For many people living in a time of darkness in their lives, whether through illness, poverty, debt, bereavement, loneliness, or many other reasons, it can be a struggle to face each day, to answer the phone or look at the post to face what news it may bring. It can be easy to just shut down and try to hide away from the problem rather than confronting it by admitting that help is needed, to find that help and to ask for it.
In such difficult times it can be hard to find the strength to carry on, to see any light in the darkness or see a way ahead. But a knowledge of Christ's love is a knowledge of a light that can shine in any darkness, a strength that comes alongside and supports us, a light that shines for all people, is not judgmental and is unconditional.

Luke 2: 25 - 32 (NIV)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Shining a light into the dark corners of our lives can be difficult but is revelatory. It may mean we have to face our difficulties and fears, but helps to reveal the way forwards, and we do not face it alone but in the strength of God's love. And this is something that we can share with all those we meet.
For our CAP clients, other charities and organisations may provide a way out of debt, but CAP can offer something more, it can offer the emotional support and care of our debt coaches and visit team and through that share a knowledge of the love of Christ to our clients, to light the way through their dark days and be with them into a brighter future wherever life may lead.

Prayer
Please pray for all our CAP clients as they follow their journeys out of debt, pray that it will be the first step to a better future supported by the knowledge of Christ's love for them. Please pray especially for our new clients waiting for their first visit, give thanks that they have been able to reach out to CAP for help and pray that the debt coaches and visit team will help bring light into the darkness of their fears and worries.
Please pray for our debt coaches and visit team, for CAP head office and for all those agencies, charities, friends and family members that help support our clients and for all those who give generously of their time, money or emotional support to help those who are living in poverty or suffering due to debt. Pray that we can all help bring light to their darkness.
コメント