Rain rain, go away, come again some other day? Is that how it goes? Is there anything more to that rhyme anyway? I don`t think I`ve heard it if there is. Could someone please enlighten me?
It is really raining today! The road to the church I am at today was flooded, with no other options for entry. So I had to walk through at least three inches of water to get here. Well, it was only for a few yards, but that doesn`t much matter...my pants are still soaked!
There isn`t much happening to tell you about I`m afraid. I`ve been thinking about my friend Haruna, who will be leaving for Canada at the end of this month, and Maichi, who will go to Florida for one month in August. I was talking to Haruna yesterday and we realized that I will be back in America when she returns to Japan next year. I don`t know what came over me, but I started crying. Sometimes I just have to think...Lord, what is your plan in all this? What good can I do in just four months of interaction with this young girl? What`s the point of me being in Tokyo for one year? I can`t do anything in such a short amount of time. Actually, the truth is, who`s to say I could accomplish anything in twenty years time?
As I read the above sentences again, I notice a lot of `I` and `me`. And the Holy Spirit flips the switch to illuminate the writing on the wall...only God, through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, will accomplish even the smallest thing on earth.
`But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.` Matthew 6:33-34
I usually hear or read this verse in the context of material possessions or one`s own future, but I think it also applies in my case today. Worrying about the future of those to whom I minister. It may seem like a `spiritual` thing on the surface, but what is the underlying current of such thinking? Though my desire for their salvation is most sincere, is there not also a desire for my own importance? I want my life to count for something, right? This is tricky, isn`t it?
`But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.` Philippians 3:7-8
Knowing Him. There is my focus, my desire that must be daily renewed. In a relationship with Him alone can I bear fruit that lasts, and live a life that truly counts.
1 comment:
I worry a lot too about the people's souls. It is ok to want significance I would say. God wired us that way. Relational beings who desire significance. Thanks for leaving comments on my blog. I'm having so much fun with it. I am really jealous that you can be on the front lines with people like Haruna and Maichi even for four months. I need to have the same attitude for the people who work with me at Lowe's. They're just as much in trouble. Pray for me please Beta I'm having trouble getting into the ministry "saddle" again. And I don't know how to make knowing Christ the most important thing like the verse you quoted. He is so complicated to me now. But I know I need Him.
Will
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