The Testimony of Ian Moore

Ian Moore was born into a Christian home. His parents both loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ. He was regularly taught the Scriptures at church and at home. Yet Ian was very aware that his parent's faith was not enough to save him. He too had to come and put His trust in Christ for Salvation, which he did when he was nine years old. Ian reminded us of Proverbs 22:6, 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it'. Ian found little difficulty being a Christian in Primary School, but in Secondary School it was much more difficult. When challenged about his attendance at the church, he, like so many of us, found it easier to hide and make excuses rather than stand up for God. How often it is that we fear those who, at worst, can take our lives, yet fail to stand up for the One who gives us eternal life (Matthew 10:28). Again, like so many young Christians, Ian found himself slipping into sin rather than standing for Christ in school. For Ian, it was his bad language that hid the light the Gospel to his school friends, but at home and in church he appeared walking fully with God. Having double standards is so often the way young believers, especially those from Christian families, get through their school life. Saying one thing in school, and another at home. But as Ian revealed there is no peace in your heart with this kind of life, no fulfillment as a Christian and no contentment about your sin. Having left school, Ian moved into Plumbing, working as an apprentice. Sadly, his sinful habit continued in his work life, once again damaging his testimony. Despite this, and despite the failings of every believer, God continues to show His love to us. He understands our weaknesses, and often allows our sinful nature to almost overcome us before revealing His power and love to us and guiding us back to the truth. In such a way, God used Ian's boss, an unsaved man from a Christian home, to bring him back onto the path of righteousness. It was he who pointed out to Ian that if he was indeed a Christian, he should not under any circumstances have such a foul mouth. In fact, going as far as to say that if Ian failed to stop swearing, he would find himself out of a job. It was that weekend that Ian attended a youth meeting, in which the speaker asked 'are you glorifying God in your life?'. The shame of his experience at work caused Ian to realise that his sin was keeping him from a better relationship with God. God changed him. The swearing was gone, and he began to look for opportunity to better serve God. As we read in Psalm 103, the Lord is merciful, gracious and slow to anger. Although we are not perfect, He has promised to hold our hand when we feel weak and to lift us up when we feel low. We will fail Him many times, yet our God never fails us. It was at this stage that Ian brought to remembrance a verse which has been of great comfort at times in His life. Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. A Christian is no stranger to trouble. While sickness, sorrow and suffering exist in this world, they will inflict both saved and unsaved alike. In the last 10 years or so, Ian has faced many trying and difficult circumstances, most notably when his mother, Margaret, passed away to be with the Lord after a short battle with cancer. As believers in Christ, the family found strength in the comfort of God. Ian was proud to testify to the reality of Psalm 46:1. He found strength in the refuge of God. Many people experience sorrow, many of whom have no relationship with the God of heaven. Is their sorrow any greater than what Ian and his family went through? No, of course not. The pain of loss was just as strong for them, yet a sorrowful heart in Christ receives divine strength that only He can give, and Ian could praise the name of God for His blessings to the family at that time. A few years ago, Ian's father also went through a period of illness, to the extent where the medical staff had indicated a low chance of survival. Yet as Ian, the family and their brothers and sisters in Christ, all prayed for the safe delivery of Ian's dad from illness, he amazed the doctors by recovering fully from the necessary operation. The mighty, healing hand of God and an answer to earnest prayer. This is the hope and blessing for the Christian, to have the Creator, the God of heaven, ordering our individual lives and bringing blessing, comfort and answered prayer where and when we need it most. Ian has seen God move in many confusing and mysterious ways in his life, but he is left with no doubt that God's ways are better, higher and mightier than any path he would chose to take alone (Isaiah 55:8). He thanked God for his wife Sharon (who he met at Listooder!), for their life together, the Christian home they have established and for His guiding hand on every decision in their home. The pathway for Ian, and for Sharon, has not been the easiest that a  Christian has ever experienced, yet Ian can look back with thankfulness. Closing with the words of the hymn below, Ian encouraged any unsaved in the meeting to come and put their trust in Christ. Whatever struggles we face, whatever sufferings we experience, whatever sorrow we endure, it is better to face them with the God of heaven on your side, rather than face them alone. What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms; I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.