Carlina White, the victim of a high-profile New York baby-snatching case has been reunited with her mother after solving the mystery of her abduction herself. This is an astonishing story, and will be retold many times.
I was talking with a friend during the week, and discovered another astonishing story. An anticipated suicide was turned round by God's goodness and a life was gloriously transformed by a powerful encounter with Jesus. As we listened, Betty and I were so encouraged to see again how God can make such a difference in situations of apparently complete hopelessness.
But this is exactly what we should be expecting, when we look carefully into the Scriptures. St. Paul never stops being amazed at God's mercy and goodness seen in his life.
'I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.' (1 Timothy 1.12-14)
I am challenged to recall that in every situation I encounter today, God's mercy and love must be expected to make a profound difference. There is always hope of change for the better, even in the bleakest situation.
How remarkable that we can be those who see God's work all around us. Best wishes,
Richard
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