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26% of the responses highlighted more time with God/slow down/rest |
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17% of the responses highlighted trust in God and give it to Him |
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“It's less about doing and more about being.” “As I prayed about my concerns about the virus I had a great sense of God the Father being with me through this.” “Be honest with him and know that nothing can separate me from him. To depend on him.” “He has asked me to do less, to do what I do more slowly and more prayerfully, to learn restful rhythms, the joy of stillness, quietness and solitude. Scriptures about resting in Him, trusting Him and about not being anxious have abounded.” “Not to let the things we have learnt in lockdown go away quickly when we go back to normal again.” “It's cliché but to go deeper into His word. I'm seeing the "Bible as a story" in new ways and probably need make a note of all of these things I'm learning before I forget them.” |
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“Initially I thought that the virus would almost certainly 'get me'. I guess I'm also reminded of an old song we used to sing: 'This world is not my home; I'm just a-passing through'. I think we can get so comfortable in this world that we almost don't want to go to heaven!” “I think he's asking me to sit at his feet, adore him, listen to him, rest in him, wait on him. To see this not only as necessary but as an essential, beautiful practice. I wrestle with this being a 'waste of time' when there's so much to be done. The question John Mark Comer asks about what Jesus would be like if he lived in your shoes is a really interesting one...” “To be more guided by His voice, showing me the way forward. Not to dwell on the past and to be there for others in need.” |
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“There are so many different voices and people to listen to in this season: from scientists and those whose basis of truth is science, to the media and journalists, to politicians who are trying to lead our country. In these moments, it is important that we, as people of God, hear and listen to His voice above the crowd. We need to be feeding our soul and digging deeper into God’s word, because it is our walk with God that will sustain us during these times. I encourage you all to have a change of rhythm – to put down the tech and spend time with God, to open His word and spend time meditating on it, as you seek to discern God’s voice. By rooting ourselves in Him we will be able to have peace at this time and be a source of hope to those around us.” Gavin Calver Evangelical Alliance. “The war against racism is not over. Right now we are at a historic moment, an opportunity to change and the church must take the lead… we must not fail to speak out. Will you be an extremist for love and justice?” There’s A Change Coming talk - Nicky Gumbel “Despite the chaos, we know that God’s plan is for peace, for ‘shalom’. This transcends our modern notion of peace to include ideas of wholeness, balance and tranquility: everything in its place, everyone in right relationship. The antithesis of chaos. A world reflecting back the love and beauty of God. Creation is groaning in anticipation of this (Romans 8:22). It’s what we seek when we pray ‘your kingdom come’. It’s what we live out when we love God and love our neighbour.” Tearfund rebooted guide. |
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The MLT recognise that this is not a time for STRATEGY, BIG PLANS and BIG IDEAS. Rather, we have been given a DIVINE INVITATION from God to come back to Him, to be with Him more, to deepen our PRAYER LIFE, to refocus on heartfelt WORSHIP and to rediscover SABBATH REST and a new rhythm. |
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This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, Isaiah 30: 15 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ Matthew 11: 29 - 30 |
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