[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during June 2025]
Rejoice with those who rejoice (sharing others’ joy), and weep with those who weep (sharing others’ grief).
Romans 12 v15 [AMP]
Is Paul suggesting that we should be two-faced in our relationships? Certainly not, but this verse does recognise that there may be times when we are faced with two different courses of action.
This was the dilemma which faced my maternal grandparents, Seventy-five years ago today was the day for the wedding of their eldest daughter but’ through a classic case of familial miscommunication, it was also chosen as the date for the funeral of a close relative. What should they do – it would be a significant social faux-pas to miss either event. Should they attend the wedding dressed for a funeral or go to the funeral dressed in wedding finery?
We are all faced with making decisions on a daily basis. In many cases the options are simple and the decision is straight-forward. However, from time to time the situation can be more complicated and the potential consequences may be more serious. Where can we look for help?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 [ESVUK]
How can we recognise God’s wisdom? What distinguishes it from the cacophony of competing thoughts and advice?
We read in the account of the prophet Elijah how he discovered that in the midst of distractions and turmoil God speaks with a still small voice.[1] God can command the natural elements but that is not his chosen way of communication. Is it possible that we can become so unfamiliar with the voice of God that we do not recognise when he is speaking to us? What can we do in order to re-establish communications? A nineteenth-century hymn-writer penned some advice:
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882)
Re-establishing communications with God requires more than kneeling at our bedside whilst our minds wander in diverse directions. The practical advice in that hymn suggests that, in addition to our personal devotions, interacting with other believers and encouraging them when we can will help us to regain a closer walk with God.
In the days of the prophet Isaiah the people of Israel had lost their close relationship with God. His message, via the prophet, warned of distress at the hands of the Babylonians but it also contained the promise of God’s guidance if they were willing to listen to him once more.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’
Isaiah 30 v21 [NIVUK]
Are you facing a decision that threatens to become a dilemma? Talk to God about it.
References:
[1] 1 Kings 19:12 [NKJV]
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Last week’s reflection: Little Consolation
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys