Relationships....How Valuable?

I just received a note from a couple who have moved to a country in the world that is not open to missionary work as we traditionally understand it to be. I have known the husband since he was 10 or 11 years old and the two of them went through some training schools that I was a part of several years ago. Over the years of there service they proved to be consistent, faithful, teachable, kind, and determined, all qualities that are essential for nation changers and people builders.

As I read the message my heart was deeply warmed by the story of the first days of their getting settled in, how little sleep they had gotten so far and how some of the challenges they faced were very challenging, but regardless of the challenge the Lord had provided and in His provision He confirmed again their call to this nation.

If my heart had a face, you would of seen a large smile come upon it as I reflected on how proud I was of them and how grateful I am because of the goodness of God that has been demonstrated to them.

It is an amazing privilege to be a part of a missionaries life.....on any given day you may or may not know about their struggles, (most missionaries who are worth there salt, only see the struggles as part of the Journey and only speak of them when asked) but as you communicate with them and pray for them you find your heart warmed and smiling as you think about how far they have come and how much they have sacrificed to take the great message of the gospel to a people in great need. So, for me, they who once were students and I their mentor have now become heroes to their mentor. I am humbled to have been a part of their lives and I wish to honor, bless and pray for them.

Could I share with you a great quote by the great missionary and martyr Jim Elliot

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose"

To my two friends, who once were students, became fellow laborers, and now are my heroes......May the King of Kings guide you and watch over you and give you the grace to be His hands to a the nation He has called you to. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and your call, thank you for the relationship we have.

Hopeless?

For all of us who tend to listen to the news reports I want to extend a hand of hope to you tonight. I have, like so many of my contempory's, been caught up in the emotional roll-a-coaster ride of the last year in our nation.

What should we do? How does a Christian respond to the issues, characters and general craziness of the day we live in. Well, I found myself feeling greater and greater levels of hopelessness. I am glad to say that I am no longer there because of a quiet little word whispered in my spirit by God this very night. What was that word, "it is all part of the journey, be at peace and follow Me"

I found a real point of blessing also in the following blog by Brother David Wilkerson may it be a blessing to you as you read it.

AT THE END OF THE ROPE?

Are you at the end of the rope? Weary, cast down, about to give up? I challenge you to answer the following questions with a simple yes or no:

-Does the Word of God promise to supply all your needs?
-Did Jesus say he would never leave you, but would be with you to the end?
-Did he say he would keep you from falling and present you faultless before the Father’s throne?
-Did he say that he would supply you with all you need at all times? Did he promise you all the seed you need to spread the gospel?
-Is he more willing to give than you are to receive? Is he greater in you than he that is in the world?
-Are his thoughts toward you good thoughts? Is he a rewarder of those who diligently seek him?
-Is he preparing a place for you in glory? Is he coming in the clouds to gather his people home? Are you going with him when he comes?

Your answer to all of these should be, “Absolutely, yes!”

Now—take inventory. Ask yourself, Do I really believe God is faithful to his word or do I waver in my trust?

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord” (James 1:2-7).

You can lay hold of God’s wisdom, all the wisdom needed to solve life’s problems—if you will believe with no wavering by casting your very life and future on this promise.

God giveth to all men…liberally…wisdom.