word. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, advised, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Challenges present an opportunity to seek wisdom and discern God’s will. By leaning on God’s wisdom, we can navigate difficulties with grace and understanding.
Moreover, learning from challenges also requires humility. The apostle Peter admonished believers to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand, knowing that He cares for them (1 Peter 5:6). Recognising our limitations and surrendering to God’s guidance allows us to learn valuable lessons and grow in faith. Hopefully we have learnt more of this through our recent series on ‘Unity & Conflict’. It also serves to remind us of our 3 core values – knowing God – growing in Christ – overflowing in life through the Holy Spirit.
So, I want to encourage you all to reflect upon the year so far. Where are you in your daily walk with Jesus? What have you given thanks for recently and what or who has encouraged you? Encouragement and thanksgiving are integral to our journey. They provide strength, hope, and motivation, enabling us to face challenges with unwavering faith. Remember that Scripture emphasises the power of encouragement and the importance of expressing gratitude. Challenges, though difficult, present opportunities for growth and learning. By seeking wisdom and humbling ourselves before God, we can navigate challenges and emerge stronger in our faith. Let us encourage one another, give thanks to God, and embrace challenges as stepping stones to spiritual maturity.
 | David Skeet is our church team leader. Taken from the latest edition of our bi-monthly church newsletter. |