Crimbo Limbo
It’s that time of the year when I have no idea what day it is. After having a great Christmas time with church, friends and family, I’m now in ‘Crimbo-Limbo’!
Mealtimes are all over the place! We’re still eating the leftovers from Christmas Day, whilst watching the latest Christmas TV specials, munching on chocolates, mince pies and Christmas cake!
In this ‘Crimbo-Limbo’ period I find myself reflecting on the year that has been. 2022 has been a tough year: The ongoing war in the Ukraine, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, three UK Prime Ministers and the cost of living crisis, have dramatically shaped the last 12 months.
There are so many areas where people are struggling. It seems life on planet earth is hard. Some of this hardship is caused by our fellow human beings.
Back in the time of Noah, the world was also in a dark place. This story can be found in Genesis, the first book of the Bible…
“As far as God was concerned, the Earth had become a sewer; there was violence everywhere. God took one look and saw how bad it was, everyone corrupt and corrupting - life itself corrupt to the core. God said to Noah, “It’s all over. It’s the end of the human race. The violence is everywhere; I’m making a clean sweep. Build yourself a ship from teakwood.””
That seems a bit harsh! But I get it: There are times when I am faced with a problem, or something difficult, or have done something wrong, and all I want to do is get rid of it all and start again!
But in this story, God saw that Noah was good, and so He provided a way out. Life then was difficult and bad, but God saved Noah in a creative and unexpected way.
Noah was obedient to God, despite being mocked. In other words, he had to stay focused on God, trusting that God knew what He was doing!
I find this a very poignant story. No matter how difficult things may be, God will always have a solution for those who will trust Him.
As we say goodbye to 2022 and head towards 2023, I don’t know what is ahead for any of us. In this ‘Crimbo-Limbo’ period, let me encourage you to be like Noah: do what God says, trust that He knows best, and know that He will lead you through! No matter what may come, God has a solution.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader