The next act

After my husband died, my son Johnny said to me, “Mum, you"‘re beginning a new act in the play. You had the first act without Dad, the second with him and the third act will be without him again but it can still be good because it will be with God.” 

 I have held onto that. And recall the promise that the great finale will be a crescendo of joy.

Act 2 didn’t last as long or end as well as I’d hoped but as I look back, I can see God tenderly helping me transition into Act 3. My favourite verse over last weeks has been from Nahum, a book of thunderous judgement which contains this gem,

The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7)

This is more than saying that God cares about us. God cares for us - practically – like a loving mother for her child, a doctor for a patient, a shepherd for their sheep.

God has cared for me in tangible, practical ways. This week, we moved house and I am amazed by a “more than I could ask or imagine” home. I know so many of you have prayed and cheered me on and I am deeply grateful. A friend made the box in the picture – a promise of another new act, a new chapter.

 Sometimes pages in a story and acts in a play don’t end as we like but we can trust the great author with our stories. With God, there is always the promise of a new page, a new chapter, a new act and new mercies. God delights to show mercy (Micah 7:18). He is not reluctant - it brings him joy to give us new beginnings - because he loves us.

Whether you are in good point in the story or a hard one, may you know that God cares for you today - his care and provision are waiting for you on the next page.

Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

With love

Kate.