Children of God

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for many of our Ely and District CAP clients, juggling entertaining the children on a small budget and feeling unable to provide fun days out or a family holiday. Acknowledging debt problems to family and friends can be a huge barrier, leading to isolation from even those close to us. Others are estranged from their families and struggle with isolation and loneliness, making it difficult to leave the house let alone get away for a break and some rest and relaxation.

It can be hard to be patient and kind when we are struggling under burdens, like our clients struggling with the burden of debt as well as other issues - mental or physical health, childcare or job worries, isolation and loneliness and more. But when dealing with any of these situations we need to remember that the most difficult person that we have to deal with everyday is ourselves, we need to be as patient, open and honest with ourselves as we should be with others, to notice when we are falling short and to work at those areas where we struggle, a snap judgment, a thoughtless remark or quickness of temper can soon make a difficult situation worse, but equally a small action or a caring word can make a huge difference both to ourselves and to those we meet. Building and maintaining open and honest relationships can help to share a burden rather than feel that we have to struggle alone.

When we recognise the love of Jesus in our lives, we build up a relationship that can stand firm whatever storms life may bring and this relationship shines with the light of love and truth, bringing a depth of joy and love into all our relationships as well.

John 1: 9 - 13 (NIV)

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

And as children of God, we have help with this - help to help ourselves to enable us to help others - and this is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Galatians 5: 22 - 26 (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

By consciously cultivating the gifts of the Spirit within ourselves, we can grow in our ability to serve God by dealing with patience, caring and justice with all those we come across in whatever situation, to avoid provocation, envy and jealousy, snap judgements and condescension and in a small way help make both ourselves and the world a brighter and better place for everyone through the example of Jesus' love.

Prayer

Please pray for our Ely and District CAP clients struggling with difficult relationships or loneliness and isolation due to their debt worries. Pray that the Ely and District CAP team will bring the love and joy of Jesus into their lives to help lift their burden and brighten all their relationships.

Pray for our debt coaches and visit team, for the visibility of God's love in their lives and work, for the inspiration and encouragement they can bring and for strength to face many different and difficult situations with love and patience.