In a time of instant gratification, we risk losing the discipline of patience. This is rarely more true than in our anticipation of the fulfilment of God’s promises. Yet patience and hope go hand in hand.

It has been an eventful beginning to 2011. In recent weeks have seen one disaster after another, affecting large parts of Australia. The sheer force of nature is both fearsome and awe-inspiring.

God is not distant, He is not aloof.