I want to share some thoughts with you for just a minute. Philippians 3:16 says “…hold on to the progress we have already made”…I pray before I write, speak, teach–whatever, there is nothing I can do without the Holy Spirit leading and guiding everystep (word). BUT with God–the Word says, I can do ALL things–because HE is my strength–none of my own.
When climbing these steps yesterday I had to remind myself of HIS strength.
When we had first begun the trek up to the top, we had gone about half way, had stopped to breathe. I was sort of straggling behind–mostly because I didn’t want my eyes to miss a single thing that HE might have put in my path for me to see. (It’s our responsibility to “LOOK”–you will understand that more later.)
As I was hesitating at the next doorway that led to the next level, looking out over the fields of precisely placed stones, a tall gray haired man appeared coming out of the doorway, looked straight at me and said, “Climb all the way to the top. The view is worth it.”
Well, if you know me at all, I pondered this, rolled it back and forth in my heart and knew God was speaking to me through a man I had never laid eyes on. It actually went with some words the Lord gave me on the plane and I scribbled them down.
Philippians 3:12- 14 “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT) emphasis mine.
When I listened to the missionary speak yesterday, I reliazed there is a pattern to what God is saying to me. Forgetting what is behind. If Darth, the missionary, had not purposefully laid every tormenting pain behind him and walked out of that pain to serve God with all his heart, there would be hundreds of children not yet reached today. Hundreds more hungry. Hundreds without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He and his wife Thida have instilled in the lives of every single child they have contacted–a purpose and faith in Christ Jesus.
We are to do the same.
Right now, millions believe a lie.
The lie they believe is not alive–cannot save–cannot heal–cannot rescue–does not love.
The lie they believe kills. It kills dreams and visions. Offers no hope for a future…for life everlasting….only death.
What Darth and Thida have they freely give. As Peter and John were at the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-10), they stand with no alms–but rich in Christ Jesus–willing and ready to give all they have.
What are we giving? Without our help–they remain just as they are. Crippled. Blind. Deaf. Mute. Without hope–no dreams–or visions of a future outside the walls of lies.
You and I both have something we can give. Whether you are ever able to make the journey here or not–you can still go. You go by sponsoring a child. Giving them hope. A chance at a better life–one filled with the TRUTH –the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
It will take a sacrifice on the part of some. But that is what God calls us to do–give freely of what we have. Let me share one more passage of Paul’s writing to the church at Philippi:
Philippians 4:15-19 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to recieve a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (NLT emphasis mine)
What are you willing to share–to give up so that a child–can know the truth that will set her free?
Think about what you spend $34 for each month. In reality–this is little more than a shirt. As a couple, you can’t eat out for $34. If you sacrificed an evening out so that a child could know…thing of the value that is over the steak and salad….
I’m not trying to “convince” you–I am following the leading of the Holy Spirit in my typing, and if in reading you are convicted…then HE is speaking to your heart–not me.
I pray always that these words are not mine–but rather HIS alone. And all glory goes to my Father.
Visit the Mission of Mercy site today and read about how you can become involved in the life of one child. Hang his or her picture on your refrigerator with your kids and grandkids. Let God multiply what you have by sharing with another. God’s multiplication is far different from ours. We think in terms of money…always. But His blessings are far beyond any paper money that can burn or be stolen.
Above all…don’t stop climbing. Keep pursuing the heart of God…let HIM do all the leading. But resolve to follow HIM anywhere.
Can I give you a hint…when you hear in your mind, “that’s too much for you–or too hard–or what will people think… or any negative thought”, you are on the right track…just keep pressing on. The devil wants to stop you–but straighten your back and climb higher.
The view is so worth the journey.
© Angie Knight- The Knightly News 2007-2012
Jeff and Angie Knight 
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