The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

Last week I picked up the paper to do the crossword with my after dinner coffee. ‘Divine action (7)’ – a crossword clue with an easy answer. ‘Miracle’ will fit neatly. I was set thinking as I wrote in the word. What do we see as divine action and how can we observe God at work in our daily lives?

All through the Bible we read of signs and wonders. There are many miraculous signs as Moses seeks to lead the people out of Egypt and then as they travel, more signs to lead the Israelites to their promised land. The people doubt, they need leading back to God, because things do not happen quickly, but as we look back over the story the regular signs are clearly there. God was leading them. The signs continue and we know Jesus performed many miracles during his ministry. After Pentecost, the Spirit came, everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. (Acts 2:43)

In Matthew’s Gospel the Pharisees and Sadducees tested Jesus by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
He replied, "When evening comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, `Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. (Matthew 16: 2-3)
We still predict the weather by, red sky at night, shepherds delight…, but do we today like then miss signs of God at work.

There are amazing things happening every day. Sometimes we need to look out for them, but often we can be surprised. It is not just when things are going well. On the darkest day a well-timed phone call, a bunch of flowers or a gentle hug can bring warmth and light to the situation. Human acts guided by God can become divine touches to lift and heal. It is often said that there is a God space in everyone; we just need to look for it!

	As spring springs into bloom this month and all nature rouses from wintry sleep, surely this annual renewal is continuing evidence of the miracle of new life and fresh starts. Divine action is far more than an occasional spectacular miracle. Lets rejoice that God can touch our lives and our world and as we open our hearts to him, we will play our part in the divine action. With love Bridget
		A prayer for new starts: When there seems no way forward, show us your fresh way, Lord. When all seems dark and tired, lift us and touch us with light. When there seem more ends than beginnings, show us that ends can be beginnings. Make us aware that there is a God space in all we do and help us to find peace through that space with you Lord. Amen