Our Christian faith does not indemnify us against difficult circumstances; like anyone else,  we may experience difficulties with health, relationships, money, concern for others or any number of things.  But there’s several things we can be assured of.

  First Jesus, through his willingness to endure both threats and pain was able to turn them into that most miraculous opportunity of all – the possibility of salvation and an everlasing personal relationship with him to all who turn to him as Saviour and Lord. What could be more marvellous than that? Secondly Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always”- so nothing can happen that he does not know and care about. Thirdly think of the Apostle Peter chained in prison with Silas (Acts 16). What was there to sing about in that situation? Yet, there they were witnessing and singing hymns. Then they were miraclously released from behind bars – and their jailer and his family were converted. That’s God really turning threats into opportunities!

   So, as we move from one year to the next, may God grant you peace of mind and his Spirit to enable those things that seem - right now - to be threats to be miraculously turned into opportunities for Him. And let’s give thanks and share with each other when that happens!