Hearts of Obedience!
the "tell" my son displayed when nervous...
When he returned from his first trip to Peru, and was waiting for us to recognize him among his teammates in a hotel in St. Louis, his hair had grown long, and a full beard had come in, he looked like a man, yet this is how he stood. This picture was taken about 7 months before his first trip.
An amazing thing happened last week.
A simple act of obedience (which really isn't so simple) resulted in an incredible blessing!
A dear couple came into our offices, after requesting to meet. They are in their 30's and have been seeking hard after our Savior over the past couple of years. They have been believers for many years, but have been responding to the Lord's challenge in their lives to be fully surrendered before Him.
I think we often look at this challenge and believe it to be easier than it actually is.
What they did, I do not recommend apart form His direction. What they did was the result of His working in their lives in power and through clear direction. They responded to Him with an obedient heart.
However, the decision they arrived at was far from a simple one.
The decision would seem completely foolish by the world's standards. For that matter, it would seem foolish by the standards of most Christians. I wonder how many of us can see ourselves doing what they did, should the Lord call upon us to do so!
The Word of God teaches us to pray, "give us this day our daily bread" Lu 11:3.
The fundamental purpose of this is to show us that our full reliance for each need, each day, is to be upon Him. If we are completely surrendered and following Him, He will take care of the details of our lives. That does not mean we will act foolishly or make decisions without consulting Him. He wants to be an integral part of our lives and involved in each step.
Mtw 19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This passage, likewise teaches us that we are not to build up a life filled with comforts and miss His purpose for our resources, our wealth. He even teaches us throughout the New Testament to use the wealth He has provided to meet the needs of those who are without.
However, few truly live this way. Most work a lifetime, building a nest, and preparing to use resources for a comfortable life or retirement. Many want to pass on significant sums to their children. Few understand what it means to depend upon Him for daily bread.
In our coutnry, we believe the idea of not stowing away significant sums is foolishness.
What are we to do with what Scripture teaches? Even Joseph followed God's heart in storing up grain, but because a time of drought was coming when there would be no daily bread without proper preparations. So do we assume that drought will always come, and store up for that day, regardless of what else Scripture teaches?
We are a wealthy nation and the resources at our disposal are to be used to multiply His kingdom. It is the reason we have been so blessed. Are we blessing God's heart by following Him in obedience to His Word?
This young couple did just that. Through a couple of months of prayer and working through fear, they arrived at our offices. They began to tell us their story by way of what God had laid on this young businessmans heart. They walked us through the sometimes painful, sometimes tearful, sometimes elation filled journey of what God was doing.
To give up what has been stowed away for that "in case we need it" rainy day or season of drought does not happen without serious considerations. This is something they do not even feel able to share with their families for fear of grossly negative reactions.
Let's keep in mind they were being obedient to what He called them to do. This was not some frivolous, foolish whim they acted upon to seek God's blessing. Rather, they stepped out in obedience to what He called them to do, cleaned out their savings, and showed up on the doorstep of our offices to give what God had told them to give...with a promise of more, based on what He had told them...more that they do not currently have.
The sum they handed us, was the single largest donation our ministry that has ever been given.
It was given in cash. I believe it was symbolic for them to actually hand over cash rather than a check. The weight of the bills and the amount of room it took in an overstuffed envelope was significant.
Please understand that they already give. They tithe at their church. They give gifts and offerings to our ministry. They are responsible for sending a significant number of students to the mission field. They give till it hurts! They have downsized their home and lifestyle to be able to be in a position to bless...the heart of God. And they have!
We were handed, $25,000 in cash!!!
This money will be utilized to fund the work of reaching the lost around the world!!!
The needs in this nation and the nations around the world are great. What more can each of us do to minister in obedience with our time, and our resources? Walking in obedience brings Him glory. Glory He is due!
He is worthy of our sacrifice! I praise God for those who walk in obedience! My heart leaps with joy to see such surrender!
dad