Pushing through

Two stories have constrasted in my mind in recent weeks. Lying down exhausted brings to mind the four men who brought their paralysed friend to Jesus. He apparently helpless, lying on his mat, while they took off the roof-tiles in order to place their friend at Jesus' feet. They pushed through the roof, they pushed past the religious leaders gathered around Jesus, and Jesus "when he saw their faith" brought forgiveness and healing to their friend. (Luke 5)

Contrast the woman of Luke 8, again chronically ill for the past 12 years. She came to find Jesus, but found him surrounded by a crowd, and clearly on his way with a religious leader (Jairus) to a specific destination. But she pressed through despite it all to be at his feet, and touch the hem of his garment. Her reward, "Woman, your faith has made you well, go in peace."

These stories maybe summarise for me what this next week of prayer is about - it is about pushing through to Jesus' feet. Whether you do it for yourself, or a friend. It is about saying that I will not be held back by the obstacles of crowd (busyness) or roof-tiles (previous barriers), but I will push through in order to see life change. I do not know what that looks like (sorry Geraldine!!), but pray that as we make ourselves available to God, he will reveal his ways to us both individually and collectively.

Chemo 7 took place Wednesday, so coming week potentially one of tiredness. Toothache thankfully ceased, and jabs gradually dealing with the breathlessness. It's also "final accounts" week at work, but things currently on track. We'll probably start the week in Fleet helping to sort Elaine's Dad's affairs and effects. Our love and thanks again to all.