In the midst of current struggles, a colleague wrote us a very helpful and encouraging note. He too had been through some tough times and he took the time to write down (for his church) some of the lessons he had learned. I offer here the headlines…some of them really need a little more explanation but there is not really room – perhaps I will encourage him to write it up in a form we could publish…?

Anyway. with "the important caveat that sometimes the most profound lessons defy neat explanations in words" here are the lessons he learnt:

1. God is infinitely sovereign and kind, even in the midst of difficulty when it doesn't seem like it.
2. God is the only One who is control of my life and to desire control is, in effect, to desire to be God.
3. To be conformed to Christ who was bruised, necessitates being bruised ourselves.
4. It is a good thing to consider [one's own] death.
5. It is good not to cross bridges until you have to cross them.
6. Physical illness is part of a much bigger spiritual battle.
7. God is more interested in building character than giving us explanations.
8. The local church is a wonderful instrument in the Redeemer's hands.
9. Above all else, guard your heart.
10. The weight of glory far outweighs any number of momentary afflictions.

These have been really helpful for us. And here is John Ryland's great hymn (ALL the verses!):