The world cup is in full swing, Wimbledon is here, and my son Gareth‟s wedding in Scotland is well past. We look forward with anticipation to many events and for me, Gareth and Alison‟s wedding has occupied many a thought. After all, it is not often you get to marry your own son!
As I write this piece, I am still in Coleraine waiting to go to Scotland. Like many a parent I am excited and looking forward to a day when Gareth and Alison commit their lives to each other. It helps that Alison is a lovely young lady and Gareth clearly has got good taste. He must take it after me! But by the time you read this, the wedding will be history and a new chapter in the lives of Gareth and Alison will have begun.
My prayer for them is that their marriage will involve not two, but three people. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says this: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” If God is daily in their thoughts and prayers then his Spirit will enable them to work and live together as one, united in love for each other and for their Saviour.
The same is true for all of us. If we try and manage on our own, we will inevitably fail. If we have friends and family to help us we will do better. But if we have the power of God with us as well then we will be so much stronger. Life can throw many problems at us. Money can be short, illness can debilitate us and all sorts of difficulties can arise. But when we look at scripture we can see how nothing could prevent the apostles from proclaiming the good news that Jesus Christ is alive. Paul was flogged many times within an inch of his life and many have given their lives for their faith. But I am certain none of them have regrets, because ultimately what really matters is our eternal future. Gareth and Alison have put their immediate future in each other. Eternally the only future that matters comes from God. My prayer for all of us is that we will have three strands in our life ourselves – our family and friends – and Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Have a relaxing and enjoyable summer.
Adam