Before she left for school this morning, Deanna shared a story with me she had just read. I find it compelling and relevant to who we each are in Christ, and what can be done from a surrendered heart.

A family had moved to Africa to serve the Lord. Their 9 year old son told his mother, "Mom, have the camera ready. I want you to take a picture of the first person I tell about Jesus."

Mom was taken aback. She was surprised to hear her son say such a thing. She was more surprised when he pressed into action the very words he had shared. He had understood the purpose of coming. He understood the need of the people. He did not let his weaknesses stand in the way of doing what he had come to do.

He began to share with one who was in need, and mom stood back in awe of her Savior, as she watched her son lead him to Christ.

This was no ordinary experience. This was a moment ordained by God, and it came to pass because of simple understanding and obedience.

Her 9 year old son was not a people person. He did not normally share in front of others. He had learning disabilities of some sort, and found it difficult to even speak in coherent sentences. When her son, with a willing and obedient heart said these things to mom, that was one thing. The practice of life had taught her that her son would struggle in social situations for the rest of his. That he would even say this, was amazing.

To see him actually follow through, that was of God. His words came out clearly, and in a foreign land where understanding each other was already an issue, he spoke with no hindrance or cumbersome tethers to his past. It was obvious to mom, that her son was being used of the Lord. She saw him recognize his disabilities, confront the issues, give them over to the Lord and watched Him use the weakest of the family to do a great work for the kingdom.

Mom knew this had been the right thing. Sometimes affirmation comes quickly and unexpectedly. It certainly had in her experience.

I am inclined here to draw ties to the life of my own son, and the amazing things God did through his young life. When we read things like this, yes, tears still come quickly because we are so moved by the same Spirit that so moved our son. I will say no more about that today.

We cannot afford to allow our own perceptions of who we are and what we can accomplish to drive what we allow the Lord to do in or through us. He saved us and set us apart for a purpose. We need to stop allowing the world around us to dictate to us who we are and what we will or can do. What we will or can do is immeasurable if we follow Christ in simple obedience.

Our world would have told that 9 year old boy he could not share his faith with anyone, let alone in a foreign land.

What lie is our world telling you?

Does the practice of your life reveal that you are believing it?

We need to get real.

dad