holding hands

"If someone will hold my hand, I'll go through anything!"

That's what someone said to me this afternoon.

Don't get me wrong - she wasn't making advances on me or anything. At least, I don't think so.

She's in hospital. And she's facing a difficult day tomorrow.

But she knew the challenges had to be faced. And was stating her basic premise.

As long as I don't have to face it alone, I'll be OK.

Which is pretty much what we're all about in our work for the Lord. Enabling folk to see and to feel that they're not alone.

It's the message I'm called to share.

So there's always a fair bit of solid preparing to do. Getting my head round just what it is the Lord means me to be teaching the folk.

And there are always people to see. Mostly folk who are facing particular challenges. And who need, as it were, someone to 'hold their hand'.

So as well as preaching the message, I have to live it too. I have to learn to be there for them too.

Present at their side.

Re-assuring, comforting and strengthening.

Guiding, leading, directing, 'til they're able to see the way forward for themselves.

And all the time, the Lord himself is there.

Taking me by the hand and leading me always on.

In the face of the challenges I have to cope with as well.

Which aren't exactly small.