We are called to be this aroma to the world - a signal that the Victor, Christ, is present! Our actions and words should cause people to join the procession of God, to praise Him and celebrate His presence. And this picture of the enemy - captured, chained up, but still making noise. So true of what we are still facing - Christ has conquered our enemy and he will soon be completely defeated. We need to remember that he may be making noise, but we don’t need to fear him because Christ has the victory!

What does it mean to live in the grace and favour of God? Is it something we are given or something we can request? Is it only for some people, some circumstances, or is it available to us all?

Maybe, the point isn’t the promise. Maybe the point isn’t us. Maybe, like the Patriarchs, we are supposed to partner with God and walk with Him, sowing seeds for future generations. Maybe we’re supposed to be ok with sojourning in a land that we will never build a home in.

I think there’s a bit of a universal cycle we all go through when we have a dream.

Deposit - Excitement - Disappointment - Waiting - Breakthrough

And the tricky thing? The timing of each part of the cycle is never the same. At least not in my experience!