"Missed It By That Much..."

 
Music fills our minds and mouths on a regular basis, but sometimes there is a line or a lyric that reaches the heart. A line in a new song heard recently on WBFJ says; “the peace that passes understanding is my song…”


Each of us has a song that defines us, describe our character or pinpoint a certain place in life. That’s one of the joys of music. God uses the creativity of His servants (maybe even out of their pain) to encourage our hearts.

I’m not sure where this hot mid-summer day finds you. But as for me, I truly want to sing that chorus of peace previously mentioned. Things I don’t understand, circumstances over which I have no control and conditions I can’t explain can lead to hopelessness. That is, unless we lean on that peace we cannot define. I know I need it today and my guess is that you do too…

So regardless of the situation, let’s sing together and find rest in the arms that long to hold us…

MIDDLE EAST MUSINGS:  THE PENTATEUCH

"It's more than I expected"

One thing I have come to learn through a series of trips abroad is to always expect the unexpected. Flexibility is the key to any mission endeavor.

In the Amazon, I bathed in the waters of redemption. On the dark continent, I witnessed an uncanny commitment to the cause. So, how is it possible that in the cradle of civilization I find that the extended hand of kindness becomes the hand that seemingly prevents the furtherance of God's work?

On previous junkets, I have been challenged by physical labor, the lack of facilities, schedule, language and diet. But this time was different. What was intended to be a "feel-good" type of "happily ever after" scenario instead challenged my spirit to a greater awareness than ever before.

I am truly realizing that the poverty of the soul far exceeds any other need. It's not just a boy on a bike, an elderly lady selling socks or the keeper of the corner store. It's everywhere. It's everyone - a family, a community, a city, a nation. How can a single light be effective in a darkness that runs centuries deep?

To be honest, I don't know. But that is the part of the process that has to be left to the Sovereign Creator. If only one corner of darkness is broken by my little light, we can celebrate even the slightest beam of hope. Others will be encouraged to share their light and the Gospel will be given greater illumination.

I have always been encouraged by the life of the Body around the globe. It's a thrill to fellowship with other believers in different cultures and experience their zeal and deep faith. But in the midst of a society gripped by darkness, the zeal could seem pointless and the faith futile. In reality, the opposite is true but is seen only as we trade our western eyes for a heavenly perspective.

The Spirit's groanings are apt to describe the context of my Middle East experience. Sometimes being hands and feet means gripping that which is slipping away and walking the dusty paths of uncertainty. Yes, it was more than I expected , then again, I've come to expect that from God.