“He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron, until what he had said came to pass; the word of the Lord tested him.” Psalm 105:17 to 19 ESV. Some seasons feel quiet and hidden, yet God still forms His purposes in the unseen.
Last Saturday, I attended a church seminar in the city, which marked my second visit to London since arriving in the UK at the beginning of September. That afternoon, on my way back to Kent, I decided to take the opportunity for a quick stroll around Embankment.
Summary:Jeremiah 29:11 is not a shortcut to comfort. God spoke these words to a people far from home, with seventy years of waiting ahead of them. That long road between promise and fulfilment has marked my own journey, from seminary days to ministry, and now in this season of rebuilding in the UK. Through years of wrestling with trust and obedience, I have come to realise that grace is often found in waiting. Obedience makes room for God's promises to grow beyond what we imagine.
There are places you land that don't make much sense on the map: a postcode that looks like a compromise, a photograph that promised one thing and delivered another. North Camp, Aldershot, is one of those places on paper, and I dare say statistics and reputation do not flatter it.
I'll be honest, contentment hasn't come easily to me. In recent years, it's been a persistent struggle, not because I don't want it, but because life keeps putting pressure on me that pulls me back into old patterns of worry and wanting more. Recently, I made a radical decision as a husband and father: I went on a scout trip to seek a fresh start for my family. It was meant to be a season of listening and of opening a new door. Instead, being away from my young family and navigating a fog of uncertainty triggered my default response: discontent! I found myself replaying "what ifs," measuring loss, and asking God to show purpose and plan in real time.
Over the past few days, God has reminded me that I cannot walk safely or serve fruitfully through effort alone. In two ordinary moments, the Holy Spirit met me with peace and guidance, and He proved His nearness again.
Recently, a short but deeply confronting teaching by Louis Giglio found its way to me. The title was simple: “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table.” Yet the implication carried real spiritual weight. Giglio uses the imagery of a dinner table to describe the inner place of conversation, influence, and authority in a believer’s life.
"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40, KJV)
There is a pattern woven into the kingdom of God. Whatever God grows inside us is never meant to remain with us alone. The life Christ plants in His disciples reaches outward. Real discipleship always touches others. Faith multiplies when it moves from one heart to another, and it strengthens the one who shares it as much as the one who receives it.
“That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit....But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Romans 8: 4 and 9)
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34, ESV) Discipleship is not a title we wear, but a path we walk. To follow Jesus is to let His footsteps shape our own, carrying His hope into a world that aches for light.
Weekly encouragement from Scripture
Read the latest uplifting message or join our A Word for the Week W/A group for an upbuilding message at the start of each week—these short devotionals have a long shelf life for all seasons.
Romans 8:38 to 39 (ESV) “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul’s words are not wishful thinking.
“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 17:3 to 4, ESV)
“In the human body, there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.”(Romans 12:4 to 5) [TPT] This week, let this picture reshape how you see the Church, not as separate camps, but as one living Body across the world.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
God has always called His people to move. Sometimes, He leads us to new places. More often, He stirs us within, shifting our hearts, our hopes, and our work. In every movement, He is shaping faith, revealing purpose, and drawing us deeper into His story.
There is a gentle drift that can overtake us, both in the church and in our own hearts. We can become incredibly busy with deeds, yet find ourselves less present with Him.
