Aren't we blessed to have so many fellow 'saints' who have gone before us and left us such a rich heritage in terms of their example, their testimony and in some cases their writings? Eric Metaxas probably less well known and William Wilderforce much better known are two such 'saints'.

A friend of mine wrote to me recently saying......'I have just finished reading “Amazing Grace” by Eric Metaxas which is a remarkable biography of William Wilberforce and his heroic campaign to end slavery. His determination, against all odds, to achieve his goal is a triumph of faith.

For more than twenty years he brought bills to parliament of England and was defeated time and time again, but he did not give up. After committing his life to Jesus, he wanted to live the gospel in every area of life, and so devoted himself to change the society of his day.

One fact fascinated me – Wilberforce wanted to live nearer to Parliament so that he didn’t have to keep two residences, and so bought a house at Kensington Gore, about where the Royal Albert Hall now stands in South Kensington, London. It was quite rural then, but still near enough to Parliament that he could walk home from work. If he was alone, he would sometimes recite the 119^th Psalm out loud as he walked.

I found that amazing, first that he had committed the 119^th Psalm to memory, but also that he should feel the need to regularly recite it at the end of a busy day. What sort of impact did this have? At the earliest opportunity I sat down and slowly read through the 119^th Psalm. I was trying to imagine the effect on Wilberforce as he spoke out these words – it is powerful.

Here are a few gems

v 2-3 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.

v 23  Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

v 28  My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

v 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble

That is just a small selection, but it gives you an indication how William Wilberforce was able to stay on course and change the world.  Try it for yourself – get somewhere quiet and read though Psalm 119......today!'

Yes its not so much the 'anointings' or the number of Holy Spirit gifts that we think we have that is treasured by the Lord but the degree of our 'faithfulness' and humility of spirit that we demonstrate. According to Heb 11 God prizes faith and faithfulness above all else. " By faith Abrahan....etc"

So be encouraged when the going gets tough and you dig in deep with extra resolve and determination. Just this attitude alone blesses the Lord and brings joy to His heart.

May God bless you through this Word for the Week

Howard Barnes