James 1 again....

I would like to wish everyone who reads this a very happy, prosperous and peaceful 2012.

I have just read what I wrote in my last blog entry just a few days ago and it's good, but that was before I experienced a medical emergency involving my daughter. I won't go into details here but the last few days have been interesting to say the least, involving ambulances, hospitals, doctors and nurses, but in all of the danger and possible panic, I found such a deep peace, and I thank the Lord that He has revealed to me those things I wrote about last time. It's been testing and exhausting, and I have been angry and frustrated, but not for one second have I doubted God's involvement, ability, promises, peace and joy.

A thought came to me yesterday, something that I heard Joseph Prince say once, that when the devil spits out and tries to spoil things, steal things and disrupt things, it isn't because God is about to do something, but it is because God has already done something and the enemy responds by trying to distract us and take our focus away from God. So I can be encouraged and, just as I wrote last time, be of good cheer when trials come because I know God has spoken and everything God says will come to pass. In much the same way as when Daniel prayed, and God answered the prayer immediately and dispatched the angel, but the devil tried to stop the answer getting through, even now, although the devil no longer has dominion, he will try and steer us away from the answer God has already spoken.

It has by no means been a pleasant experience, and I have felt a range of emotions, but the peace and joy of God has been my shield. I am grateful for everyone who has prayed, supported and encouraged us and I am expecting some amazing things to come out of all of this because I trust God and He promises to make all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.

You know, the devil will try and do stuff and throw stuff at us to destroy us, discourage us, move us away from God's peace, but, like the palm tree that bends right over in the storm but returns stronger afterwards, I am drawn towards God and am stronger for it. God is good all the time and delights in His children. I know how much I love my daughter (and my son) and then I think that His love for me and her is much stronger, deeper, wider, broader than mine could ever be......and that's my Dad.