I became a Christian in my teens. This was just the first step of a journey with my Lord that I am still on. I am never alone as I have God before, beside and behind me, guiding every step of my life. Prior to this time, I thought I had to continually ask God into my life after doing something wrong, but I realised when reading 1 John 1 v 9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.
Heading off to university I realised, more so for the first time, that I had to stand up for my Christian faith and this was encouraged with the aid of the Christian Union. There my faith grew.
God showed me that I needed to serve Him and others, which I did for many years through the work of the Boys’ Brigade. Little did I think that it would be through this area of serving that God would lead me to meet my wife Judith, who has been a blessing and source of encouragement for many years.
But God can redirect our paths and He opened the door for me to serve Him in Moneydig Presbyterian Church as a member of Committee, then as an elder and He returned me to working with young people once again as a helper in Campaigners. Although I often felt unable, God has equipped me for each task. He has promised in Exodus 4 v 12: “Now go; I will help you to speak and will teach you what to say”. Many times, I have been stretched and felt inadequate, but God has remained faithful and given me strength for every task.
I am thankful for all the ministers who have served in Moneydig during my lifetime, each one having encouraged and challenged me as they have ministered faithfully from God’s word and often offered me practical advice.
God has richly blessed us with four children. Almost all of them are adults now, but it has always been our prayer since they were born that wherever God decides to take them to, that they will faithfully serve Him.
I believe we should follow the command in these verses from 1 Peter 3 v 15 & 16: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
I feel that over the past number of years God has revealed to me that we must be continually intentional in our witness and service to Him. This can be challenging, but we are Christ’s disciples just as much in 2021, as were His 12 friends who walked with Him on this earth.
I am reminded of the commentary by Warren Wiersbe on Isaiah 40 v 29 to 31: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. The greatest heroes of faith are not always those who seem to be soaring; often it is those who are patiently plodding. As we wait on the Lord, He enables us not only to fly higher and run faster, but also to walk longer. Blessed are the plodders, for they eventually arrive at their destination”.
It is my prayer that you join with me on this journey by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and allow Him and by the work of the Holy Spirit to walk with you, guide and direct your steps until He eventually leads you and me home to be with Him, our heavenly Father.