He too Shared in Their Humanity

It was lovely to see those who could join us for the Befriender lunch on Wednesday, it was a great opportunity to catch up, share news, pray and share a meal together. John told us about watching the London Marathon from the 17 mile marker and how watching the elite runners passing seemed effortless, but for the ordinary runners many were struggling and one even needing medical attention at that point in the race with another 9 miles to go.

The marathon has a fixed length and mile markers so you know how far you have come and how far you have to go but, even with this help, is a huge feat of endurance. Life is not like this, we have no markers to say how we are doing and how long we have to go, how long suffering may last or when something unexpected is waiting around the corner.

For our Ely and District CAP clients, the journey out of debt can be like both - there are clear markers with each visit arranged at the appointed time, but there are also unknowns, circumstances can change which means redoing a budget, documentation can be hard to find causing delays, the length of time to process a debt solution can vary and many more, all alongside dealing with the uncertainties of life as well.

This is why the support of the debt coaches and visit team is so important, to know that there is someone walking alongside and cheering us on. For this and all of the uncertainties of life it is Good News indeed to know of the greatest supporter of all in Jesus.

Hebrews 2: 5 - 18 (NIV)

5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,

a son of man that you care for him?

7 You made them a little lower than the angels;

you crowned them with glory and honor

8 and put everything under their feet.”

In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus was wholly human, He knows what life is like, He knows suffering, temptation, humiliation and so walks alongside and supports those who are suffering. He also knows glory and through His death and resurrection, shares the privilege of freedom from fear. He is there beside us every step of the way, no matter how difficult things may seem, and when there is no end in sight, He guides us.

Jobs Fair 29th April Update

Fiona, Arthur and Irene ran a CAP stall at Ely Job Centre Wednesday morning, invited to be part of their Jobs Fair event. In the two hours, there were a number of in-depth conversations, some job seekers who may benefit from a Drop-in and chat with the team at St Mary's on Wednesday mornings or The Countess on Fridays, some who need help now and were encouraged to phone the free CAP helpline. Some who asked for prayer and were prayed with in the Job Center and one who was an Ely and District CAP client four years ago and wanted to say thank you. She is still in and out of work due to health issues, but still debt free and sticking with her budget which has helped her through the years since the CAP journey to debt freedom.

Prayer

Please pray for all those Fiona, Arthur and Irene met at the Job Centre, especially for those needing help that they would have the strength to call the helpline number. Pray for those who asked for prayer, that they would know that they are supported in life's journey and pray for the former client for the continuing help that the CAP journey has been even beyond debt freedom.

Pray for all our Ely and District CAP clients, that they would know the support and care of the debt coaches and befrienders throughout their debt journey and that they would know the love and support of Jesus in their lives.

Please pray for Kim as she has her first client visit next week. Pray for all the support and training and that she will be ready to bring this into a real life situation.