It was a tremendous blessing to be at the New Wine festival last week. I realised that the venue – the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet – has become a “thin” place for me as I have been going there for festivals for nearly 30 years, since I was 16 and went to my first Soul Survivor festival. It has been during my times there that I have met with God in some significant ways, from having my first real tangible sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit and empowering as I was about to make my first step towards full time church ministry when I was 18, to other moments of encounter and encouragement that have helped and inspired me in my journey of faith as well as in my role as a church leader.
This past week was a blessing in so many ways. I was reminded that God does not call us into this life of faith alone: as well as being blessed by family time, I met so many people who have been significant to me over the years, from vicar training college to previous and current churches, to local friends as well as those I’ve come to know through attending these sorts of events. It really did feel like I was part of a family. God is present through these relationships.
God also reminded me of his promises to me that I first received that significant year when I was 18, and took my first significant step of faith. At that time, someone sensed they had a Bible verse for me – Isaiah 41:9-10
[9] I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
[10] So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
These have been significant to me ever since, but I have forgotten about them recently. But I was perusing one of the merchandise stalls and verse 10 was on one of the t shirts. It may have been just a coincidence, but I sensed God saying that this promise was still true for me.
As well as the wonderful experience of worshipping with around 10000 others, we were blessed with some brilliant teaching. The heart of the morning Bible studies was the story of Moses, and through this we were reminded of the God who works through unsung heroes, calls those who feel broken or past their usefulness, still works in signs and wonders today and goes with us wherever we go.
Above all, the blessing we experienced was for our whole family – the children enjoyed the sessions they had, Isabelle served on team with the youngest children and, and we were grateful that they had so much fun together too.
Even the setting up and packing up process was the best it’s been for us.
My heart is full today as I reflect on all that God did for us at New Wine this week. Praise the Lord!
Halwill Publishing 