“The Lord on high is mightier, than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.“ Psalm 93:4 .
Today we arose in the Kent downs. In the little area of St Margarets of Barming, west of Maidstone. A rolling green valley overlooking the River Medway.
I started the day reading Psalms for a while. Some specific ones that are applicable alongside prayers to focus on certain parts of my life at present. We walked along the banks for awhile, me head up admiring God’s handiwork. Bertie head down , sniffing out other dogs scents as if he was a fine parfumier!
We headed back to the motor-home for breakfast. After shaving and and what is sometimes called a “submariners bath“ I checked the oil, water, tyres and roofboxes and made ready for the last leg of this trip to the port.
It’s a pleasant drive down the M20. Our ferry doesn’t leave until early Friday morning at 0400, but I thought it best to come early. That way I have a day to prepare for the longer drives in France. We traveled to a small village called St. Margarets at Cliffe (St Margarets again!), just a little up the coast from Dover. It’s a quaint little place with fantastic enormous views of the channel. The local Church is named St. Margaret of Antioch in honour of St. Margaret who was martyred in Asia Minor. It’s also the closest place to France marginally closer than Dover. We parked right at the end of Granville Road. An obelisk marks the remembrance of many who lost their lives. The big inscription starts with “To God be the glory“……
This stretch of coastline has seen many a war. There are Roman ruins, remnants of the Napoleonic wars etc.. There appears to be a strong sense of heritage in the area. We set off on a coastal path walk to stretch the legs and do a bit of exploring. I had questioned in prayer and to myself this morning, is this next stage right Lord? To shut myself off for 3 months?
The chalk cliffs are sheer in most places, likely to have landslides without warning and can be immensely dangerous. I would have to keep a sharper eye out for both of us. It wasn’t long before Bertie was a tad mischievous, running off to see another dog along the path. Me and the other dogs owners swapped “dog talk“ for a few moments. The Lord blessed me in many ways. One of which is discernment, quickly sensing another’s Christian Spirit. I was instantly warmed and felt more than comfortable.
I told the gentleman that I was a born again Christian on my way to France to study God’s word for 3 months in solitude. He said that he was a born again Christian, a retired Chaplain. I gave him a short testimony. He gave me some kind advice and next along the path showed me a viewing area and a plaque with Psalm 93:4 on. He told me that he had had it put there along with another one up the path. Recently 2 different people had gone to jump and end their lives but hadn’t because they had read the Word of God and it stopped them.
Praise the Lord for His mighty intervention.
God’s word is the truth and immeasurably powerful. We need to be Christians willing to make that happen and reach people where it is needed most. I thank the Lord for this little intervention today, it has helped me strengthen my focus.
God bless
This brings me back to remember a trip that my Dad took me on when I was 16. We took the drive to Dover and the ferry to Calais. Thank you for helping me remember that journey. Please, make sure that your gas tank is always full.
Ah , rekindling fond memories is heartwarming .
It is a pleasure to stoke the embers of a warm fire.
Thank you for your encouragement.
In regard to solitude and reflection i think its rare to be able to slow down , you’ve been so busy packing up getting your van ready perhaps this is a God given opportunity Psalm 46:10 ” be still and know that I am God”
Lamentation 3:25- 28 “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord”
God bless
The mighty, Living, beautiful Word of God, plucking those dear souls out of destruction’s path! The God of all hope and comfort!
Amen, to that!