Not against flesh and blood

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

We're beginning to suspect that something/one is working against the Restoration course. People turn up at the introduction and sign up enthusiastically but then most fall away. Others are interested when Ashley talks to them on the streets but won't change their interest to action. Even the lady who turned up for session one was suffering from flu and had to go back home to lie down. It's as if everything is being done to prevent us completing a first course of six sessions as, if that happens, the doorway to real life and community change will be opened. If you need darkness to do your deeds then you'll do everything possible to thwart any sign of light.

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Last week we held the introductory session for women and five arrived, most with a history of problems with drugs. They left feeling hopeful that what we were offering would make a big change in their lives. Some were already working out who they wanted to reconcile with and would invite to the final session. One even said she'd definitely be at the next meeting, even if no one else was: later in the week her husband replied to a reminder Whatsapp by saying she would not be attending any more.

Then there are the men who were given first chance and said it was a great idea. They're still hanging around the streets, interested when Ashley talks to them but not brave enough to sign up to face themselves and change.

 

We'll keep turning up until we feel it's time to shake the dust from our heels and move on to a different area (Matthew 10:14) but it is sad to see opportunities lost.