(November 08, 2024) Norman and Margaret Moss share another precious meditation…

It was in the early days of charismatic renewal way back in the early 1970s that I (Norman) awoke one Saturday morning to find that I had lost the sight in one eye. Consequently with both eyes open all my brain was registering was grey mist.

Bad News
Margaret drove me to A & E. There I was examined by two doctors who peered into my eye while holding a fascinated conversation with each other. At the end of it one of them slapped me on the back and said, ‘Bad luck old chap. You’ve lost the sight of that eye— you won’t get it back’ and immediately left the room followed by his colleague. Margaret and I were left sitting dumbfounded in the grey painted room!

It was at that moment that she saw in letters of gold on the wall the words—

I wish that I could testify that this gave me perfect peace and tranquillity, but to be honest it didn’t… at least not immediately. The reality is that there are times in life when it is hard not to worry…. but, hallelujah, the Lord’s strength—and peace— did come. In fact He restored my sight over the next few months and at 93 I still have excellent eyesight!

As an old lady is reputed to have said to her pastor ‘I have had a great deal of trouble in my life, and most of it never happened!’ Margaret and I can say ‘Amen’ to that!

Good News
The apostle Paul had many dangers in his life, but he found the secret of peace.

We were meditating on his words of Philippians 4:4-7, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And we felt the Lord was saying—

‘I am near. I am not far away. I hear every word, and know every thought. No situation is beyond my power to help. Your birthright is peace that transcends all understanding. So do not choose anxiety and stress for that is not my desire for your life. I would have you full of joy in my salvation. Do not despise gentleness. For just as meekness is not weakness, so gentleness is a strong virtue to be admired where you find it in others, and embraced as the attitude of your own heart.

‘Be careful to share your life and its concerns with me in prayer, and seek my wisdom and my enabling grace. Do not neglect intercession, but do not let it turn into worry and anxious thoughts. For I see the end from the beginning and I rule over all.

‘As you do what I say, you will find all things will be settled and you will live in such peace. For my peace is like a holy calmness quieting all things and giving such a gentling to your lives. For what shall trouble you, when I, the Lord your maker, watch over you in my love. Nothing, no nothing at all for I see the end from the beginning. And it is all so good! So be not fearful for the future for I have it all in hand.’

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Norman and Margaret Moss — Link: charlesnmoss@gmail.com — pastored Queen’s Road Baptist Church, Wimbledon for over 30 years, experiencing charismatic renewal since the 1960s. Desiring still to encourage ministers, churches and groups hungry for more of the Holy Spirit, although ‘retired’ they preach and teach by Zoom, and contribute to Dr. Ayodele Afuye’s Vessels of Virtues Fire Ministries. They recommend Vessels of Virtues’ YouTube weekly presentations.
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