My wife and I often speak of the lifestyle we are blessed with. Compared with the plight of many around the world we are ridiculously blessed. We don't have a lot of spare money or luxurious habitat but we are extremely well catered for through the Lord's provision. Our family has health issues but nothing beyond the treatment of medicine. We have been shown that Jesus is the Messiah and have invited him to conquer our lives as we tread these lavish shores of Western Australia. It's really great to be alive!
What I have to say is, however badly this comes across, it is our calling. For some reason our family are required to be here doing what we are doing. For years I have been open to the leading's and callings of God and with spectacular clarity God wanted us here. Why so sure? Here's an example:
During our exploration of the desire to come to Australia my wife visited her brother in Mindarie 45k north of Perth City. During the stay she was expressing to the Lord how the climate would be good for our family on many levels. She specifically expressed that it would be good for the family to be on the beach where she was to see how appealing it is but alas, we are not money people. When she returned we decided to apply for a TV show run by the BBC. The idea was that the crew come and film you in the UK and then fly you out to an Australian city to compare lifestyles etc. The family votes on which is better during the production. This is all free and yes, you've guessed it... within a year of the prayer on the beach we were all stood on that beach in Western Australia! The name of the show? WANTED DOWN UNDER! No argument from me Lord!
That and many other things made it clear that the Lord wanted us to be in a sub-tropical climate, well catered for and abundantly happy... while other humans are being crucified in Iraq and Syria.
Hmmm. What do we do with that?
We have to take what is handed to us. That's the same for those being slaughtered for Jesus name.
John 21:15-23 shows us Jesus has different calling for people. Revelation 6:9-11 echoes the sentiment of Jesus' reply to Peter.... Basically "I am the Lord.... " Sovereignty is the key. Hebrews 11:35-12:2 describes the plight of such followers who are required to pay dearly for their faith. The answer for all people, whether in my situation or having nails slammed into your arms... keep your eyes on Jesus. So easy to write....
I have to get over my guilt for being abundantly blessed. I will pray for the persecuted and we have offered a place of refuge for a friend in Erbil. Beyond that I have nothing else to offer.
Gary Ward
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