.
I’ve repeated often in these posts that any moment when we find ourselves impossibly weak, frail, vulnerable, sinful, powerless… is a moment of extraordinary potential.
At such a crossroads we can opt for the futile pattern of grasping at an old (or even a new) mirage.
Or we can accept that our powerlessness is an invitation to grow in maturity as a disciple.
Perhaps my problem is my faulty default setting, that constant and even sinister voice in my head which suggests that I can do the same thing over and over again expecting different results.
Of course that’s the classic definition of insanity.
“But they did not listen,
they did not pay attention;
they followed the dictates
of their own evil hearts,
refused to face me,
and turned their backs on me.”
Jeremiah 7
In this cacophony I’m likely to ignore the most attractive of the voices, the life-giving call to turn to Jesus, God-with-me, allowing him to transform my powerlessness into divine strength.
I read an article this week which suggested that whereas a few decades ago the Christian community (perhaps especially the Catholic Church) was relatively united against a “non-believing” world, now there is more division within the Church than without.
Therefore the cacophony of voices which assaults believers is no longer the great doctrinal differences which are debated by theologians of different denominations, but the opinions, agendas and politically-correct secular programming which make it difficult to tune-in to the voice of God and remain grounded, united and focussed in faith.
“Every kingdom
divided against itself
is heading for ruin,
and a household
divided against itself
collapses.”
Luke 11
While the scattering is happening around us it also penetrates us and exists within each of us. I know this to be true. I can hear it in my own head and feel it in my heart.
However there’s a positive in this.
While I don’t have the power to change the noises that surround me, I do have the ability to invite Jesus to speak more audibly and clearly in my own mind, giving me a clarity of faith, confident that when we desire to listen to Jesus above all else, he does not miss the opportunity to be our God.
“Listen to my voice,
then I will be your God
and you shall be my people.”
Luke 11
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Cafe Gatherings
Take an initiative – send me your first name with a cafe location, date and time, turn up and with whoever else turns up chat about your experience of Christ in your life. Write FFF on a serviette and place in the centre of the table so others can find you. Send your initiative to john@fff.org.nz
Monday 16 March 2026 10.00am
Moko Cafe, Bush Inn Centre
Waimairi Road Upper Riccarton Christchurch
Trish
Thursday 19 March 2026 10.00am
Stumble Inn, 200 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth
Joan
God makes us strong in our weaknesses. All we have to do is trust in Him. Thank you LORD.
I love your invitation to us, which is in fact God’s invitation, to “just listen”. This is the essence of what becoming a synodal church is about, a church where we really listen to the diversity of voices both within our church and without, and allow ourselves to be moved and changed by what we hear, (our hearts not hardened) and so embrace a much greater diversity than we currently live, united in our love of God and one another. Thank you.
That’s a very steadying piece John, much appreciated in these challenging times. The first Luke 11 verse offers a jolt – thanks for following up with God’s exhortation to listen to his voice.
Thank you