The work of the ministry is always about keeping the faith. The summer months have been extremely difficult for our friends and colleagues - both domestically and abroad. In Ghana we have grieved over the death of two of our team members, one rural pastor and the precious lady who has served as our cook on many projects. In addition to this we have three pastors who are gravely ill with some waterborne infections. Please remember to pray for these dear men. On top of this one of our remote pastors and his son were involved in an automobile accident which required hospitalization and emergency procedures.
Here at home there have been difficulties with many of our family, friends, and fellow-laborers. Through all of the circumstances we have been reminded that the grace of God is always sufficient for every situation, but it has also reminded me of a few things that perhaps will encourage and benefit you also.
Walk slowly and deliberately when climbing a mountain! Hiking is a great microcosm of life because, the terrain of life is uneven and uncertain. The older I get the more I come to both appreciate and understand this. While tackling mountains means different things for different people the basic principle is always the same. The best way to get to the perceived pinnacle is not in a sprint but through slow and deliberate steps. We must be careful to see the potential dangers and use caution and meekness to arrive at the apex. Along the way we will be tempted to throw caution to the wind and pay no attention to the footfalls at all, but this has the potential of abject failure. What might go unnoticed is the deep chasm that is just below that next step. What we think to be the summit might only be a partial climb. If we spend all our time running up the hillside we will never make it. Take deliberate steps ... pace yourself ... keep your eye on the prize.
It is simple but it is not easy! Take golf for instance. I enjoyed watching the first three Majors of the year - The Masters, The US Open, and, most recently, The Open Championship (British Open). All three tournaments were fun to watch and I was amazed at the shots those professional golfers can make. Sitting in the comfort of my favorite chair I started to think, "I could make that shot" for, after all, what sport is more simple? I mean the ball is sitting still, I have complete control over the club in my hand and the target is easily identified. It's really a simple game, but when I get out on the course my perspective all of a sudden changes.
I realize that while the game is SIMPLE, it certainly isn't EASY. The same can be said of life in general and the Christian life specifically. Jesus summed up our game plan in simple words ...
"Seek first the Kingdom of God..." (Mt. 6:33
paraphrased). It's that simple, but it isn't that easy. We are so easily distracted from this mandate. We are swept away by so many things that cry out for our attention. It requires a daily awareness of the fact that our life is not our own, but rather belongs to God and we need His protection, power, and provision moment by moment.
The only easy day was yesterday! This is one of the summary statements of the U.S. Navy Seals, but it is a great mantra for every believer to understand. As we have been going through these seemingly difficult times we have come to know that the road ahead of us will continue to produce challenges and opportunities for us to trust God fully. If every day was easy then none of us would rely upon God. It is "in the midst" of the trials that we are reminded that God alone is our supply and sufficiency.
Surrender is the Key! It is imperative that you and I begin each day with an attitude of surrender. This sounds strange to many of you, but it is because you don't have a proper understanding of the word. In this context I want you to understand that surrender is NOT "giving-up," rather it is "giving-in." The surrender I am referring to means understanding that God is in control and that you are submitting to His leadership and Lordship each day. Just as you ask those in your "charge" to trust you to lead them in the right direction, so must we surrender to our Heavenly Father.
Winners might whine, but whiners never win! When the difficult times come it is imperative to adapt and overcome rather than simply whine about the "unfairness" of life. When you understand that you are a child of God, accepted and approved in Christ, you will realize that God will not place anything upon you for which HE is not sufficient. Always see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. This comes from a heart of gratitude. A winner is grateful, gracious, and generous. A whiner ... well, not so much.
Sometimes we break the yoke! I love poached eggs. When I am making these I sometime make a mess of the whole thing because I have gotten in a hurry, forgot what I have been taught and, in general think I have found a better way. After I get over my frustration and throw away the mess, I start afresh. Here is what I have learned.
We learn little from our successes but much from our failures. In life we must learn to embrace our failures and learn from them.
Even in the midst of the difficult opportunities in life, God is proving His sovereignty and sufficiency. Nothing catches Him off guard and He is constantly proclaiming His Lordship and leadership.
"Seek first the Kingdom of God..."(Mt. 6:33 paraphrased)
