Christian Comment with Anton Wynn of Painswick and Stroud Area Local Ministries
THE future of the United Kingdom hangs in the balance!
Ooh, that was a dramatic opening, but it is in fact true.
Even as I write voters are visiting polling stations to cast their votes on the Scottish independence referendum.
With opinion polls running up to the vote putting both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ camps on very close ground, it is very hard to say what the outcome will be.
Obviously by the time you read this we will know for sure, but whatever the outcome there will be change; whether that is an independent Scotland or a Scotland that is still part of the United Kingdom but given ‘extensive’ new devolved powers.
Perhaps it’s understandable that the prospect of such big changes are making some people a bit nervous.
Change happens all the time, in varying degrees; from changing schools or jobs; moving house; starting new, or ending, relationships; welcoming a new born baby into a family, or saying goodbye for the final time to a loved one.
The writers of Ecclesiasties recognised this as they wrote ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’.
Change can be such a positive thing.
A fresh start, a greater challenge, more responsibilities.
However some changes can be less appealing.
For example, some starting new schools this year may have found the move an exciting opportunity, but for others it was an experience that filled them with dread and they need support in order to turn this change from a negative into a positive situation.
As a Christian I take comfort that, although I don’t always see the benefit of a change at the time, and may even be worried about it taking place, that God has got my back.
He promises that he has plans to give me hope and a future.
What an encouragement that is, as we work to bring about positive change in our world.
Whatever the future holds for you and whatever changes you face I pray that God will be with you and put the right people alongside, supporting you in facing them.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here