The pastor made the announcement from the pulpit that there would be a Mexico homebuilding short term mission in February, and there would be a sign up sheet for those who would like to help out on a table at the back of the church as you make your way out. He then led the church in a closing prayer.
The mission’s pastor sat at the table eager to answer any questions people might have as to the cost, dates, or specific skills and gifts people have and how they may be utilized. As people left the church in pairs and family groups, he noticed that many were not making eye contact as they walked past him. At first he thought they were just distracted by conversations they were having, but as the church began to clear out, it became apparent that people were intentionally avoiding his eyes. At last, one of the elders came in and said that he needed to lock up for the day, the building was empty. The disappointed mission’s pastor had not one name on the list.
The following Sunday, the announcement was made again, and the missions pastor once again manned the table at the back of the church. Again eyes were averted to avoid confrontation concerning the mission’s project to aid the poor homeless of northern Mexico. He watched people pass him who had repeatedly worked on these projects in the past and they too looked away. A man who has a concrete background passed by and he decided to ask him for help. The man smiled and said he was busy that weekend and couldn’t make it, offered a quick apology and walked out the door. A middle aged man who has done several trips down there, and is known to be an awesome framer walked by and so the coordinator asked if he would be able to come this time, to which he simply shook his head and said “sorry, not this time” and walked out the door.
Perplexed, the missions pastor asks a retired couple who have gone several times before if they were going to be able to help out this time, to which the man responded “don’t think we’ll be making it this time, not getting any younger you know”. The woman smiled sincerely and said she was sorry, but they just didn’t think this was the best time for them to be away from home, with the cartel wars raging to the south and all, and they continued to move toward the door. The young pastor asked them to wait a minute, and they did although they looked pained, fearing they would have to further justify their decision. He then told them that they would be working in an area that had considerable American influence, and there was probably nothing to fear, and he could “really” use their help and considerable experience on this one. Others in the church really looked up to them and were more likely to sign up if they knew that the retired couple were going.
The woman then asked him if he ever read the news. Was I aware that thirty thousand people had died in Mexico due to the drug wars in the last five years, more than Iraq and Afghanistan combined? Had I seen the reports of all of the beheaded bodies the authorities had found since the violence had begun? She then said that she just didn’t feel that comfortable putting themselves in harm’s way at their age, they had worked too hard all of their lives. When things settled down a bit, they would be happy to go back, but not until then. They apologized for not being able to help, then left quietly. The list remained blank.
The following week, the missions pastor gave the sermon, he asked what life would have been like if David had never put his trust in God to go up against Goliath. What if Gideon had scoffed at God’s Plan for defeating the Midianites and fled for safety instead. What if Daniel had just obeyed the king and was never placed in the lion’s den. What if Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had just given in and gone with the flow. Then the miracle of living through the fiery furnace would have never been realized. The miracle of the lion’s mouths being closed by the angels would have never happened. Gideon’s army of three hundred would have never defeated the Midianites and Goliath would have continued to taunt God’s chosen people.
If we always rely on our own wits and never place ourselves in God’s hands fully, we should not be surprised when we don’t see the wonder of God’s miracles performed in our lives. This all leads back to faith and our willingness to trust in God supremely to take care of us. Every eye in the congregation was fixed on the pastor as he unfolded the lesson on faith before them, and he could see the conviction on their faces as he brought the lesson to a close, offering them once more the chance to sign up for the upcoming mission in Mexico.
As he sat at the table, everyone made eye contact as they silently apologized and placed their names on the list. They filled the first page and then half of the second before the church was once again empty. The pastor felt good inside again as he gathered his things and left so that the elder could lock things up.
God Bless
JFT
Thank you for reminding us to trust Him today instead of trusting ourselves to keep out of harm’s way. Great use of story to illustrate His heart! God bless you and your desire to serve Jesus!
Thanks Deb,
I know I need to lean not on my own self but on Him who provides for us. I hope you and your family are doing well. You and Aubrey are in my prayers. God Bless
Jim
Hi Jim,
This is a true story in churches all over the world but worse still, this is the reality of our obedience to God when He calls us. You are so right in pointing out that if the great men of the times past had not been obedient, what would happen to faith.
However, today I learnt a real lesson in God’s sovereignty and how, regardless of man’s obedience or faithfulness or lack of, God’s will is brought to pass. I was studying Joseph’s situation in Genesis 39 and was amazed not just by Joseph’s obedience and faithfulness but by God’s perfect delivery of the dreams Joseph dreamt when he was back home. God, regardless of the brokenness of man, established Joseph and in so doing made his painful situations a great witness to God’s sovereignty.
I agree with you that we should never let our situations dictate our faith and I pray that we as a sinful people saved by His grace would be ever obedient to His will.
In Christ,
Vineet
Vineet,
The story of Joseph is an excellent example, I am glad you mentioned it. God is truly faithful. I know it hasn’t always had such a good (earthly) ending for those who are persecuted, but one thing I have seen in all of these stories of courage is peoples unconditional faith and devotion to God, no matter the outcome. All of those who were saved by God under miracoulous circumstances were walking boldly in faith, prepared to die horrible deaths if that is what He asked of them. the state of their heart was definanlty right. God Bless
Jim