"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" - Ephesians 3:20-21
We are living in our RV on the back side of a church's property, next to a Boy Scout meeting place. The other day I noticed one of the Scout Leaders working on a scout cargo trailer. He walked over and asked to borrow a ladder. Then he asked about the portable sheds we are building. And then he asked how we paid for the sheds adding the phrase, "Besides God I mean."
Besides God. As if it was people who really provided the money. Well, that is true that God uses people to help us but that is not the whole story. Money, unfortunately is the grease on the wheels of ministry. A necessary evil if you will. When it comes to seeking funds, my brother, Don, told me that I should ask God to provide and tell people what God is doing through us. And that is what I do. I believe that it is the Spirit of God that prompts people to support this work. A missionary couple, Edwin and Ruth Messerschmidt, once told us that where God guides He provides.
God is the source of all things. Be careful not to trivialize His role in meeting the needs to accomplish what He has called you to. You see, God never asks you to do something that you can do on your own. You always need the power of God to accomplish it. In the same way, do not minimize God's role in making provision for your life. Thinking that your well being is because of what you have done. You are because of God's providence. The idea of a "self-made-man" is carnal thinking.
Last week we were asked of we would build some bunk beds for a church hosting volunteers. I said yes, because we could, we just need the wood. A few days later, last Saturday, I got a call. It seemed that a ministry that makes beds for families had purchased too much wood. It was for a one day build event in Cape Coral in a Lowes parking lot and now they were going to have to abandon what was left - a considerable quantity - because the few staff remaining were from out of state and leaving Florida the next day. I was asked if we could use it for the sheds and 10 bunk beds. Martie and I drove to the Lowes parking lot to meet the ministry leader and I also met with the Store manager. I could see that there was wood enough for more than 10 bunk beds. I accepted the wood from the ministry leader and asked the store manager if Lowes would deliver it to our camp. All of this happened in one hour - from the time I got the call until Pathfinder had possession of more than enough wood to build the beds. The number has grown from 10 to 16 and now other churches are asking for help. I just wish my scout leader friend had been there to see God at work.
We must be careful that we don't confuse what God does through us with our own effort. Stealing God's glory to receive the praise of men or to feel good about ourselves is not good. I guess that should go without saying, but sometimes we need to be reminded.
From the world's perspective, you should never start any endeavor unless you have the resources to accomplish your plans. From God's perspective you should never start without the compliment of faith and obedience. Where God says "GO" you go. What God says "DO" you do. Pretty simple actually.
"Men make plans in their hearts but God orders their steps." - Proverbs 16:9
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
No comments:
Post a Comment