Rising above adversity is humanly impossible, unless we have our eyes
fixed on the One who sustains us. Today we will discover three
individuals who are just like you and me. However they never let
adversity stand in the way of them serving God, and because of this,
each time adversity hits them, they rise above the circumstances. They
can boldly declare: "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isa 40:31 NIV)
First of all I would like to introduce to you Beryl, from India, who is
our prayer coordinator at Answers2Prayer. As with many of our
volunteers, her focus is on Jesus. She was going to be away for 2 weeks,
and I offered to do her part of the ministry for these two weeks. Her
answer was simple and to the point: "I have no problem taking care of
the ministry because this is the only way I can give some time for God
and I love to do this. I have seen God's blessing in my life and my
family's life by giving time to the living God."
She is one of
those who shines, Shines, SHINES. All because her priority is to serve
God no matter what happens in life.
Another of our volunteers
Sammy, from Kenya is one of our Associate Directors in Bible Studies. At
times he receives more than ten bible questions per day. Answering these
questions takes time from his busy schedule, but here is his take on
this: "Rob, I literally thrive on these questions! Let them come . . ."
He is another one of those who shines, Shines, SHINES the glory of
the Lord.
One of our subscribers, Joyce from the United States,
went through tremulous times. Her very son was dying from colon cancer,
and at age of 32, he succumbed. But before his death, he experienced
Jesus in all of his glory, and he died with a smile on his face. How
hard it is to lose a loved one, even though we know they are in a much
better place, with the best company ever!
A couple of weeks after
the funeral, Joyce, wrote me the following note:
"Just a while
ago I went to the shop at a local business. I know all the ladies there
quite well as I have shopped there since our move to this town over 4
years now almost 5.
"Anyway, the manager's father had been going
through cancer as well, only to find out that he passed away two weeks
ago. I felt in my spirit that she and her mom are having a really
difficult time, so I knew to simply listen.
"I have found already
three people in this town that have lost love ones. They offer their
condolences about Kenny and then proceed to talk nonstop about their own
sorrow. God is showing me to be that listening ear they desperately
need.
"An employee came to me moments later and apologized for
her nonstop talking about her dad when Kenny had passed away recently as
well. I reassured her that it was fine, as I knew to listen. It is the
faith that we have in Jesus Christ that makes the difference. The faith
is one of a relationship, not merely attending worship and doing good
deeds.
"So it is Rob already God is showing me amazing
opportunities for Kenny's departure to make a difference.
"Yesterday I received an e-mail from an Alive Hospice volunteer who I
grew very close to while Kenny was a patient. She shared the difference
our family had made upon the families there as well as the employees.
Her message blessed our hearts knowing that our faith had been shared in
such ways that God had been glorified. The MAIN DESIRE and Passion of
Kenny's heart throughout his entire journey was that God be glorified.
That same statement described ours as well."
Praise God for
Joyce! She also shines, Shines, SHINES, and its God's love that is
reflected in her life.
We could have introduced many others who
let God shine through them, but what is of more importance to you is for
you to ask yourself: Do I let God shine through me, no matter my
circumstances?
It sure is a beautiful day today, even though the
storms on the horizon seem quite threatening. It doesn't matter, for all
we have to do is climb up the ladder of faith to where the Son always
shines!
Rob Chaffart
Hungering for God. Only in Jesus, Part 14b
Today's Bible Verse:
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about
our Lord . . ." (2 Tim 1:7-8)
Hungering for God. Only in Jesus, Part 14b
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