WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 2020

Good morning, sisters and brothers,

I wonder how you slept last night?

I did not sleep well, my mind was whirling and I had that strange physical problem which I call “jumping legs”

Around 3.am I was thinking this night seems endless................but then a few words popped into my head.

They were often spoken by a nursing sister I worked on the night shift with many years ago.

When I was wearying during my shift she would say, “this too will pass”

I would hear her saying it different times too when maybe one of us was having difficulties with our families, or worried about our finances, any problem really, we would hear the words, “this too will pass”

The nursing sister’s name was Rosemary, she had spent most of her nursing career working in Accident and Emergency, she had been at the front line of care, for people arriving at the hospital, often distressed and in need of a reassuring word.

When I got to know her she was almost ready to retire, but I am so grateful that I had a time of working under her supervision. She had “seen in all” during her working life, nothing ever seemed to faze her and she was always ready to lend a listening ear, both to the staff and to residents in the home.

Sometimes, when we’re going through a difficult season, we don’t think we can make it through. But God promises us in His Word that He will never allow more to come on us than we can bear as we rely on Him (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9) Paul says that “His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.” This means when we go through hard times, God wants to show Himself strong through us.

The truth is, getting upset or worried about our problems never changes them.

However, I’ve learned that choosing to adopt a positive attitude can make a difference.

When bad things happen or we’re uncertain about the future, it can be even tougher to think and say things that are positive. But it’s helpful to remember that things will change...a new season is right around the corner.

We have all had to make adjustments to our way of life during the pandemic, and for some it may seem that we are never going to get through this.

Now we have to make new adjustments as some of the restrictions are easing, and that can bring its own worries for some.

How wonderful to know that we don’t have to rely on our own strength for each day and each change that comes our way.