God often gives us glimpses of what He is doing around us…
…and we should be honored and humbled when He does!
I must confess I sometimes have, what I call, the “George Bailey syndrome.” I refer, of course, to the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I sometimes wonder if I am doing anything of real value — does what I do make any difference at all? I guess what I am saying is that sometimes I feel a bit self-absorbed.
Earlier this month I celebrated my 54th birthday and I suppose I was having a reflective moment. I admit I was second-guessing many things in life. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a great life. I have a wonderful wife who has always shown me love and devotion. My children, Rebecca and Sarah, are still the lights of my life — I hear from them nearly everyday and I am blessed beyond measure by them. My son-in-law loves and respects me and trusts both my words and deeds. My grandchildren, Mackenzie (13), Jayden (4), and Gavin (20months) bring me more joy and happiness than I can ever express. I have the opportunity to preach the Word of God every week and even share the Gospel with people around the globe who have never before heard the marvelous, life-changing message of Jesus Christ. I have friends who love and care for me in tremendous ways. BUT …
I still was struggling with the question of significance.
For most of my life I have been sharing with people the TRUTH that “God is always at work around us” and while in the midst of my momentary funk, I witnessed this exact truth. Maybe this story will explain.
The very day I was feeling this way, I received a phone call from a friend in Texas. He said, “I want to bring a little sunshine into your life today.” He went on to tell me that he had just gotten off the phone with a person from India, who asked about me by name. He told my friend that some 20 years ago I visited his school in India and preached the Gospel. The man related that he had surrendered to Jesus that day, and although he had been rejected by his family then, he was happy to report that most of them have now become Christians! He said that God changed his life that day. He attended medical school and is today a practicing physician in Texas!
Through this simply story, God reminded me that we are all significant when we are obedient to share the Gospel with others. God showed me again that He is at work around us and will accomplish His will and purposes through us. I cannot tell you how much I was encouraged by this “raindrop of mercy” God showered on me. My friend went on to say, “you know there are thousands of those people, all over the world, we will never hear from.” It makes it worth it all!
I share this story, not to say “look what I’m doing” but rather to encourage you to remain faithful and diligent in what you are doing today. God is using you in great ways too. Every time you pray, speak, share, or give you are being faithful to the calling. I want to especially thank those of you who support this ministry. Although we really never know what impact is being made in the places we go, I know that the word of God … NEVER RETURNS VOID.
I, like you, spend a great deal of time on difficult roads. The truth is, we never really know what is around the next turn, but let me encourage you to stay focused on the road in front of you and trust God to do those things which bring all the glory to Him! The road may be uncertain, but God is always clear.
Until Jesus returns, I remain
Yours, in the fulfilling of the Great Commission,
