Short time or long

For many of our Ely and District CAP clients, the journey out of debt can seem like a long and difficult process, first visit clients are now booking into November so face a long wait to even start the process, others are waiting a long time after their second information gathering visit for their advice and still others are waiting on the progress of Debt Relief Orders or Bankruptcies to become debt free. Struggling with debt can be a dark time, reaching out for help can be difficult in itself and clients need the love and support of the debt coaches and befrienders to be patient and supported through the process.

In dark times, it can be hard to see that things will improve, hard to see that God is at work.

Acts 26: 24 - 31 (NIV)

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

Paul was in a difficult situation, arrested and held by the Romans who didn't really know what to do with him. The Jewish leaders wanted him back in Jerusalem so that they could kill him and stifle his ministry to the gentiles. But Paul was able to turn this bad situation into an opportunity to do God's work, using his defense to King Agrippa and his court as an opportunity to share his testimony, explain how he knows the truth of Jesus and to evangelise to all those who are listening. He recognised that the most important thing is to speak - however dark the situation may seem, God will use it for good and even if you don't see the seed grow, that it may be a short time or long, it can grow and bear fruit.

This is why we would like to be more invitational, to both support our clients through the long waits of the journey out of debt, but also to sow the seeds of the knowledge of the love of God that can grow for a support and strength for the whole of life's journey. Prayer, sharing, support, care, invitation into community all these and more are small steps on a big journey.

Prayer

Please pray for all our Ely and District CAP clients, for those waiting for their first visit and their CAP journey to begin, for those frustrated by long waits before the budget or waiting for debt solutions to come through. Pray that they would know that they are in safe hands with the Ely and District CAP team and the support team in Bradford and that this love and care will continue beyond the debt journey.

Please pray for our debt coaches, visit team and supporters for all the love and care that they bring to our clients and that they would know the strength of God to take this wider and deeper beyond the journey out of debt.

Pray that we would all be more invitational, to know that even a small thing like a smile or a welcome can be part of a big journey of faith.