Yesterday, God answered a question that I had asked in a moment of
discouragement over 42 years ago - and I was blessed beyond words!
A friend and I had taken Bibles with us into Russia, even though it
involved considerable danger, because doing so was strictly prohibited
at that time. The Lord led us through several obstacles to a tiny church
where we gave them to the overjoyed pastors.
I vividly recall
watching in horror as they began to tear out page after page and place
them in piles. On noticing my expression, they quickly explained that
these would be distributed to the members of their congregation, who
would copy out each page and then pass them along for others to copy. In
such a way, the Word of God was spread among the believers who were so
hungry for His Word.
As we left that church, teenagers crowded
around me with tears streaming down their faces, crying words that would
haunt me for many years. "Young people never get Bibles; only old
people." I remember the feeling of futility that engulfed me. What was
the point of it all? It had taken a lot of planning and a high degree of
risk, and for what? What were so few Bibles among so many?
Yesterday, as I shared this story with a group of ladies in a seniors'
residence, the Lord gave me my answer with reference to the miracle of
feeding the hungry crowd that had gathered in the wilderness to listen
to Jesus. When the disciples suggested that they be sent away to get
something to eat before they fainted from hunger, Jesus replied, "You
give them something to eat." (Luke 9:13 NIV)
John 6:8-9 "Andrew,
Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 'Here is a boy with five small barley
loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'"
(NIV)
Luke 9:16-17 "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and
looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave
them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were
satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken
pieces that were left over." (NIV)
Suddenly a light went on. When
the pages were torn from those few Bibles and their words were copied
over and over again, their message was multiplied, just as the loaves
and fishes had been, and many thousands would eventually be fed. My part
was in simply being obedient to His direction to take the Bibles to the
pastors in Russia (my five loaves and two fish).
As for my
question, "What were so few Bibles among so many?" One day, I shall
know, when I meet the untold number of recipients who were fed by these
precious words of the gospel. In the meantime, my heart can rejoice.
I'm sure that we all have days when we wonder exactly what effect
all our efforts and dedication will have in glorifying God or extending
His kingdom. Such days can be discouraging, and when months or years go
by, and we see no concrete results, we may even be tempted to give up.
Next time this happens to you, think back on this account. Hopefully you
will see, as I did, when our all is in the Master's hands for Him to
bless and break, miracles will happen.
Prayer: Father of
understanding and compassion, we are so grateful that You know us inside
out. Be with us when doubts and questions assail us. Lift our failing
spirits, and give us Your encouraging smile, so that we will keep on
keeping on, until that day when we will hear Your loving words, "Well
done, good and faithful servant." Amen.
Sharon Greer
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
