A time of Spiritual and Physical Refreshment - 24th & 25th April 2009
A group of 17 people ranging in age from 20 to over 70, made their way to Nicholaston House, overlooking Oxwich Bay, on the Gower. Arriving tired and wondering why I had come, seeing the beauty of God’s creation from the conservatory and bedroom immediately lifted my heart, and others said the same. Some who had not been before couldn’t get over the comfort of the en suite bedrooms, towels, bed linen and a tea and coffee tray provided.
Why had we come? ‘Here from the world we turn, Jesus to seek!’ Many had come with pressures of work, home, and were feeling cold spiritually. The reminder from the Pastor that we were there to draw near to the Lord and seek His face was very helpful. In doing this, fellowship with each other develops and deepens. There was a very real sense of the Lord drawing near and blessing us during the first meeting. The faith of Abraham (Hebrews 11 v 8 -16) was brought before us. It was so encouraging to hear that the God in whom Abraham trusted, was his strength, not his faith. The Pastor pointed out that Abraham was human and made mistakes (Ishmael).
Yet we are told, he staggered not at the promises of God. What kept him going was looking ahead to the fulfilment of the promise. Abraham knew His God. It is the same God who we look to. We can trust Him and our blessing will be heaven itself. There was a time of informal discussion immediately after this and a few shared how helpful, comforting and encouraging this message had been to their soul.
The theme of faith continued on Saturday morning. We heard how Sarah’s faith compared with Abraham’s, that her laugh at the promise that she would bear a son was one of unbelief, yet she is mentioned in Hebrews 11. Sarah saw the obstacles and doubted. We can take comfort from this. Our faith may waver, yet even this can be used to bring us back to the Lord. He will not let us go.
It was a comfort to hear that when all we can do is cry to Him, this is an expression of true faith and the Lord will hear and meet with us. The Pastor finished this message with some very helpful practical advice on how in reality we can say ‘Begone, unbelief ’ by considering God, our Saviour, and His Sovereignty. By looking to Him we will, by His help, ‘the promise see’ and ‘laugh at impossibilities, crying it shall be done’ (Hymn 748).
Together with the meetings there was time for sharing in prayer, and discussion. Some of us gave up an early night to walk down to the beach, branches in tow, made a bonfire and sang hymns around it. We enjoyed the lovely scenery with a blustery walk at Rhosili. Mealtimes were a further time for fellowship and enjoyment of one another’s company as we sampled the excellent food. The Lord met with us, protected and blessed us. It was with thankful hearts that we returned to Cardiff. The trials and problems some left behind on Friday had not gone away, but we had been reminded that the Lord is faithful and ‘gives grace for every trial’. Many are already looking forward to next year’s house party, which has been booked for 16th-17th April 2010. If you would like to come you will be more than welcome,whatever your age. Please do not hesitate to contact me to find out more details or ask any questions.
Sarah Lloyd
