I was looking back through some of my journal entries for the 60@60 year this morning (sadly not as comprehensive as they could be). It was a reminder of the hilltops and the valleys; the moments of achievement, the amazing gifts coming in but also periods of nothing happening, of tiredness and despair. In my morning reading today there was a quote by Marcel Proust which said that the times he suffered were those where he learnt most. What some call “good suffering”.
There are times I have wanted to reach the destination without the journey in between. The trudge of life can be wearisome. But without the lows you don’t mature. I wouldn’t have learned so much in 60@60 about myself, the generosity of people and the faithfulness of God otherwise. Psalm 42:8 talks about God always being with us; the God of all our days. And He is.
For many persecuted Christians their story is one of highs and protracted lows but still they persevere. Sanna and her family in India came to faith after her mother received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, was prayed for and recovered. Sanna was then banned from visiting any other villagers for 2 years on pain of a heavy fine. Attitudes have started to soften a bit and Open Doors partners have helped but there is still opposition. Highs and lows. Like in Psalm 42, Sanna feels the persecution but knows the God who is with her each and every day.
Finally, a few more of the activities undertaken:
*60 minute cycle ride
*Tour of Bamburgh Castle
*See all main castles on Northumberland coast
*3 day retreat on Holy Island
*Run 7.5 miles in 60 minutes
Thanks for all your support; let’s keep making a difference around the world giving encouragement to people like Sanna at their lowest point.
Adrian@60 