Sometimes through no fault of our own things go wrong for us and we are left facing difficulties with no obvious way of handling them. One only has to consider the events of Cumbria last week to imagine how the lives of some people can be turned upside down in an instant. And there are many out there who are hit with problems which leave them reeling.How do we act in these situations what are we to do ?

 

This week I stumbled across a piece of scripture that I associate with childhood which seemed a very clear way of living even in the midst of difficulties. It is not a very popular contemporary reading, and I for one tend to shy away from anything with that military connection yet it is advice which is stunning in its practicality.

 

"So stand ready , with truth as a belt around your waist, with righteousness as abreast plate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the good news of peace. At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one.And accept salvation as a helmet and the word of God as the sword which the spirit gives you." Philippians 6 vs 14-17