Sunday Thought – 03.11.24

Modern day life has many challenges whether they be around finances, health issues, family relationships, employment or a host of other issues! The Christian community is certainly not immune to testing situations, sometimes facing more where matters of faith are concerned. In some countries (including the UK) the law has certain protections for religious believers but that doesn’t prevent individuals saying or doing things which Christians can find hurtful or disrespectful. In many other countries there are no legal protections for Christians at all or even punishments for admitting to being a Christian.

The support for Christians in these situations comes from God and his ‘Word’, the Bible, where many verses are very reassuring, comforting and encouraging. Here are two such verses: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (NIV, 1 Corinthians 16:13); “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (NIV, James 1:12).

If you’re a Christian, consider which verses you turn to for support.

Prayer Points for the Week:

• Pray that this week’s Budget will not cause further financial difficulties for those already struggling with the Cost of Living Crisis.
• Pray for those who have lost family or property during the floods in Spain.
• Please pray for the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. For peace; for aid to get through to those in need; for those mourning the loss of loved ones.