Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our sovereign God. Aren't you glad
He is in control?
Consider the alternatives. If Satan were in control, evil
and destruction would be unchecked. If evil men were in control, our world
would be an ugly and unfriendly place. If good men were in control, they would
still make wrong decisions and would be powerless to accomplish all they wanted
to do. If we ourselves were in control, we would make decisions that later we
would realize were not right.
Thankfully, none of those people are in control. Their
wickedness, weakness, or lack of wisdom would lead to disaster. God, on the
other hand, always knows the right thing and always has the power to bring it
about. "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all
gods" (Psalm 135:5).
Because He is so great and powerful, He does everything that
He desires. "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in
earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (v. 6).
The Bible is filled with wonderful examples of how God
intervened and overruled. Psalm 135 shares several examples. God chose Israel
as His special people (v. 4). He controls the weather (v. 7). He brought
judgment to Egypt, incredible plagues, mighty deliverance, military conquests, and
carved out an inheritance for His people (vs. 8-12).
His mighty, controlling hand has not stopped. You have seen
Him do great and unexpected things in your life. You have witnessed situations
that would have been unbelievable apart from God's intervention.
People often reflect back at the end of the year on God's
great works. Psalm 135 gives the proper response at such times: praising God
and blessing God, (which together are mentioned eleven times in vs. 1-3 and
19-21). I trust that you have much to praise Him for over the past year - souls
saved, hard hearts broken, lives transformed, wisdom, growth, safety, health,
provision, and more.
God's choices are not always pleasant at the time. Some of
them are painful and confusing, but that doesn't make them wrong. Even in
sickness, accidents, closed doors, and setbacks, God is still accomplishing
whatever He pleases. He uses adversity and difficulty to achieve His purposes,
and sometimes we don't see the benefit until later.
As you stand at the end of this year, may your heart be
filled with praise for what God has done, both what you understand and
appreciate as well as the situations for which you still await the
illumination. As you look forward to a new year and the uncertainty that it
holds, may you rest confidently in the one who will accomplish His purposes.
Even though you don't know what will happen, you can trust the great God who
does whatsoever He pleases.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
12212019 Merry Christmas
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings, sisters. I'm sure this is a very busy time for most of you, as it is for most people everywhere.
Today I just want to wish you a merry Christmas. I pray that you will have a profitable time sharing the message of God's love through the various events, outreaches, and services in which you will be participating.
Recently my heart was really touched by Ron Hamilton's words from "Born to Die": "O'er the place where He lay fell a shadow cold and gray of a cross that would humble a King." The joy of that long-awaited birth was inseparable from the grim reality of what was to come. I'm so thankful that Jesus was willing to come for me and die for me - such love and sacrifice.
I love you all and love what you are doing in service for God. It is a rare week when I don't pray for you at least once, and I just want you to know that you are special to me and that writing to you is one of the highlights and most meaningful parts of my week. May God bless you.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings, sisters. I'm sure this is a very busy time for most of you, as it is for most people everywhere.
Today I just want to wish you a merry Christmas. I pray that you will have a profitable time sharing the message of God's love through the various events, outreaches, and services in which you will be participating.
Recently my heart was really touched by Ron Hamilton's words from "Born to Die": "O'er the place where He lay fell a shadow cold and gray of a cross that would humble a King." The joy of that long-awaited birth was inseparable from the grim reality of what was to come. I'm so thankful that Jesus was willing to come for me and die for me - such love and sacrifice.
I love you all and love what you are doing in service for God. It is a rare week when I don't pray for you at least once, and I just want you to know that you are special to me and that writing to you is one of the highlights and most meaningful parts of my week. May God bless you.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 14, 2019
12142019 Trouble Doesn't Win
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our reviving God! Life has many ups and downs, and it is God who heals and restores from the difficulties to again bring blessing.
"Thou, which hast shewed me great [abundant] and sore [afflicting, vexing, miserable] troubles, shalt quicken [make alive] me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth" (Psalm 71:20).
Yes, man is born to trouble, just as sure as the sparks that fly upward. Troubles are part of life. As the above verse states, those troubles can be great. Taken over the course of life, they can add up to a mighty high pile! Sometimes they do come in combination, with several descending at the same time. Troubles can also be sore. The oppressive nature of the struggles can seem more than we can bear.
Those troubles do come from God's hand, either designed or permitted by Him, and always intended to accomplish His good purposes. The same God, however, who shows the troubles also delivers from them. Troubles are temporary. They always end. God does raise His suffering children up again.
The descriptions of what God does - quickening and bringing up from the depths - actually reveal just how difficult the trials are. They sap the life right out of us. We can feel completely flattened and deflated, sunk lower than we thought possible.
The depths of struggle, however, serve to highlight the amazing deliverance of God when it comes. God can bring new life to the one who was down to his last gasping breath. God can make to stand the one who was in a deep pit and nearly buried. The extent of His restoration is remarkable.
I love two other verses that express this same truth. "For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole" (Job 5:18). "For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men" (Lamentations 3:32-33).
The trouble itself is never the whole process. There is always healing and compassion and restoration that comes afterward. God does not leave His children broken, battered, and deflated.
Some people view the troubles of life as an excuse to reject God. They label God as cruel, harsh, and vindictive. These two verses show that this is a wrong evaluation. God doesn't bring pain for no reason. He brings affliction only when it is necessary for correction or for growth; when the trouble has done its work, He lovingly brings relief. These verses that mention wounds and grief also speak of mending and healing, of compassion and abundant mercies.
Aren't you glad we serve a God who limits trials to the minimum required to accomplish the goal? Aren't you glad He never lets the trial have the last word? Aren't you glad He lovingly heals and restores, that He gives new life to the one who was wounded so deeply? He is both a good God and a wise God. May He strengthen and use you this week, even as He continues to mold and equip you.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our reviving God! Life has many ups and downs, and it is God who heals and restores from the difficulties to again bring blessing.
"Thou, which hast shewed me great [abundant] and sore [afflicting, vexing, miserable] troubles, shalt quicken [make alive] me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth" (Psalm 71:20).
Yes, man is born to trouble, just as sure as the sparks that fly upward. Troubles are part of life. As the above verse states, those troubles can be great. Taken over the course of life, they can add up to a mighty high pile! Sometimes they do come in combination, with several descending at the same time. Troubles can also be sore. The oppressive nature of the struggles can seem more than we can bear.
Those troubles do come from God's hand, either designed or permitted by Him, and always intended to accomplish His good purposes. The same God, however, who shows the troubles also delivers from them. Troubles are temporary. They always end. God does raise His suffering children up again.
The descriptions of what God does - quickening and bringing up from the depths - actually reveal just how difficult the trials are. They sap the life right out of us. We can feel completely flattened and deflated, sunk lower than we thought possible.
The depths of struggle, however, serve to highlight the amazing deliverance of God when it comes. God can bring new life to the one who was down to his last gasping breath. God can make to stand the one who was in a deep pit and nearly buried. The extent of His restoration is remarkable.
I love two other verses that express this same truth. "For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole" (Job 5:18). "For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men" (Lamentations 3:32-33).
The trouble itself is never the whole process. There is always healing and compassion and restoration that comes afterward. God does not leave His children broken, battered, and deflated.
Some people view the troubles of life as an excuse to reject God. They label God as cruel, harsh, and vindictive. These two verses show that this is a wrong evaluation. God doesn't bring pain for no reason. He brings affliction only when it is necessary for correction or for growth; when the trouble has done its work, He lovingly brings relief. These verses that mention wounds and grief also speak of mending and healing, of compassion and abundant mercies.
Aren't you glad we serve a God who limits trials to the minimum required to accomplish the goal? Aren't you glad He never lets the trial have the last word? Aren't you glad He lovingly heals and restores, that He gives new life to the one who was wounded so deeply? He is both a good God and a wise God. May He strengthen and use you this week, even as He continues to mold and equip you.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, December 6, 2019
12062019 Ends of the Earth
Dear Missionary Lady,
I recently read a great missionary verse. "By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea" (Psalm 65:5).
While missionaries can be in the middle of booming cities, many of them are in some remote places. They go to places people have never heard of, and live in places few people ever visit. In each of those places, whether highly civilized (but far from home) or rugged and poor (and far from home), God is there. God can be confidently depended on by those who live and travel in what seem to be the ends of the earth.
For fun, I found a website listing twelve of the remotest locations on earth. How many have you heard of? 1) Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. One of the most remote towns in a remote country. 2) Kerguerlen Islands. A French territory in the Indian Ocean, also known as the Desolation Islands, 3,300 km from the nearest populated location. 3) Pitcairn Island. A British island in the South Pacific - population 50. 4) Tristan Da Cunha. An archipelago 2,000km from inhabited land. 5) Oymyakon, Russia. One of the coldest places on earth. Record -90F. 6) Chang Tang, Tibet. A high plateau home to 500,000 nomadic (and rarely seen) people. An explorer who crossed the region didn't see anyone for 81 days. 7) Medog County, China. The last county in China to get road access (but only for 9 months of the year). 8) The South Pole. Six months of continuous night. 9) Easter Island. 3,512 km from the coast of Chile. 10) Barrow, Alaska. The northernmost point in the USA. 11) Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The world's northernmost settlement of at least 1000 residents. 12) Point Nemo. The point in the ocean that is furthest from land. Often the closest humans are actually aboard the International Space Station, which passes six times closer than the nearest land.
If you were a missionary in one of those places, could God be your confidence there? Would He hear you there? Would He be your help? Absolutely! There is nowhere so remote that God is not there with you to be your helper. There is nowhere you can go where you can't rely on Him.
Verses 2-4 of this psalm share some really important things about the God who is our help. He hears prayer (v. 2). He forgives sins (v. 3). He allows people to approach Him (v. 4). Without those three things, we would all be sunk!
Can God really intervene over all the earth - to the remotest corners? Consider what the remainder of the psalm reveals about His power and control of the earth. He puts the mountains in place (v. 6) - mountains that no one has ever climbed and that only small numbers of people have ever seen. Mountains where isolated people live in poverty.
God stills the seas (v. 7). Seas that are so treacherous they discourage travel. Seas characterized by dangerous currents, underwater reefs, and rocky shores. Seas so vast they create seemingly unreachable locations. Seas containing islands where visitors rarely come and residents never leave.
God makes the dawn and twilight (v. 8). The universal beauty reaches every creature on earth. The sun's rays penetrate the thickest jungle and the remotest rainforest. They shine over the entire vast deserts and to every corner of the sea.
God gives rain and food to the whole earth and makes the animals flourish (vs. 9-12). Whether that food is rice, beans, manioc, fish, or tropical fruit, it all comes from God. He provides enough rain for each habitat, to support its growing needs, whether in the desert or the rain forest. Whether the creatures raised are sheep, camels, cattle, or reindeer, they are provided for by the hand of God.
God is in all those places. He loves and is able to save the people who live in each of them. He can protect and help His servants who go even to those places, and certainly to those less remote as well. Even though most people think you live at the end of the earth, you are never outside the realm of God's help. May He be your confidence this week, wherever you are!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
I recently read a great missionary verse. "By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea" (Psalm 65:5).
While missionaries can be in the middle of booming cities, many of them are in some remote places. They go to places people have never heard of, and live in places few people ever visit. In each of those places, whether highly civilized (but far from home) or rugged and poor (and far from home), God is there. God can be confidently depended on by those who live and travel in what seem to be the ends of the earth.
For fun, I found a website listing twelve of the remotest locations on earth. How many have you heard of? 1) Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. One of the most remote towns in a remote country. 2) Kerguerlen Islands. A French territory in the Indian Ocean, also known as the Desolation Islands, 3,300 km from the nearest populated location. 3) Pitcairn Island. A British island in the South Pacific - population 50. 4) Tristan Da Cunha. An archipelago 2,000km from inhabited land. 5) Oymyakon, Russia. One of the coldest places on earth. Record -90F. 6) Chang Tang, Tibet. A high plateau home to 500,000 nomadic (and rarely seen) people. An explorer who crossed the region didn't see anyone for 81 days. 7) Medog County, China. The last county in China to get road access (but only for 9 months of the year). 8) The South Pole. Six months of continuous night. 9) Easter Island. 3,512 km from the coast of Chile. 10) Barrow, Alaska. The northernmost point in the USA. 11) Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The world's northernmost settlement of at least 1000 residents. 12) Point Nemo. The point in the ocean that is furthest from land. Often the closest humans are actually aboard the International Space Station, which passes six times closer than the nearest land.
If you were a missionary in one of those places, could God be your confidence there? Would He hear you there? Would He be your help? Absolutely! There is nowhere so remote that God is not there with you to be your helper. There is nowhere you can go where you can't rely on Him.
Verses 2-4 of this psalm share some really important things about the God who is our help. He hears prayer (v. 2). He forgives sins (v. 3). He allows people to approach Him (v. 4). Without those three things, we would all be sunk!
Can God really intervene over all the earth - to the remotest corners? Consider what the remainder of the psalm reveals about His power and control of the earth. He puts the mountains in place (v. 6) - mountains that no one has ever climbed and that only small numbers of people have ever seen. Mountains where isolated people live in poverty.
God stills the seas (v. 7). Seas that are so treacherous they discourage travel. Seas characterized by dangerous currents, underwater reefs, and rocky shores. Seas so vast they create seemingly unreachable locations. Seas containing islands where visitors rarely come and residents never leave.
God makes the dawn and twilight (v. 8). The universal beauty reaches every creature on earth. The sun's rays penetrate the thickest jungle and the remotest rainforest. They shine over the entire vast deserts and to every corner of the sea.
God gives rain and food to the whole earth and makes the animals flourish (vs. 9-12). Whether that food is rice, beans, manioc, fish, or tropical fruit, it all comes from God. He provides enough rain for each habitat, to support its growing needs, whether in the desert or the rain forest. Whether the creatures raised are sheep, camels, cattle, or reindeer, they are provided for by the hand of God.
God is in all those places. He loves and is able to save the people who live in each of them. He can protect and help His servants who go even to those places, and certainly to those less remote as well. Even though most people think you live at the end of the earth, you are never outside the realm of God's help. May He be your confidence this week, wherever you are!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 30, 2019
11302019 Hopes and Dreams and Plans
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God who knows the future. He knew every detail of our persons and of our lives before we even existed. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Psalm 139:16). We have no idea how our lives will turn out, but God knows.
I was recently reminded of this truth by a trio of teenage girls who sang special music at my church. As far as I know, I only ever heard this song once before in my life, and that was at my commissioning service just before I left for Mexico. The words include "All I ever want to be is what you want of me, Lord. I give my life to You, and all my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands, Lord. Here am I, Lord, use me; take my life and mold me."
Twenty-four years later, I am struck by how very appropriate those words were back then. As a young lady setting out to serve God, I was giving Him myself and desiring to be used by Him. That song had the right words. I had no idea, however, what those words of dedication would mean for me. To surrender to God all one's hopes and dreams and plans, to surrender to be only what He wants one to be - that is somewhat easy to say, but when the hopes and dreams and plans get derailed and when God wants something different than what one thought he was going to be - that's when submission takes on deeper significance.
All people have hopes and dreams and plans, and that is especially true for missionaries. The job requires that kind of personality, with passion and goals and striving for the sake of the gospel, but those goals have to be placed in God's hands for Him to manipulate and change as He desires, or to bring to fruition if that is His will.
As I heard the girls sing those words, I realized how much my hopes and dreams and plans had changed from the first time I heard that song. Yes, I accomplished some of my desires during my brief years in Mexico, but I'm nowhere close to where I thought at that time that my life would end up. There have been many changes and events, much good and much difficult.
I asked myself the question: Knowing what I now know about how God changed those plans, would I still say those same words today? Would I still surrender it all to God? The longer life goes, the more fervently positive I believe my answer is. I have seen the mastery of God's work and the perfection in His plan. There is no better path than surrendering all to God. So whether we say those actual words or not, they have to be the tone of our heart. And we have to keep saying them. Those are not just "teenager" words; they are young person words, middle-aged person words, and retired person words. Throughout life, we have to keep saying, "All my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands, Lord." The most important thing to us must continue to be the desire to be exactly what God wants us to be so that He can work out His plan in and through us, even if it looks nothing like what we always dreamed about and worked for.
I compiled an imaginary (and very busy) missionary list of plans; I'm sure none of you fit this list exactly, but you probably see reflections of yourself represented. An ideal missionary's dreams might include getting married to a dedicated spouse, having six children, (at least three of whom will pursue missions), finishing deputation in two years, learning the language in six months, starting one church every term, serving at least six terms, enjoying safety and protection, having good health for tireless service, seeing 1000 converts, publishing a dozen books, starting a Bible institute and camp ministry and orphanage, establishing a coalition or group that will multiply itself and outlast the missionary, and ministering on every inhabited continent.
I don't think any of those are bad goals. They evidence a heart that wants to accomplish something meaningful for God. But when we give God (not just once, but continually) our hopes and dreams and plans, when we ask Him to mold us into exactly what He wants us to be, then we can be satisfied with singleness, childlessness, delays, health struggles, political turmoil, struggling ministries, slow progress, changes of direction, and thwarted plans.
I think of missionaries whose passion was great, but who were content to settle into ministries or times of ministry when they were in service roles - running a mission home or school, keeping the books, ordering supplies, translating, doing construction, etc. Maybe that wasn't what they really wanted to do, but they faithfully did what God put in front of them. They were "faithful in that which is least" and so found favor with God. God makes some vessels unto honor and some for less honorable purposes, but they all fulfill His purposes if they are willing to let the Potter make the decisions. (Romans 9:20-21).
Can I challenge you with two things? First, consider those words - "all my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands" - as they relate to the past. As you reflect on how God either changed or blessed your plans, thank Him for His amazing work. Second, pray those words anew today. Your dreams and plans are different now than they were five or ten or twenty years ago. I think your soul will be blessed as you verbalize to God that all your plans are still submitted to Him, and that you are willing for Him to change any one of them if that is what will bring Him glory. God knows all, and He knows best.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the God who knows the future. He knew every detail of our persons and of our lives before we even existed. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Psalm 139:16). We have no idea how our lives will turn out, but God knows.
I was recently reminded of this truth by a trio of teenage girls who sang special music at my church. As far as I know, I only ever heard this song once before in my life, and that was at my commissioning service just before I left for Mexico. The words include "All I ever want to be is what you want of me, Lord. I give my life to You, and all my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands, Lord. Here am I, Lord, use me; take my life and mold me."
Twenty-four years later, I am struck by how very appropriate those words were back then. As a young lady setting out to serve God, I was giving Him myself and desiring to be used by Him. That song had the right words. I had no idea, however, what those words of dedication would mean for me. To surrender to God all one's hopes and dreams and plans, to surrender to be only what He wants one to be - that is somewhat easy to say, but when the hopes and dreams and plans get derailed and when God wants something different than what one thought he was going to be - that's when submission takes on deeper significance.
All people have hopes and dreams and plans, and that is especially true for missionaries. The job requires that kind of personality, with passion and goals and striving for the sake of the gospel, but those goals have to be placed in God's hands for Him to manipulate and change as He desires, or to bring to fruition if that is His will.
As I heard the girls sing those words, I realized how much my hopes and dreams and plans had changed from the first time I heard that song. Yes, I accomplished some of my desires during my brief years in Mexico, but I'm nowhere close to where I thought at that time that my life would end up. There have been many changes and events, much good and much difficult.
I asked myself the question: Knowing what I now know about how God changed those plans, would I still say those same words today? Would I still surrender it all to God? The longer life goes, the more fervently positive I believe my answer is. I have seen the mastery of God's work and the perfection in His plan. There is no better path than surrendering all to God. So whether we say those actual words or not, they have to be the tone of our heart. And we have to keep saying them. Those are not just "teenager" words; they are young person words, middle-aged person words, and retired person words. Throughout life, we have to keep saying, "All my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands, Lord." The most important thing to us must continue to be the desire to be exactly what God wants us to be so that He can work out His plan in and through us, even if it looks nothing like what we always dreamed about and worked for.
I compiled an imaginary (and very busy) missionary list of plans; I'm sure none of you fit this list exactly, but you probably see reflections of yourself represented. An ideal missionary's dreams might include getting married to a dedicated spouse, having six children, (at least three of whom will pursue missions), finishing deputation in two years, learning the language in six months, starting one church every term, serving at least six terms, enjoying safety and protection, having good health for tireless service, seeing 1000 converts, publishing a dozen books, starting a Bible institute and camp ministry and orphanage, establishing a coalition or group that will multiply itself and outlast the missionary, and ministering on every inhabited continent.
I don't think any of those are bad goals. They evidence a heart that wants to accomplish something meaningful for God. But when we give God (not just once, but continually) our hopes and dreams and plans, when we ask Him to mold us into exactly what He wants us to be, then we can be satisfied with singleness, childlessness, delays, health struggles, political turmoil, struggling ministries, slow progress, changes of direction, and thwarted plans.
I think of missionaries whose passion was great, but who were content to settle into ministries or times of ministry when they were in service roles - running a mission home or school, keeping the books, ordering supplies, translating, doing construction, etc. Maybe that wasn't what they really wanted to do, but they faithfully did what God put in front of them. They were "faithful in that which is least" and so found favor with God. God makes some vessels unto honor and some for less honorable purposes, but they all fulfill His purposes if they are willing to let the Potter make the decisions. (Romans 9:20-21).
Can I challenge you with two things? First, consider those words - "all my hopes and dreams and plans I place within Your hands" - as they relate to the past. As you reflect on how God either changed or blessed your plans, thank Him for His amazing work. Second, pray those words anew today. Your dreams and plans are different now than they were five or ten or twenty years ago. I think your soul will be blessed as you verbalize to God that all your plans are still submitted to Him, and that you are willing for Him to change any one of them if that is what will bring Him glory. God knows all, and He knows best.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 23, 2019
11232019 Jesus Led Me All the Way
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our superintending God. Recently my thoughts were prompted in this direction when we sang the following hymn in church.
"Someday life's journey will be o'er/ And I shall reach that distant shore./ I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door,/ 'Jesus led me all the way.'
Jesus led me all the way,/ Led me step by step each day;/ I will tell the saints and angels/ As I lay my burdens down,/ 'Jesus led me all the way.'
If God should let me there review/ The winding paths of earth I knew,/ It would be proven clear and true/ Jesus led me all the way."
As we sang, especially that second verse about the "winding paths of earth," I thought that I could never have imagined all the twists of the many steps on my path. As young people, we are naive. We have this idea that God's will is one unchangeable thing - that we will graduate college and then find a job or ministry that will take us through the rest of our lives. I suppose some people have ambitions and see each job as preparation for the next job, but even then, they have a career path that stretches out like one unified and orchestrated road.
In many ways it would be nice to have that continuity, stability, and familiarity. It would be nice to continue in one place long enough to see long-term results and visible growth and to establish lasting relationships. That might happen for a few people, but I don't think it's very typical. Personally, when I enter a job (or ministry, in particular), I have the idea that I will do it until I die or am too old to continue. That isn't the path God has chosen for me.
Like many of you, my life has been a series of unexpected changes. I knew my first job out of college was just temporary until God directed me to the mission field. When I went to Mexico, I expected that to be my life work, but it lasted only three-and-a-half years. God then unexpectedly led me back to college to get my teaching degree. The next step was logical. He led me to a good school that I loved and where I expected to spend the rest of my life, but after six-and-a-half years, that door decisively closed against all my efforts to hold it open. At age forty, I was starting over, but it took over a year-and-a-half of waiting before a new path opened. Finally, I found a new school where surely I would teach until I retired. But, no. In an unexpected and puzzling move, God closed that door after only one year.
I've been in a secular job for seven years since then, and I don't completely understand that, although I do see it as God's clear leading. In essence, God has changed the entire focus of my ministry from full-time, vocational ministry to free-time, volunteer ministry. I still serve Him in various ways as He directs, but nothing like what I expected my life to be. I was recently contemplating the twists of my life's course, and I realized that as God clearly led in the past into teaching, He has just as clearly led me out of teaching and in other directions.
We don't always know the "why" of the changes. The changes may not be our preference. But whether it be a new church, new ministry partner, new location, new country, new type of ministry, new mission board, or new whatever else, we can know that God is guiding and superintending.
God does guide. "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Psalm 73:24). "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6). When God takes us in a new direction, He isn't making a mistake.
God gives us answers when we seek Him. During one of my transition times, I took a brief trip designed to obtain answers to several specific questions about my future direction. I prayed for God's guidance, and He gave it, although not with any of the answers I was hoping for. His answers were clear, however, and my prayers for guidance were definitely answered. Clear answers from God are far more important than our preferred answers, and my gratitude for His unmistakable guidance prompted the following poem.
Praise to the God of Answers
No answer that God does not know -/ No mystery is beyond His ken./ For He has planned each course just so,/ Both what will come and what has been./ Oh, praise to God who knows it all./ In gratitude I humbly fall.
This knowing God can also show/ His answers unto seeking men/ So they can know the path to go./ He lets them know what, where, and when./ Oh, praise to God who shows to me./ My thanks to Him each day shall be.
His answers are worked out also./ Effective power He will send/ To do what from His mind did flow./ His plans succeed once and again./ Oh, praise to God who works it out./ My feet can follow without doubt.
If your life has taken multiple turns, you can know that God directed each one. If you are in a time of transition, even if it's the tenth one of your ministry, you can rest assured that God is superintending. If a change unexpectedly arises in the near future, then also can have confidence that God knew all about it and worked to bring it about. Will you understand? Maybe not. Will it be your preference? Maybe not that either. But can you trust and follow the God who directed? Absolutely. And some day you will look back and gratefully declare, "Jesus led me all the way."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our superintending God. Recently my thoughts were prompted in this direction when we sang the following hymn in church.
"Someday life's journey will be o'er/ And I shall reach that distant shore./ I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door,/ 'Jesus led me all the way.'
Jesus led me all the way,/ Led me step by step each day;/ I will tell the saints and angels/ As I lay my burdens down,/ 'Jesus led me all the way.'
If God should let me there review/ The winding paths of earth I knew,/ It would be proven clear and true/ Jesus led me all the way."
As we sang, especially that second verse about the "winding paths of earth," I thought that I could never have imagined all the twists of the many steps on my path. As young people, we are naive. We have this idea that God's will is one unchangeable thing - that we will graduate college and then find a job or ministry that will take us through the rest of our lives. I suppose some people have ambitions and see each job as preparation for the next job, but even then, they have a career path that stretches out like one unified and orchestrated road.
In many ways it would be nice to have that continuity, stability, and familiarity. It would be nice to continue in one place long enough to see long-term results and visible growth and to establish lasting relationships. That might happen for a few people, but I don't think it's very typical. Personally, when I enter a job (or ministry, in particular), I have the idea that I will do it until I die or am too old to continue. That isn't the path God has chosen for me.
Like many of you, my life has been a series of unexpected changes. I knew my first job out of college was just temporary until God directed me to the mission field. When I went to Mexico, I expected that to be my life work, but it lasted only three-and-a-half years. God then unexpectedly led me back to college to get my teaching degree. The next step was logical. He led me to a good school that I loved and where I expected to spend the rest of my life, but after six-and-a-half years, that door decisively closed against all my efforts to hold it open. At age forty, I was starting over, but it took over a year-and-a-half of waiting before a new path opened. Finally, I found a new school where surely I would teach until I retired. But, no. In an unexpected and puzzling move, God closed that door after only one year.
I've been in a secular job for seven years since then, and I don't completely understand that, although I do see it as God's clear leading. In essence, God has changed the entire focus of my ministry from full-time, vocational ministry to free-time, volunteer ministry. I still serve Him in various ways as He directs, but nothing like what I expected my life to be. I was recently contemplating the twists of my life's course, and I realized that as God clearly led in the past into teaching, He has just as clearly led me out of teaching and in other directions.
We don't always know the "why" of the changes. The changes may not be our preference. But whether it be a new church, new ministry partner, new location, new country, new type of ministry, new mission board, or new whatever else, we can know that God is guiding and superintending.
God does guide. "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Psalm 73:24). "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6). When God takes us in a new direction, He isn't making a mistake.
God gives us answers when we seek Him. During one of my transition times, I took a brief trip designed to obtain answers to several specific questions about my future direction. I prayed for God's guidance, and He gave it, although not with any of the answers I was hoping for. His answers were clear, however, and my prayers for guidance were definitely answered. Clear answers from God are far more important than our preferred answers, and my gratitude for His unmistakable guidance prompted the following poem.
Praise to the God of Answers
No answer that God does not know -/ No mystery is beyond His ken./ For He has planned each course just so,/ Both what will come and what has been./ Oh, praise to God who knows it all./ In gratitude I humbly fall.
This knowing God can also show/ His answers unto seeking men/ So they can know the path to go./ He lets them know what, where, and when./ Oh, praise to God who shows to me./ My thanks to Him each day shall be.
His answers are worked out also./ Effective power He will send/ To do what from His mind did flow./ His plans succeed once and again./ Oh, praise to God who works it out./ My feet can follow without doubt.
If your life has taken multiple turns, you can know that God directed each one. If you are in a time of transition, even if it's the tenth one of your ministry, you can rest assured that God is superintending. If a change unexpectedly arises in the near future, then also can have confidence that God knew all about it and worked to bring it about. Will you understand? Maybe not. Will it be your preference? Maybe not that either. But can you trust and follow the God who directed? Absolutely. And some day you will look back and gratefully declare, "Jesus led me all the way."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 16, 2019
11162019 God our Strength
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God of strength. The God who is and has all strength gives strength to His people. And, boy, do we need it!
Sometimes a day or week looms before us, and we know before we start that it will be extra challenging. Maybe we don't even want to get out of bed! It may be that church challenges are so great that we almost don't want to go, dreading the weight that will accompany the service and the interactions with people. A meeting with a government official may seem daunting. A special challenge of one of our children may threaten to break our hearts as we feel powerless to help. Whatever the difficulty, our frail human strength is not nearly enough. I'm reminded of the words of the song, "When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father's full giving is only begun."
That's the kind of strength David needed in Psalm 59. This time he is writing about when Saul sent people to watch his house to kill him. Wouldn't that take the strength right out of you? Knowing that soldiers were on guard around your house with orders not to come back without your head? Instead of dissolving into a puddle, David waited on God.
He said, "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence" (v. 9). David knew his own strength was insufficient, and he looked to God as his defense. He asked God to scatter his enemies by His power (v. 11) so that they would wander without satisfaction and without achieving their goal (vs. 14-15).
Even before the answer came, David was confident in God's strength. He closes the psalm with a repeated intention to praise God for His strength and His defense. David keeps using the word "sing."
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy" (vs. 16-17).
God did exercise His strength, and God did deliver David - again and again. As He does with us. We don't even know all the jams that God gets us out of, but if we were to stop and think about the ones we do know about, we would be awed by God's strength. He has been a defense for us many times and has exercised His strength when we had none of our own.
Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is reflective of the strong defense David refers to in this psalm.
"Did we in our own strength confide,/ Our striving would be losing;/ Were not the right Man on our side,/ The Man of God's own choosing:/ Dost ask who that may be?/ Christ Jesus, it is He;/ Lord Sabaoth, His name,/ From age to age the same,/ And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,/ Should threaten to undo us,/ We will not fear, for God hath willed/ His truth to triumph through us:/ The Prince of Darkness grim,/ We tremble not for him;/ His rage we can endure,/ For lo, his doom is sure,/ One little word shall fell him."
Yes, the enemies we face are real. The battles are fierce. But we don't need to win in our own strength, nor could we. God, however, is strong enough to win every battle! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the God of strength. The God who is and has all strength gives strength to His people. And, boy, do we need it!
Sometimes a day or week looms before us, and we know before we start that it will be extra challenging. Maybe we don't even want to get out of bed! It may be that church challenges are so great that we almost don't want to go, dreading the weight that will accompany the service and the interactions with people. A meeting with a government official may seem daunting. A special challenge of one of our children may threaten to break our hearts as we feel powerless to help. Whatever the difficulty, our frail human strength is not nearly enough. I'm reminded of the words of the song, "When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father's full giving is only begun."
That's the kind of strength David needed in Psalm 59. This time he is writing about when Saul sent people to watch his house to kill him. Wouldn't that take the strength right out of you? Knowing that soldiers were on guard around your house with orders not to come back without your head? Instead of dissolving into a puddle, David waited on God.
He said, "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence" (v. 9). David knew his own strength was insufficient, and he looked to God as his defense. He asked God to scatter his enemies by His power (v. 11) so that they would wander without satisfaction and without achieving their goal (vs. 14-15).
Even before the answer came, David was confident in God's strength. He closes the psalm with a repeated intention to praise God for His strength and His defense. David keeps using the word "sing."
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy" (vs. 16-17).
God did exercise His strength, and God did deliver David - again and again. As He does with us. We don't even know all the jams that God gets us out of, but if we were to stop and think about the ones we do know about, we would be awed by God's strength. He has been a defense for us many times and has exercised His strength when we had none of our own.
Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is reflective of the strong defense David refers to in this psalm.
"Did we in our own strength confide,/ Our striving would be losing;/ Were not the right Man on our side,/ The Man of God's own choosing:/ Dost ask who that may be?/ Christ Jesus, it is He;/ Lord Sabaoth, His name,/ From age to age the same,/ And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,/ Should threaten to undo us,/ We will not fear, for God hath willed/ His truth to triumph through us:/ The Prince of Darkness grim,/ We tremble not for him;/ His rage we can endure,/ For lo, his doom is sure,/ One little word shall fell him."
Yes, the enemies we face are real. The battles are fierce. But we don't need to win in our own strength, nor could we. God, however, is strong enough to win every battle! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 9, 2019
11092019 Overpast Calamities
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our omnipotent God! Nothing is too hard for Him.
David wrote, "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:1-2). Calamities have to do with something rushing upon or falling upon someone; while it can be as "mild" as mischief, naughtiness, and noise, it can also extend to the level of ruin.
David faced lots of calamities. This particular one was hiding in a cave while fleeing from Saul. David also faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. He faced an impossibly dangerous betrothal requirement, risky missions, years of exile, and numerous battles. He faced ongoing imminent threats from his father-in-law, the unwilling dissolution of his marriage, and the capture of his family. He faced hunger, thirst, and deprivation. He faced political opposition, civil war, hard-headed subordinates, and a threatening revolt by his own son. He lost an child in infancy, had one son killed by another son, and later had a long-estranged son killed against his command. I'm sure the list could go on.
So what calamities have unexpectedly rushed on you or have crushingly fallen on you? Do these difficulties seem impossible to bear and even threaten ruin? Whatever you face is no harder for God to handle than it was for Him to handle David's calamities. In spite of all that happened in David's lifetime, we must remember that David lived a long life, had a lengthy reign as king, united the kingdom, and brought it to an era of peace. I would say God delivered him.
In Psalm 57, David says he will make his refuge in God until his current calamities were overpast. He knew they would end. They always did. Some calamities lasted longer than others, but they all ended. While the Old Testament contains examples of temporary trials, the New Testament repeatedly states that our trials are but for a season.
In the meanwhile, we can take refuge in God - specifically in the shadow of His wings. This is a precious picture of protection. Not only is the protecting mother bird fierce and tenacious, but there is also the idea of warmth, closeness, and nurturing. God can hold you close and safe for as long as the calamity endures.
There is one more thing I love that David says in these verses. He gives another description of the God in whom he takes refuge: the God that performs all things for him. There is comfort in knowing that God is the one who does it all. When the deliverance comes, it comes by God's hand. While the trial endures, it is God that upholds and protects. In fact, even the trial itself does not fall outside God's control. When we face calamity, it is only because God has ordained it to accomplish His purposes.
Certainly, God does not prohibit us from taking appropriate, wise steps to address our calamities. We cannot trust in ourselves, however. Isn't it true that most of the time we don't even know what to do? Even if we did think of a solution, we wouldn't have the ability or the finances to make it happen. How much better to take refuge in God, the one who performs all things for us. He will hold us safe and carry us through until the calamity passes over. He alone will get the credit for the deliverance, and God can bring the deliverance no matter how impossible the calamity appears. He is omnipotent.
"In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face/ While the storms howl above me, and there's no hiding place./ 'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry./ Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more/ Till the clouds roll forever from the sky./ Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand./ Keep me safe till the storm passes by."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our omnipotent God! Nothing is too hard for Him.
David wrote, "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:1-2). Calamities have to do with something rushing upon or falling upon someone; while it can be as "mild" as mischief, naughtiness, and noise, it can also extend to the level of ruin.
David faced lots of calamities. This particular one was hiding in a cave while fleeing from Saul. David also faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. He faced an impossibly dangerous betrothal requirement, risky missions, years of exile, and numerous battles. He faced ongoing imminent threats from his father-in-law, the unwilling dissolution of his marriage, and the capture of his family. He faced hunger, thirst, and deprivation. He faced political opposition, civil war, hard-headed subordinates, and a threatening revolt by his own son. He lost an child in infancy, had one son killed by another son, and later had a long-estranged son killed against his command. I'm sure the list could go on.
So what calamities have unexpectedly rushed on you or have crushingly fallen on you? Do these difficulties seem impossible to bear and even threaten ruin? Whatever you face is no harder for God to handle than it was for Him to handle David's calamities. In spite of all that happened in David's lifetime, we must remember that David lived a long life, had a lengthy reign as king, united the kingdom, and brought it to an era of peace. I would say God delivered him.
In Psalm 57, David says he will make his refuge in God until his current calamities were overpast. He knew they would end. They always did. Some calamities lasted longer than others, but they all ended. While the Old Testament contains examples of temporary trials, the New Testament repeatedly states that our trials are but for a season.
In the meanwhile, we can take refuge in God - specifically in the shadow of His wings. This is a precious picture of protection. Not only is the protecting mother bird fierce and tenacious, but there is also the idea of warmth, closeness, and nurturing. God can hold you close and safe for as long as the calamity endures.
There is one more thing I love that David says in these verses. He gives another description of the God in whom he takes refuge: the God that performs all things for him. There is comfort in knowing that God is the one who does it all. When the deliverance comes, it comes by God's hand. While the trial endures, it is God that upholds and protects. In fact, even the trial itself does not fall outside God's control. When we face calamity, it is only because God has ordained it to accomplish His purposes.
Certainly, God does not prohibit us from taking appropriate, wise steps to address our calamities. We cannot trust in ourselves, however. Isn't it true that most of the time we don't even know what to do? Even if we did think of a solution, we wouldn't have the ability or the finances to make it happen. How much better to take refuge in God, the one who performs all things for us. He will hold us safe and carry us through until the calamity passes over. He alone will get the credit for the deliverance, and God can bring the deliverance no matter how impossible the calamity appears. He is omnipotent.
"In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face/ While the storms howl above me, and there's no hiding place./ 'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry./ Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more/ Till the clouds roll forever from the sky./ Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand./ Keep me safe till the storm passes by."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 2, 2019
10022019 God Is For Me
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our trustworthy God. It's nice when we have people we can trust, but it is far more significant to have a God we can trust.
David was often in need during his tumultuous life, and he knew God to be his source of trust. Psalm 56 was written when the Philistines had taken him in Gath (I Samuel 19-21). David had narrowly escaped the hand of Saul, who had tried to kill him in his bed. When Jonathan warned David of serious danger, David fled to Gath, perhaps thinking he could be incognito there. When he was recognized as a great warrior, he ended up acting like a madman in order to escape. He had jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
In Psalm 56, David describes his scenario, saying that man was threatening to swallow him up (vs. 1&2). His many enemies were fighting and oppressing him daily (vs. 1-2). He was afraid (v. 3). People twisted his words against him (v. 5) and conspired together to take him down (v. 6).
In the midst of this trying time, threatened with death whether he stayed in exile or returned back home, David trusted in God. "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (v. 11). He also expresses his trust in vs. 3 and 4. His trust in God was pretty complete. He trusted enough that he was no longer afraid of his fate by man.
Why was David able to trust this way? For one thing, he knew that God knew all about his situation. "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not all in thy book?" (v. 8). Not a bit of his danger or struggle was unknown to God. David did not have to worry that perhaps God had forgotten about him or had lost sight of him for the moment.
Beyond that, it mattered how God thought about David when He did notice his struggle. David expresses this beautifully. "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me" (v. 9). He was confident that God was on his side. He could have that confidence because of the promises God had made toward him and of the vows that existed between them (v. 12). David was serving God - doing God's mission - and that put God on His side.
We may not have the same specific promises from God, but we have the same God. He still sees us in every situation. He knows all the dangers and fears. He knows all the wanderings and tears. When we are on a mission for Him, living our lives in His service, we have placed ourselves on His side, and God is for us, too!
"This I know; for God is for me." When God is for us, the circumstances don't really matter. The opposition is not so daunting. The betrayal or forgetfulness of others isn't quite so serious. Circumstances do get difficult, opposition does come, and others do let us down, but God's trustworthy support overrides all that.
Are you facing a situation in which others are not for you right now? Maybe the governments or other leaders in the area where you are trying to work. Maybe the people you are trying to reach, needy people who don't want your answers. Maybe converts or even fledging leaders within the ministry. Perhaps those back home - friends, family, home church, supporting churches, even mission board - are either not communicating support or are creating friction. It's hard to see those rifts and hard to feel the abandonment, but remember that there is One who sees all, who understands all, and who is on your side as you serve Him. He is worth more than all other sources of support combined.
What is the result when God is for us and when He honors our trust in Him? There will be reasons to praise Him (vs. 10&12). God often delivers us from the threat (vs. 9&13). Not only does that involve keeping us from death - ultimate defeat in the life circumstance - but it also involves the important spiritual and personal component of keeping us from falling under the burden. "For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling?" (v. 13).
That's the wonderful thing about trusting God. He deals with souls as well as with circumstances. He can save us on the inside as well as on the outside. It truly is a comfort to know that a God who can do those things is on our side! May you know His presence and deliverance this week as you place your trust in Him.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our trustworthy God. It's nice when we have people we can trust, but it is far more significant to have a God we can trust.
David was often in need during his tumultuous life, and he knew God to be his source of trust. Psalm 56 was written when the Philistines had taken him in Gath (I Samuel 19-21). David had narrowly escaped the hand of Saul, who had tried to kill him in his bed. When Jonathan warned David of serious danger, David fled to Gath, perhaps thinking he could be incognito there. When he was recognized as a great warrior, he ended up acting like a madman in order to escape. He had jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
In Psalm 56, David describes his scenario, saying that man was threatening to swallow him up (vs. 1&2). His many enemies were fighting and oppressing him daily (vs. 1-2). He was afraid (v. 3). People twisted his words against him (v. 5) and conspired together to take him down (v. 6).
In the midst of this trying time, threatened with death whether he stayed in exile or returned back home, David trusted in God. "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (v. 11). He also expresses his trust in vs. 3 and 4. His trust in God was pretty complete. He trusted enough that he was no longer afraid of his fate by man.
Why was David able to trust this way? For one thing, he knew that God knew all about his situation. "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not all in thy book?" (v. 8). Not a bit of his danger or struggle was unknown to God. David did not have to worry that perhaps God had forgotten about him or had lost sight of him for the moment.
Beyond that, it mattered how God thought about David when He did notice his struggle. David expresses this beautifully. "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me" (v. 9). He was confident that God was on his side. He could have that confidence because of the promises God had made toward him and of the vows that existed between them (v. 12). David was serving God - doing God's mission - and that put God on His side.
We may not have the same specific promises from God, but we have the same God. He still sees us in every situation. He knows all the dangers and fears. He knows all the wanderings and tears. When we are on a mission for Him, living our lives in His service, we have placed ourselves on His side, and God is for us, too!
"This I know; for God is for me." When God is for us, the circumstances don't really matter. The opposition is not so daunting. The betrayal or forgetfulness of others isn't quite so serious. Circumstances do get difficult, opposition does come, and others do let us down, but God's trustworthy support overrides all that.
Are you facing a situation in which others are not for you right now? Maybe the governments or other leaders in the area where you are trying to work. Maybe the people you are trying to reach, needy people who don't want your answers. Maybe converts or even fledging leaders within the ministry. Perhaps those back home - friends, family, home church, supporting churches, even mission board - are either not communicating support or are creating friction. It's hard to see those rifts and hard to feel the abandonment, but remember that there is One who sees all, who understands all, and who is on your side as you serve Him. He is worth more than all other sources of support combined.
What is the result when God is for us and when He honors our trust in Him? There will be reasons to praise Him (vs. 10&12). God often delivers us from the threat (vs. 9&13). Not only does that involve keeping us from death - ultimate defeat in the life circumstance - but it also involves the important spiritual and personal component of keeping us from falling under the burden. "For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling?" (v. 13).
That's the wonderful thing about trusting God. He deals with souls as well as with circumstances. He can save us on the inside as well as on the outside. It truly is a comfort to know that a God who can do those things is on our side! May you know His presence and deliverance this week as you place your trust in Him.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 26, 2019
10262019 Not Like Us
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our incomparable and unrivaled God. God is not like us. Aren't you glad!?
I recently was prompted to ponder this truth when I read Psalm 50:21. "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." My immediate response was, "God is not like us!" I thought it would be encouraging to compile some of the ways that God is different from man. There are way too many to include them all, but here are some I found, the first few coming from this same passage.
God has no needs. "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 50:12). Humans have many needs, and God has all the resources to meet them all; we never have to be concerned that He is hoarding resources because He needs them for Himself.
God takes evil seriously. That is the point of the passage in Psalm 50:17-22. Verses 17-20 list sins that man does without any remorse or fear of judgment. God says that He doesn't take their sins so lightly, and He will make all things right.
Another passage that focuses on the same concept of God's uniqueness is Isaiah 40. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One" (Isaiah 40:25).
God controls all human institutions. "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth ... that bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity ... he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither" (Isaiah 40:22-24). We can't even get businesses to give us satisfactory and timely service, but God can change the mind of the king.
God is strong enough to create and to control creation. "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [stars], that bringeth out their host by number ... for that he is strong in power; not one faileth" (Isaiah 40:26). Man struggles to get a garden to grow, but God controls the entire universe.
God doesn't get tired. "Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" (Isaiah 40:28). But "even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (v. 30). Not God!
God follows through on His promises. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19). Man breaks promises all the time, either from inability or unfaithfulness, but God never does.
God is all-powerful. "O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" (Deuteronomy 3:24). Just try making manna or parting a sea. Not even other gods can do what God can do.
God shows no favoritism or unfairness. "For the LORD your God ... regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward" (Deuteronomy 10:17). For a little bit of money, man will change his responses, but God will never change His dealings toward us because someone else influences Him against us.
God is not on a level to be argued with. "For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment" (Job 9:32). Man can't debate God, rebuke Him, or prove Him wrong. Why? Because God is always right.
God controls all human details. Man can't "make one hair white or black" (Matthew 5:36) and can't "add one cubit unto his stature" (Matthew 6:27). But God "made man's mouth" (Exodus 4:11); He "curiously wrought" us and fashioned all our members (Psalm 139:15-16) exactly as He wanted them to be.
God has unsurpassed knowledge. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33). Man can figure out some pretty amazing things, like how to go to the moon, but God knew and established all the laws of science and physics that make it possible.
God has no disorder. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (I Corinthians 14:33). It doesn't take man long to make a jumbled mess of things, but everything in God's world makes sense and works properly.
God (Jesus) didn't yield to temptation. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Man, who falls easily, has a God who can help him in every temptation, because He successfully met each one.
God can't lie. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation" (Hebrews 6:18). Man's mouth is full of deceit, but God can always be trusted.
God will never leave us. "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Even people we thought we could depend upon will disappear, but God is always with us.
God can't be tempted with evil. "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" (James 1:13). Other people may try to lead us astray or get us to compromise, but God can't be touched with such weakness.
God doesn't change. "With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). People change. Boy, do they! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God is pure. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5). Then there is man, whose heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Thank God He is not like that!
No, God is most definitely not like us! And He isn't just different, but always and in every way infinitely higher and better. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).
Now that's a God worth following and serving, even when it isn't easy. So keep on keeping on. You will never regret following such a God!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our incomparable and unrivaled God. God is not like us. Aren't you glad!?
I recently was prompted to ponder this truth when I read Psalm 50:21. "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." My immediate response was, "God is not like us!" I thought it would be encouraging to compile some of the ways that God is different from man. There are way too many to include them all, but here are some I found, the first few coming from this same passage.
God has no needs. "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 50:12). Humans have many needs, and God has all the resources to meet them all; we never have to be concerned that He is hoarding resources because He needs them for Himself.
God takes evil seriously. That is the point of the passage in Psalm 50:17-22. Verses 17-20 list sins that man does without any remorse or fear of judgment. God says that He doesn't take their sins so lightly, and He will make all things right.
Another passage that focuses on the same concept of God's uniqueness is Isaiah 40. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One" (Isaiah 40:25).
God controls all human institutions. "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth ... that bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity ... he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither" (Isaiah 40:22-24). We can't even get businesses to give us satisfactory and timely service, but God can change the mind of the king.
God is strong enough to create and to control creation. "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [stars], that bringeth out their host by number ... for that he is strong in power; not one faileth" (Isaiah 40:26). Man struggles to get a garden to grow, but God controls the entire universe.
God doesn't get tired. "Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" (Isaiah 40:28). But "even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (v. 30). Not God!
God follows through on His promises. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19). Man breaks promises all the time, either from inability or unfaithfulness, but God never does.
God is all-powerful. "O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" (Deuteronomy 3:24). Just try making manna or parting a sea. Not even other gods can do what God can do.
God shows no favoritism or unfairness. "For the LORD your God ... regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward" (Deuteronomy 10:17). For a little bit of money, man will change his responses, but God will never change His dealings toward us because someone else influences Him against us.
God is not on a level to be argued with. "For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment" (Job 9:32). Man can't debate God, rebuke Him, or prove Him wrong. Why? Because God is always right.
God controls all human details. Man can't "make one hair white or black" (Matthew 5:36) and can't "add one cubit unto his stature" (Matthew 6:27). But God "made man's mouth" (Exodus 4:11); He "curiously wrought" us and fashioned all our members (Psalm 139:15-16) exactly as He wanted them to be.
God has unsurpassed knowledge. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33). Man can figure out some pretty amazing things, like how to go to the moon, but God knew and established all the laws of science and physics that make it possible.
God has no disorder. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (I Corinthians 14:33). It doesn't take man long to make a jumbled mess of things, but everything in God's world makes sense and works properly.
God (Jesus) didn't yield to temptation. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Man, who falls easily, has a God who can help him in every temptation, because He successfully met each one.
God can't lie. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation" (Hebrews 6:18). Man's mouth is full of deceit, but God can always be trusted.
God will never leave us. "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Even people we thought we could depend upon will disappear, but God is always with us.
God can't be tempted with evil. "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" (James 1:13). Other people may try to lead us astray or get us to compromise, but God can't be touched with such weakness.
God doesn't change. "With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). People change. Boy, do they! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God is pure. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5). Then there is man, whose heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Thank God He is not like that!
No, God is most definitely not like us! And He isn't just different, but always and in every way infinitely higher and better. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).
Now that's a God worth following and serving, even when it isn't easy. So keep on keeping on. You will never regret following such a God!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 19, 2019
10192019 Afterward
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God of all grace. It is that God of all grace who ministers to us, often in ways we cannot see at the moment. The God of all grace pours out His grace on us to accomplish what we could not have imagined - not just in outcomes of circumstances, but also within the depths of our own hearts.
Trials are neither fun nor easy. No one wants them, and when we do have them, we want them to be resolved as quickly as possible. At the same time, trials are absolutely essential for our Christian growth. God uses them to do in us what He could not do in any other way. "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Our maturity depends upon enduring times of suffering.
We humans aren't very good at seeing the growth and benefit of the trials, at least not at the time. Often we can look back and see that God did a great work. In fact, Christians will often make remarks something like this: "Looking back and seeing what God did, I would not change this experience for anything." One reason why we struggle to see the benefit while we are in the trial is that the benefit doesn't fully come until the trial is over. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
I'll be honest - and I suspect you can relate. In the midst of an extended trial, I often feel like God isn't doing anything in me. My internal struggles rage like monsters. My faith is battered and challenged. At best I feel like I am just holding on and trying to survive until the storm passes. At worst - well, those thoughts rising from the blackness of my heart can be so awful that I shudder to even consider them. There seem to be no answers, no help, no benefit. In fact, if I ponder the idea that God is doing a work in me, my whole self wants to deny it. I would not use of myself words like receptive, resting, maturity, faith, thriving; instead I would choose words like hard, cold, unresponsive, hurting, struggling.
But that's all during the trial. God's work becomes evident afterward. We have to wait to be able to see it, but I am confident that we will see it, because God says so. As we continue to submit to God through the pain, confusion, and disappointment, as we continue to choose to trust and follow Him anyway, God does His work. I am not aware of any verse in the Bible that describes this "afterward" process as well as I Peter 5:10 does. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." Our trials are temporary. God will come to our rescue. The God of all grace will personally do His work in us, and it is in four parts.
First, God will perfect us (complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, mend, restore). He will make us complete spiritually. He gives us the tools we need, making us sound and fit for what we have to do. He makes the necessary adjustments, mending what is broken and putting it in working order again. He gives the necessary healing after our harsh ordeal so that we are prepared for moving on. God heals what has been bruised, restores what has been broken, and strengthens what has been made weak. He makes us complete and whole again so that we can serve Him effectively.
Second, God will stablish or confirm us (set fast, turn resolutely, confirm, strengthen, steadfastly set). He makes us stable, firm, and constant. He re-establishes the backbone and the center. He makes the core so strong and firm that the entire person is renewed, committed, and anchored in his faith. We will see that we can trust Him in times of trial and that we should never again have reason to doubt Him. We will see confirmed for us that everything we have ever believed about God can be confidently depended on.
Third, God will strengthen us (give vigor, confirm in spiritual knowledge and power). He will give us increased strength, especially in our soul, beyond what we had before. When the soul has been damaged, shattered, and shaken, He reinvigorates it. He gives strength to a soul that was completely limp, overwhelmed, and empty. He equips us spiritually by teaching us more than we knew before.
Fourth, God will settle or establish us (settle, lay a foundation or basis). He will deepen and reinforce our foundation so that we are firmly resting upon it. He will drive the roots so deep that they will not again be so easily shaken. He will make us grounded and firmly established, with significant substance to uphold us and to limit the effect of future attacks.
If you are currently in the midst of an intense battle, take heart. No, you can't see all of the benefit right now, and maybe you can't see any benefit. You might see only the hopeless struggle. But the deliverance stage is coming, and that is when God will bring it all together. Wait for it, and in faith believe that He will do it. When God brings you through the suffering and restores you afterward, you will be prepared to live for Him and serve Him like never before. There will be abundant fruit.
God has not stopped His work in you, and He never will. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Someday, maybe soon, you will reflect back on this trial too and be overwhelmed by the immensity of what God has done.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the God of all grace. It is that God of all grace who ministers to us, often in ways we cannot see at the moment. The God of all grace pours out His grace on us to accomplish what we could not have imagined - not just in outcomes of circumstances, but also within the depths of our own hearts.
Trials are neither fun nor easy. No one wants them, and when we do have them, we want them to be resolved as quickly as possible. At the same time, trials are absolutely essential for our Christian growth. God uses them to do in us what He could not do in any other way. "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Our maturity depends upon enduring times of suffering.
We humans aren't very good at seeing the growth and benefit of the trials, at least not at the time. Often we can look back and see that God did a great work. In fact, Christians will often make remarks something like this: "Looking back and seeing what God did, I would not change this experience for anything." One reason why we struggle to see the benefit while we are in the trial is that the benefit doesn't fully come until the trial is over. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
I'll be honest - and I suspect you can relate. In the midst of an extended trial, I often feel like God isn't doing anything in me. My internal struggles rage like monsters. My faith is battered and challenged. At best I feel like I am just holding on and trying to survive until the storm passes. At worst - well, those thoughts rising from the blackness of my heart can be so awful that I shudder to even consider them. There seem to be no answers, no help, no benefit. In fact, if I ponder the idea that God is doing a work in me, my whole self wants to deny it. I would not use of myself words like receptive, resting, maturity, faith, thriving; instead I would choose words like hard, cold, unresponsive, hurting, struggling.
But that's all during the trial. God's work becomes evident afterward. We have to wait to be able to see it, but I am confident that we will see it, because God says so. As we continue to submit to God through the pain, confusion, and disappointment, as we continue to choose to trust and follow Him anyway, God does His work. I am not aware of any verse in the Bible that describes this "afterward" process as well as I Peter 5:10 does. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." Our trials are temporary. God will come to our rescue. The God of all grace will personally do His work in us, and it is in four parts.
First, God will perfect us (complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, mend, restore). He will make us complete spiritually. He gives us the tools we need, making us sound and fit for what we have to do. He makes the necessary adjustments, mending what is broken and putting it in working order again. He gives the necessary healing after our harsh ordeal so that we are prepared for moving on. God heals what has been bruised, restores what has been broken, and strengthens what has been made weak. He makes us complete and whole again so that we can serve Him effectively.
Second, God will stablish or confirm us (set fast, turn resolutely, confirm, strengthen, steadfastly set). He makes us stable, firm, and constant. He re-establishes the backbone and the center. He makes the core so strong and firm that the entire person is renewed, committed, and anchored in his faith. We will see that we can trust Him in times of trial and that we should never again have reason to doubt Him. We will see confirmed for us that everything we have ever believed about God can be confidently depended on.
Third, God will strengthen us (give vigor, confirm in spiritual knowledge and power). He will give us increased strength, especially in our soul, beyond what we had before. When the soul has been damaged, shattered, and shaken, He reinvigorates it. He gives strength to a soul that was completely limp, overwhelmed, and empty. He equips us spiritually by teaching us more than we knew before.
Fourth, God will settle or establish us (settle, lay a foundation or basis). He will deepen and reinforce our foundation so that we are firmly resting upon it. He will drive the roots so deep that they will not again be so easily shaken. He will make us grounded and firmly established, with significant substance to uphold us and to limit the effect of future attacks.
If you are currently in the midst of an intense battle, take heart. No, you can't see all of the benefit right now, and maybe you can't see any benefit. You might see only the hopeless struggle. But the deliverance stage is coming, and that is when God will bring it all together. Wait for it, and in faith believe that He will do it. When God brings you through the suffering and restores you afterward, you will be prepared to live for Him and serve Him like never before. There will be abundant fruit.
God has not stopped His work in you, and He never will. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Someday, maybe soon, you will reflect back on this trial too and be overwhelmed by the immensity of what God has done.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, October 11, 2019
101119 Beracah
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our victory-giving God! Our battles are opportunities for God to show His power and love in delivering.
Jehoshaphat faced an immense battle in II Chronicles 20. A great multitude of Moabites and Ammonites united to invade Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid. In his desperation, he sought God. He acknowledged God's might and power (v. 6). He recalled how God had delivered in the past (v. 7) and reviewed the new threat (vs. 10-11). He reminded God of His promise to deliver when His people called on Him (v. 9). Then he made a great prayer in verse 12; my paraphrase is "God, this is too hard for us, and we don't even know what to do, but we know You can help."
The prophet told the people not to fear because the battle belonged to God (v. 15). The people were to go out and watch as God delivered them. That's exactly what happened. The people went out in the morning, trusting in God, and God turned the invading armies against each other. They destroyed each other until only corpses remained (vs. 23-24).
Jehoshaphat and the people spent three days gathering all the spoil, and on the fourth day, they gathered in the valley of the battle and praised God. They named that valley "Beracah," which means "blessing."
You may remember that I have been in an extended housing search, with specific needs related to my health. On the day I read this Bible story, I was awaiting the answer on an offer I had made. This particular house was the one I loved best of everything I had considered. It had the features I needed, and even a few extras, like an attached carport, and it was just around the corner from very good friends. The whole process of finding and considering this house was an amazing story, and it made me say, "Wow. Now I know why God closed all the other doors." God gave me incredible peace, even through the complications that arose in the process of this property. This house seemed like the very definition of "blessing."
As I read Jehoshaphat's prayer, I related. Yes, this process of looking for a house had been way too hard for me. Over and over again, I had found myself not knowing what to do. I had constantly been in desperate need of God's help. This Bible story was perfect for my situation and for that day in particular, as I anticipated the answer. I determined that if God provided this amazing house, I would name it "Beracah."
That house fell through. I had thought for sure this was the one. But I then decided that no matter what house God gave me, it would be His blessing. Therefore, whatever and whenever He finally supplied, the house would still be named "Beracah."
Less than a month later, I signed an order for a new manufactured home. This was not the answer I had been looking for and was not my personal preference; however, my Christian realtor suggested this solution, recalling how God had clearly closed every possibility we had looked at for almost a year. He suggested that God might be doing that on purpose to move me in a different direction.
After some research, I took steps toward purchasing the manufactured home. At first, I felt like I was settling - kind of a resigned "I guess that's the best I can do." As I continued to move forward, however, I came to be convinced that it really is the best I can do, and that this home is just right for my particular situation.
I had several foundational requirements for a home. First, that it be affordable. This is by far the most affordable thing I considered and will free up much money over the years that I can use for more important things. Second, that it be healthy. For me, the newer, the better; this is absolutely brand new, and because it is built in a protected environment, some potential effects of structure damage are avoided. Third, that it be manageable (as far as upkeep). This singlewide is the simplest home I looked at, designed to be low maintenance, and because it is new, should have very few maintenance issues for many years. It is a manageable size for me and doesn't have all the extras of unneeded rooms or energy-intensive landscaping. Fourth, I really wanted one-floor living. This has steps only to enter the house, no troublesome basement, and everything on one floor, including laundry.
God gave the right answer. He confirmed that answer through several sermons and through absolute peace and confidence in His plan. God gave the victory! Construction is now finished, and my home is installed. We are finishing up taking care of utilities and inspections, and moving day is October 26. Praise God!
I share this as an example of the victory God gives. I hope it will be an encouragement to you that God does answer, even though it may take a while, and that He gives the best answer when we seek His guidance and wait on Him.
I also share it because I want my home to be a blessing to others, including you. I have a guest room, and I offer it to you. I'll have to learn how to be a hostess, and I'll have to figure out what to do for meals, which is not my strongest point, but these things can be figured out. My heart is toward you, and I would be happy to have you stay with me or stop in for a visit if it ever fits your travels. I invite you to Beracah!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our victory-giving God! Our battles are opportunities for God to show His power and love in delivering.
Jehoshaphat faced an immense battle in II Chronicles 20. A great multitude of Moabites and Ammonites united to invade Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid. In his desperation, he sought God. He acknowledged God's might and power (v. 6). He recalled how God had delivered in the past (v. 7) and reviewed the new threat (vs. 10-11). He reminded God of His promise to deliver when His people called on Him (v. 9). Then he made a great prayer in verse 12; my paraphrase is "God, this is too hard for us, and we don't even know what to do, but we know You can help."
The prophet told the people not to fear because the battle belonged to God (v. 15). The people were to go out and watch as God delivered them. That's exactly what happened. The people went out in the morning, trusting in God, and God turned the invading armies against each other. They destroyed each other until only corpses remained (vs. 23-24).
Jehoshaphat and the people spent three days gathering all the spoil, and on the fourth day, they gathered in the valley of the battle and praised God. They named that valley "Beracah," which means "blessing."
You may remember that I have been in an extended housing search, with specific needs related to my health. On the day I read this Bible story, I was awaiting the answer on an offer I had made. This particular house was the one I loved best of everything I had considered. It had the features I needed, and even a few extras, like an attached carport, and it was just around the corner from very good friends. The whole process of finding and considering this house was an amazing story, and it made me say, "Wow. Now I know why God closed all the other doors." God gave me incredible peace, even through the complications that arose in the process of this property. This house seemed like the very definition of "blessing."
As I read Jehoshaphat's prayer, I related. Yes, this process of looking for a house had been way too hard for me. Over and over again, I had found myself not knowing what to do. I had constantly been in desperate need of God's help. This Bible story was perfect for my situation and for that day in particular, as I anticipated the answer. I determined that if God provided this amazing house, I would name it "Beracah."
That house fell through. I had thought for sure this was the one. But I then decided that no matter what house God gave me, it would be His blessing. Therefore, whatever and whenever He finally supplied, the house would still be named "Beracah."
Less than a month later, I signed an order for a new manufactured home. This was not the answer I had been looking for and was not my personal preference; however, my Christian realtor suggested this solution, recalling how God had clearly closed every possibility we had looked at for almost a year. He suggested that God might be doing that on purpose to move me in a different direction.
After some research, I took steps toward purchasing the manufactured home. At first, I felt like I was settling - kind of a resigned "I guess that's the best I can do." As I continued to move forward, however, I came to be convinced that it really is the best I can do, and that this home is just right for my particular situation.
I had several foundational requirements for a home. First, that it be affordable. This is by far the most affordable thing I considered and will free up much money over the years that I can use for more important things. Second, that it be healthy. For me, the newer, the better; this is absolutely brand new, and because it is built in a protected environment, some potential effects of structure damage are avoided. Third, that it be manageable (as far as upkeep). This singlewide is the simplest home I looked at, designed to be low maintenance, and because it is new, should have very few maintenance issues for many years. It is a manageable size for me and doesn't have all the extras of unneeded rooms or energy-intensive landscaping. Fourth, I really wanted one-floor living. This has steps only to enter the house, no troublesome basement, and everything on one floor, including laundry.
God gave the right answer. He confirmed that answer through several sermons and through absolute peace and confidence in His plan. God gave the victory! Construction is now finished, and my home is installed. We are finishing up taking care of utilities and inspections, and moving day is October 26. Praise God!
I share this as an example of the victory God gives. I hope it will be an encouragement to you that God does answer, even though it may take a while, and that He gives the best answer when we seek His guidance and wait on Him.
I also share it because I want my home to be a blessing to others, including you. I have a guest room, and I offer it to you. I'll have to learn how to be a hostess, and I'll have to figure out what to do for meals, which is not my strongest point, but these things can be figured out. My heart is toward you, and I would be happy to have you stay with me or stop in for a visit if it ever fits your travels. I invite you to Beracah!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 5, 2019
10052019 Unto Death
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our everlasting God. That's a big deal, because it means He is with us today just as He was with believers thousands of years ago - and He's not going anywhere.
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).
Before I consider the "forever" part, it is important to know who the "forever" God is. "This God is our God." Which God is that? According to this psalm, He is the God that is great (v. 1). He is worthy of great praise (v. 1). He is a refuge (v. 3). He easily defeats his enemies (v. 7). He firmly establishes His people (v. 8). He shows lovingkindness (v. 9). He is abundantly righteous (v. 10). He gives good judgments (v. 11). He is a guide (v. 14). I would say He is a God worth knowing, wouldn't you?
Wonderfully, this amazing God is our God! And He is our God "for ever and ever ... even unto death." God never dies. He never quits. He never gives up. He never abandons us. He never forgets us. He never lets our relationship fade into obscurity.
When is God with us? He is (was) with us when the first stirrings toward missionary service began in our hearts. He is with us on exploratory mission trips that nudge us along the way. He is with us when He reveals His call. He is with us through the months and years of waiting for the right time. He is with us on deputation, from the first meeting until the last. He is with us as idealistic, enthusiastic, and sometimes clueless novices when we first step off the plane. He is with us first term, second term, fourth term, last term. He is with us when health forces us to return or when age forces us to retire. He is with us when we step down or cross over into other ministries. He is with us through declining health, all the way until death. Not for one minute does He ever leave or cease being our God.
When is God with us? The first convert. The first rejection. The first Bible study. The first public antagonism. The language success. The major social faux pas. The construction of the church building. The discouraging vandalism to the building. The exciting camp or institute ministry. The disintegration of a ministry. The fruitful times. The dry times.
If you consider the previous paragraph, you realize that your prayer letters probably focus mostly on the positive elements and not on the negative. Why? Not necessarily because you are ashamed of the negatives, nor because you are unaware of them. But those people back home want good reports and encouraging news. If they knew the extent of the opposition and the depth of the struggles, they might stop supporting, stop praying, stop reading your reports, stop connecting with you. People aren't faithful and everlasting like God is.
Thank God for faithful supporters and for faithful prayer warriors. Thank God for the churches that have been with you from the beginning. Thank God for the ones that still communicate after years of not seeing you and that still want you to visit whenever you have the chance. The sad reality is that not all churches and individuals fit those descriptions. Most likely you have had disappointing and even painful separations, as supporters have dropped away for whatever reason. Change of leadership, change of direction, decreased budgets, believing falsehoods about you, judging you too harshly, or simply losing the connection that once existed.
I'm sure all of you have some level of loss like that, but the point of this study is that God never does that. It doesn't matter what you include in your prayer letters, He is still faithfully with you. It doesn't even matter what you leave out of your prayer letters; He knows all that, too, and He still stays with you. "For ever and ever ... even unto death." That is security. That is faithfulness, confidence, inspiration, motivation, and sustenance.
One final amazing thing about having such a great God who never leaves you - the application. "That ye may tell it to the generation following" (v. 13). This faithfulness of God is your message to churches back home and to the people you minister with regularly. You can tell them about how awesome God is and about how He will always be that way for every believer.
When God is great, He is great forever. When He is a refuge, He is a refuge forever. When He is characterized by lovingkindness and righteousness, He is that way forever. That's a truth worth sharing, and that's a message worth writing home about!
No matter what happens this week with people - whether the ones back home or the ones right in front of you - may you rest in the wonderful unchanging and everlasting constancy and faithfulness of God.
"Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,/ From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,/ He gave His life to ransom my soul;/ Now I belong to Him;/ Now I belong to Jesus,/ Jesus belongs to me,/ Not for the years of time alone,/ But for eternity."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our everlasting God. That's a big deal, because it means He is with us today just as He was with believers thousands of years ago - and He's not going anywhere.
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).
Before I consider the "forever" part, it is important to know who the "forever" God is. "This God is our God." Which God is that? According to this psalm, He is the God that is great (v. 1). He is worthy of great praise (v. 1). He is a refuge (v. 3). He easily defeats his enemies (v. 7). He firmly establishes His people (v. 8). He shows lovingkindness (v. 9). He is abundantly righteous (v. 10). He gives good judgments (v. 11). He is a guide (v. 14). I would say He is a God worth knowing, wouldn't you?
Wonderfully, this amazing God is our God! And He is our God "for ever and ever ... even unto death." God never dies. He never quits. He never gives up. He never abandons us. He never forgets us. He never lets our relationship fade into obscurity.
When is God with us? He is (was) with us when the first stirrings toward missionary service began in our hearts. He is with us on exploratory mission trips that nudge us along the way. He is with us when He reveals His call. He is with us through the months and years of waiting for the right time. He is with us on deputation, from the first meeting until the last. He is with us as idealistic, enthusiastic, and sometimes clueless novices when we first step off the plane. He is with us first term, second term, fourth term, last term. He is with us when health forces us to return or when age forces us to retire. He is with us when we step down or cross over into other ministries. He is with us through declining health, all the way until death. Not for one minute does He ever leave or cease being our God.
When is God with us? The first convert. The first rejection. The first Bible study. The first public antagonism. The language success. The major social faux pas. The construction of the church building. The discouraging vandalism to the building. The exciting camp or institute ministry. The disintegration of a ministry. The fruitful times. The dry times.
If you consider the previous paragraph, you realize that your prayer letters probably focus mostly on the positive elements and not on the negative. Why? Not necessarily because you are ashamed of the negatives, nor because you are unaware of them. But those people back home want good reports and encouraging news. If they knew the extent of the opposition and the depth of the struggles, they might stop supporting, stop praying, stop reading your reports, stop connecting with you. People aren't faithful and everlasting like God is.
Thank God for faithful supporters and for faithful prayer warriors. Thank God for the churches that have been with you from the beginning. Thank God for the ones that still communicate after years of not seeing you and that still want you to visit whenever you have the chance. The sad reality is that not all churches and individuals fit those descriptions. Most likely you have had disappointing and even painful separations, as supporters have dropped away for whatever reason. Change of leadership, change of direction, decreased budgets, believing falsehoods about you, judging you too harshly, or simply losing the connection that once existed.
I'm sure all of you have some level of loss like that, but the point of this study is that God never does that. It doesn't matter what you include in your prayer letters, He is still faithfully with you. It doesn't even matter what you leave out of your prayer letters; He knows all that, too, and He still stays with you. "For ever and ever ... even unto death." That is security. That is faithfulness, confidence, inspiration, motivation, and sustenance.
One final amazing thing about having such a great God who never leaves you - the application. "That ye may tell it to the generation following" (v. 13). This faithfulness of God is your message to churches back home and to the people you minister with regularly. You can tell them about how awesome God is and about how He will always be that way for every believer.
When God is great, He is great forever. When He is a refuge, He is a refuge forever. When He is characterized by lovingkindness and righteousness, He is that way forever. That's a truth worth sharing, and that's a message worth writing home about!
No matter what happens this week with people - whether the ones back home or the ones right in front of you - may you rest in the wonderful unchanging and everlasting constancy and faithfulness of God.
"Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,/ From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,/ He gave His life to ransom my soul;/ Now I belong to Him;/ Now I belong to Jesus,/ Jesus belongs to me,/ Not for the years of time alone,/ But for eternity."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 28, 2019
09282019 Stability in Pain
Dear Missionary Lady,
Psalm 44 starts out positively. The author recalls the wonderful work God had done for Israel in the past, establishing them in the land by His might and favor (vs. 1-3). The author then looks confidently to God as the only hope for future deliverance (vs. 4-8).
Things turn bleak in vs. 9-14. The people are now in a time of domination by their enemies and are fleeing before them. The author's descriptions include these: "put to shame," "sheep appointed for meat," "scattered among the heathen," "reproach to our neighbors," and "byword among the heathen."
What makes this time of trouble especially difficult is the recognition of God's role in their circumstances. The trouble is clearly attributed to God. "Thou hast cast off," "Thou makest us to turn back," "Thou hast given us like sheep," "Thou sellest thy people," "Thou makest us a reproach." To me, one of the most painful phrases is that God isn't going with them to the battle (v. 9).
The psalm doesn't tell the reason for this time of intense difficulty. It is quite possible that the psalmist doesn't even know why all this disaster is happening, but truly this is a difficult time. To be in such a sore trial, to know that God is supervising it all, and to feel that God is not there to give His help - this causes anguish of soul. The psalmist speaks of confusion and shame (v. 15).
In the midst of this trial and its accompanying inner turmoil, the author identifies his response and that of the rest of the people (vs. 17-21). He says that even though "all this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee." They have not "dealt falsely" in their covenant with God. Their "heart is not turned back," and their steps have not left God's ways. They have not "forgotten the name" of God or sought help in a false source.
These claims of integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion are not empty. The psalmist recognizes God's knowledge of "the secrets of the heart" and acknowledges that God can search them to see if these claims are true.
Integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion in the face of intense and puzzling trial. We can relate, can't we? We have all been through those hard and confusing times. There have been times of failure, when our hearts wavered and when our faith was threatened. But by God's grace, there have also been times when we clung to Him, when our faith was tenacious, when our God-dependence was overwhelming. As we have grown in maturity, these latter descriptions have been more frequent than the former.
But it is not easy. The final verses of the psalm (vs. 22-25) end without giving any answers of deliverance. Instead, they describe how incredibly difficult this trial is. What was it like for these people who were steadfastly anchored in God in spite of the anguish? They were "killed all the day long" and "counted as sheep for the slaughter." They felt that God was sleeping and was casting them off for a time. God was hiding His face. He was forgetting their affliction and oppression. Their soul was "bowed down to the dust."
Yet they maintained their integrity and their faithfulness to God. It was hard, oh so hard! For a long time. They waited for answers without seeing them. They waited for God's intervention and deliverance. As the psalmist considered their steadfast devotion to God, I think he took comfort in knowing that God knew their heart. "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."
Our hearts are weak. They easily entertain conflict or reservation. They ask questions. They feel battered. There are times that we even seem to have little spiritual strength, when we feel like we can't put one foot in front of the other spiritually. Our Bible reading might be forced, habitual, and dry. Our prayers might seem weak and shallow. We can feel like our spirit is so crushed that we just don't have any spiritual energy to expend.
BUT - we know that we love God. We know that we are devoted to Him. We know that by His grace we intend to follow Him anyway - every day of our lives. That is the kind of dogged determination that the psalmist had. There is nowhere else to turn. God is the answer. There was no option except to continue waiting on God. And wonderfully, God knows that about our hearts. He sees our struggling determination to be faithful. He sees our underlying desire to please Him.
Like the psalmist, our conclusion can be prayer based on God's character. "Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake" (v. 26). The God who delivered in the past will again deliver. We just have to wait. Meanwhile, we determine to keep following God anyway, and we plead for His help to keep us on that path.
"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,/ Tune my heart to sing thy grace;/ Streams of mercy, never ceasing,/ Call for songs of loudest praise./ Teach me some melodious sonnet,/ Sung by flaming tongues above./ Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,/ Mount of thy redeeming love.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer;/ Hither by thy help I'm come;/ And I hope, by thy good pleasure,/ Safely to arrive at home./ Jesus sought me when a stranger,/ Wandering from the fold of God;/ He, to rescue me from danger,/ Interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor/ Daily I'm constrained to be!/ Let thy goodness, like a fetter,/ Bind my wandering heart to thee./ Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,/ Prone to leave the God I love;/ Here's my heart, O take and seal it,/ Seal it for thy courts above."
No matter how hard things get and no matter for how long, God can hold you and help you. Wait on Him. He will not fail.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Psalm 44 starts out positively. The author recalls the wonderful work God had done for Israel in the past, establishing them in the land by His might and favor (vs. 1-3). The author then looks confidently to God as the only hope for future deliverance (vs. 4-8).
Things turn bleak in vs. 9-14. The people are now in a time of domination by their enemies and are fleeing before them. The author's descriptions include these: "put to shame," "sheep appointed for meat," "scattered among the heathen," "reproach to our neighbors," and "byword among the heathen."
What makes this time of trouble especially difficult is the recognition of God's role in their circumstances. The trouble is clearly attributed to God. "Thou hast cast off," "Thou makest us to turn back," "Thou hast given us like sheep," "Thou sellest thy people," "Thou makest us a reproach." To me, one of the most painful phrases is that God isn't going with them to the battle (v. 9).
The psalm doesn't tell the reason for this time of intense difficulty. It is quite possible that the psalmist doesn't even know why all this disaster is happening, but truly this is a difficult time. To be in such a sore trial, to know that God is supervising it all, and to feel that God is not there to give His help - this causes anguish of soul. The psalmist speaks of confusion and shame (v. 15).
In the midst of this trial and its accompanying inner turmoil, the author identifies his response and that of the rest of the people (vs. 17-21). He says that even though "all this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee." They have not "dealt falsely" in their covenant with God. Their "heart is not turned back," and their steps have not left God's ways. They have not "forgotten the name" of God or sought help in a false source.
These claims of integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion are not empty. The psalmist recognizes God's knowledge of "the secrets of the heart" and acknowledges that God can search them to see if these claims are true.
Integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion in the face of intense and puzzling trial. We can relate, can't we? We have all been through those hard and confusing times. There have been times of failure, when our hearts wavered and when our faith was threatened. But by God's grace, there have also been times when we clung to Him, when our faith was tenacious, when our God-dependence was overwhelming. As we have grown in maturity, these latter descriptions have been more frequent than the former.
But it is not easy. The final verses of the psalm (vs. 22-25) end without giving any answers of deliverance. Instead, they describe how incredibly difficult this trial is. What was it like for these people who were steadfastly anchored in God in spite of the anguish? They were "killed all the day long" and "counted as sheep for the slaughter." They felt that God was sleeping and was casting them off for a time. God was hiding His face. He was forgetting their affliction and oppression. Their soul was "bowed down to the dust."
Yet they maintained their integrity and their faithfulness to God. It was hard, oh so hard! For a long time. They waited for answers without seeing them. They waited for God's intervention and deliverance. As the psalmist considered their steadfast devotion to God, I think he took comfort in knowing that God knew their heart. "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."
Our hearts are weak. They easily entertain conflict or reservation. They ask questions. They feel battered. There are times that we even seem to have little spiritual strength, when we feel like we can't put one foot in front of the other spiritually. Our Bible reading might be forced, habitual, and dry. Our prayers might seem weak and shallow. We can feel like our spirit is so crushed that we just don't have any spiritual energy to expend.
BUT - we know that we love God. We know that we are devoted to Him. We know that by His grace we intend to follow Him anyway - every day of our lives. That is the kind of dogged determination that the psalmist had. There is nowhere else to turn. God is the answer. There was no option except to continue waiting on God. And wonderfully, God knows that about our hearts. He sees our struggling determination to be faithful. He sees our underlying desire to please Him.
Like the psalmist, our conclusion can be prayer based on God's character. "Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake" (v. 26). The God who delivered in the past will again deliver. We just have to wait. Meanwhile, we determine to keep following God anyway, and we plead for His help to keep us on that path.
"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,/ Tune my heart to sing thy grace;/ Streams of mercy, never ceasing,/ Call for songs of loudest praise./ Teach me some melodious sonnet,/ Sung by flaming tongues above./ Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,/ Mount of thy redeeming love.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer;/ Hither by thy help I'm come;/ And I hope, by thy good pleasure,/ Safely to arrive at home./ Jesus sought me when a stranger,/ Wandering from the fold of God;/ He, to rescue me from danger,/ Interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor/ Daily I'm constrained to be!/ Let thy goodness, like a fetter,/ Bind my wandering heart to thee./ Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,/ Prone to leave the God I love;/ Here's my heart, O take and seal it,/ Seal it for thy courts above."
No matter how hard things get and no matter for how long, God can hold you and help you. Wait on Him. He will not fail.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, September 20, 2019
09202019 Hand to the Fallen
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our sustaining God. Life is sometimes very difficult and throws obstacles in our paths that we did not expect and that we seem incapable of handling. God is the one who helps us through.
In the difficult times, I am thankful for verses like these. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).
First of all, though we don't always recognize it and don't always like to admit it, our steps are ordered by God. They are set up, appointed, ordained, prepared, established by God. It sure doesn't seem that way sometimes. We may wonder why in the world God chose the path He chose and how He can ever get it to go somewhere profitable, but He can, and He does have a plan. So it is encouraging to know that this path did not surprise God, nor does it fall outside of His purposes.
Even though it isn't a pleasant thought, I'm glad this verse also acknowledges that sometimes we do fall. Falling doesn't make us unusual or noteworthy. The fall might mean sin and wrong choices, but I think it more likely refers to stumbling on a path that our feet can't handle. The trail is too steep, or too muddy, or too rocky, or too slippery. Maybe it is too dark. It might even be in a storm or earthquake or in the middle of an icy winter. When those conditions exist, it is not surprising that we frail humans would fall. It would be more surprising if we never did.
When we walk with God, however, falling is not the end. When we fall, we don't die. We don't remain prostrate on the path for the rest of time. We don't roll off into the ditch, never to recover. The falling is temporary, just like a child learning to walk. They get back up, and so do we. We are not utterly cast down, left in defeat and ruin. Actually unless someone has broken a bone or has simply pushed his body to the point of collapse, the time on the ground is usually very short.
There are times, though, when we do picture ourselves even at that extreme - as having broken bones, or visualize that after running a marathon, there is simply no energy left. Even if the fall is that severe, we still have hope. Our hope lies in the fact that God Himself gives His hand to help us back up. The meaning of the word "uphold" is that God allows us to lean hard on Him for support or that He actually takes hold of us to sustain us.
I used to hear people talk about God holding their hand, and I thought they were sappy sentimentalists who were trying to make God personal and loving. Over time I have learned more and more about how personal and loving God actually is. He is not detached, aloof, or disinterested. He cares. I thought that God holding one's hand was invented by shallow Christians who wanted emotion and experience. Then I found this verse and other verses that actually say He does it.
What a precious truth this is, that we who are so weak and who so easily fall, have a loving God who sustains and helps us in the difficulty. He holds our hand specifically when we need it the most, when we are on a difficult path, and when we have fallen. He doesn't abandon us or leave us to fight our own way out of the muddy pit.
This truth is encouraging to those who are struggling to walk, who feel in danger of falling. It is eminently comforting to those who have actually fallen. If you are on rough terrain, take His hand. Lean on Him. Accept the help and support of the one who has designed the path and can help you walk it. If you have fallen and are discouraged and defeated, cling to His hand. Feel His love. Let Him strengthen you, lift and restore you. He can put your feet back on the path again, and He can support you while you continue your current path and even more challenging paths that might come later.
Peace in the midst of my storm,/ Peace in the midst of my storm./ Draw me close to Thyself, Oh Lord;/ And give me peace in the midst of my storm."
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our sustaining God. Life is sometimes very difficult and throws obstacles in our paths that we did not expect and that we seem incapable of handling. God is the one who helps us through.
In the difficult times, I am thankful for verses like these. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).
First of all, though we don't always recognize it and don't always like to admit it, our steps are ordered by God. They are set up, appointed, ordained, prepared, established by God. It sure doesn't seem that way sometimes. We may wonder why in the world God chose the path He chose and how He can ever get it to go somewhere profitable, but He can, and He does have a plan. So it is encouraging to know that this path did not surprise God, nor does it fall outside of His purposes.
Even though it isn't a pleasant thought, I'm glad this verse also acknowledges that sometimes we do fall. Falling doesn't make us unusual or noteworthy. The fall might mean sin and wrong choices, but I think it more likely refers to stumbling on a path that our feet can't handle. The trail is too steep, or too muddy, or too rocky, or too slippery. Maybe it is too dark. It might even be in a storm or earthquake or in the middle of an icy winter. When those conditions exist, it is not surprising that we frail humans would fall. It would be more surprising if we never did.
When we walk with God, however, falling is not the end. When we fall, we don't die. We don't remain prostrate on the path for the rest of time. We don't roll off into the ditch, never to recover. The falling is temporary, just like a child learning to walk. They get back up, and so do we. We are not utterly cast down, left in defeat and ruin. Actually unless someone has broken a bone or has simply pushed his body to the point of collapse, the time on the ground is usually very short.
There are times, though, when we do picture ourselves even at that extreme - as having broken bones, or visualize that after running a marathon, there is simply no energy left. Even if the fall is that severe, we still have hope. Our hope lies in the fact that God Himself gives His hand to help us back up. The meaning of the word "uphold" is that God allows us to lean hard on Him for support or that He actually takes hold of us to sustain us.
I used to hear people talk about God holding their hand, and I thought they were sappy sentimentalists who were trying to make God personal and loving. Over time I have learned more and more about how personal and loving God actually is. He is not detached, aloof, or disinterested. He cares. I thought that God holding one's hand was invented by shallow Christians who wanted emotion and experience. Then I found this verse and other verses that actually say He does it.
What a precious truth this is, that we who are so weak and who so easily fall, have a loving God who sustains and helps us in the difficulty. He holds our hand specifically when we need it the most, when we are on a difficult path, and when we have fallen. He doesn't abandon us or leave us to fight our own way out of the muddy pit.
This truth is encouraging to those who are struggling to walk, who feel in danger of falling. It is eminently comforting to those who have actually fallen. If you are on rough terrain, take His hand. Lean on Him. Accept the help and support of the one who has designed the path and can help you walk it. If you have fallen and are discouraged and defeated, cling to His hand. Feel His love. Let Him strengthen you, lift and restore you. He can put your feet back on the path again, and He can support you while you continue your current path and even more challenging paths that might come later.
"When my way seems so dim
and unclear,/ Jesus, I’m glad I know you are near./ Weary and worn from this
life I live. I long for the peace that You give.
Jesus, through You I’ve the power
to stand,/ You gave the promise that You’d hold my hand./ Trusting Your Word,
to You I will cling./ Praise God for the peace that You bring.
Peace in the midst of my storm,/ Peace in the midst of my storm./ Draw me close to Thyself, Oh Lord;/ And give me peace in the midst of my storm."
In whatever storm or whatever
path you find yourself this week, may you be acutely aware of God's presence,
peace, and sustaining hand. He loves you so much!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holtmember at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 14, 2019
09142019 Fringes of His Ways
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our infinite God! He is infinite in so many ways - time, wisdom, power, grace, love, etc. God doesn't have the limitations that we humans are so used to, and we never need to be concerned that we are nearing the limits of what God can handle.
Job recalled some of the greatness of God in Job 26. He talked about how the dead spirits tremble before Him. He talked about how God hung the world on nothing out in empty space, how He holds the water in the clouds, how He can make the clouds obscure even the fullest moon. He talked about how God maintains the boundary between daylight and darkness around the globe, and how the heavens are under His control. He talked about how God controls the raging sea, clears the stormy sky, and reigns over every creature.
These are some amazing manifestations of God's infinite power. They are some of the grandest and most impressive things that God does. But then Job says something interesting. "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?" (Job 26:14).
The powerful creation and control are just "parts" of God's ways. The word translated "parts" doesn't merely mean one random section out of all the possible sections. It actually refers to the outermost parts - the coast, the corner, the edge, the border, the brink, or the frontier. Some translations use the word "fringes."
The amazing things that Job has described are just the outskirts of His power. They are the manifestations of His power that we mortals are perhaps best able to comprehend. But there is so much more! In a way, those fringes of His ways are the least consequential and the most mundane manifestations. If we really could get to the center of God's work and see all that He does, we would not even be able to comprehend it.
Job states precisely that truth in the remainder of verse 14. In fact, Job says that we don't even have very good understanding of these basic things. God's power is beyond our ability to comprehend.
Dear friend, what does this mean for you? It means that God is easily capable of handling everything that you face. If the amazing elements of nature that are easiest for us to see are just the edges of what He can do, there is no doubt that He can handle anything. Your finances are not outside the range of God's power. Neither is your health or your family's health. He can easily oversee your safety. He can direct the hearts of rulers and He can soften the hearts of sinners. God can provide buildings, supplies, leaders, workers, and everything else that you need for your ministry. And He will still be barely dipping into His vast resources!
Not only does this truth about God's infinite greatness give us confidence to rest in His care, but it also opens the challenge and opportunity for us to learn God more fully. As we mature, we can increasingly come to recognize His hand at work and to better understand His constant intervention. May you see His power this week on your behalf, and where you don't see it, may you rest in the confidence that it is working anyway. God is fully able to take care of you in every aspect.
"O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,/ Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;/ I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,/ Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee,/ How great Thou art! How great Thou art!/ Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee,/ How great Thou art! How great Thou art!"
He is indeed great! Rest in His care. Trust Him. Be amazed at His work, and remember that if we really could see it all, our amazement would be astronomical.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our infinite God! He is infinite in so many ways - time, wisdom, power, grace, love, etc. God doesn't have the limitations that we humans are so used to, and we never need to be concerned that we are nearing the limits of what God can handle.
Job recalled some of the greatness of God in Job 26. He talked about how the dead spirits tremble before Him. He talked about how God hung the world on nothing out in empty space, how He holds the water in the clouds, how He can make the clouds obscure even the fullest moon. He talked about how God maintains the boundary between daylight and darkness around the globe, and how the heavens are under His control. He talked about how God controls the raging sea, clears the stormy sky, and reigns over every creature.
These are some amazing manifestations of God's infinite power. They are some of the grandest and most impressive things that God does. But then Job says something interesting. "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?" (Job 26:14).
The powerful creation and control are just "parts" of God's ways. The word translated "parts" doesn't merely mean one random section out of all the possible sections. It actually refers to the outermost parts - the coast, the corner, the edge, the border, the brink, or the frontier. Some translations use the word "fringes."
The amazing things that Job has described are just the outskirts of His power. They are the manifestations of His power that we mortals are perhaps best able to comprehend. But there is so much more! In a way, those fringes of His ways are the least consequential and the most mundane manifestations. If we really could get to the center of God's work and see all that He does, we would not even be able to comprehend it.
Job states precisely that truth in the remainder of verse 14. In fact, Job says that we don't even have very good understanding of these basic things. God's power is beyond our ability to comprehend.
Dear friend, what does this mean for you? It means that God is easily capable of handling everything that you face. If the amazing elements of nature that are easiest for us to see are just the edges of what He can do, there is no doubt that He can handle anything. Your finances are not outside the range of God's power. Neither is your health or your family's health. He can easily oversee your safety. He can direct the hearts of rulers and He can soften the hearts of sinners. God can provide buildings, supplies, leaders, workers, and everything else that you need for your ministry. And He will still be barely dipping into His vast resources!
Not only does this truth about God's infinite greatness give us confidence to rest in His care, but it also opens the challenge and opportunity for us to learn God more fully. As we mature, we can increasingly come to recognize His hand at work and to better understand His constant intervention. May you see His power this week on your behalf, and where you don't see it, may you rest in the confidence that it is working anyway. God is fully able to take care of you in every aspect.
"O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,/ Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;/ I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,/ Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee,/ How great Thou art! How great Thou art!/ Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee,/ How great Thou art! How great Thou art!"
He is indeed great! Rest in His care. Trust Him. Be amazed at His work, and remember that if we really could see it all, our amazement would be astronomical.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 7, 2019
0907209 Follow Anywhere
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our trustworthy God! He is the only one who never lets us down and the only one with the ability to do whatever we need.
One morning several weeks ago as I walked into work, two maintenance men were entering at the same time. One of them seemed to be the expert at carrying supplies, while the second man was the expert on opening doors. The second man was also the only one who knew his way around the building. As the first man indicated his lost condition, the second man said, "Just follow me, wherever I go." The first man joked, "That could get me in trouble."
This simple interchange stirred my thinking. I don't know anything about those two men - whether the one was a good leader or not, nor whether the other would be wise to follow his example. My thought was that no one can really make that statement, "Follow me, wherever I go." Even the best of people will fail and at some point would lead us on a wrong path.
My thoughts didn't stay on other people, though. Instead, they turned to the only One who can make such a statement. God is the only one who can say, "Follow me, wherever I go." Or perhaps the better wording would be, "Follow me, wherever I lead."
God will never lead us astray. He will never lead us into anything wrong. He will lead us constantly, though. Sometimes that path will be beside the still waters and into the green pastures. Sometimes that path will go through the dry and barren desert. Sometimes it will rise high up into treacherous mountain passes. But if it is where God leads, it will be right.
He will lead us into times of loneliness and preparation, times of trial and sanctification, times of confusion and questions, and times of abundant fruitfulness and service. Since life is one long journey, we can't get to the paths and locations that we prefer without first passing through the paths that are more challenging.
If God is leading us, and He is, that means He is never far away. We can follow close in His footsteps and right by His side. It is okay to follow God anywhere - in spite of our doubts, in spite of the questions or disapproval of others, in spite of danger or deprivation. He will not lead us wrong.
"Savior, like a shepherd lead us,/ Much we need Thy tender care;/ In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,/ For our use Thy folds prepare:/ Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,/ Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;/ Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,/ Thou hast bought us, Thine we are."
Many service-oriented songs carry this idea of following God. "Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me." "I will follow Thee, my Savior, where'er the pathway may go." "Where He leads me, I will follow." (And the second verse, just for missionaries - What He feeds me, I will swallow.)
That's really what the Christian life is really all about - following our Shepherd. In Christian growth, in obedience, in service, in faith. If we use Him as our guide and as our example, we can't go wrong. So keep following our trust-worthy Shepherd, wherever He leads.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our trustworthy God! He is the only one who never lets us down and the only one with the ability to do whatever we need.
One morning several weeks ago as I walked into work, two maintenance men were entering at the same time. One of them seemed to be the expert at carrying supplies, while the second man was the expert on opening doors. The second man was also the only one who knew his way around the building. As the first man indicated his lost condition, the second man said, "Just follow me, wherever I go." The first man joked, "That could get me in trouble."
This simple interchange stirred my thinking. I don't know anything about those two men - whether the one was a good leader or not, nor whether the other would be wise to follow his example. My thought was that no one can really make that statement, "Follow me, wherever I go." Even the best of people will fail and at some point would lead us on a wrong path.
My thoughts didn't stay on other people, though. Instead, they turned to the only One who can make such a statement. God is the only one who can say, "Follow me, wherever I go." Or perhaps the better wording would be, "Follow me, wherever I lead."
God will never lead us astray. He will never lead us into anything wrong. He will lead us constantly, though. Sometimes that path will be beside the still waters and into the green pastures. Sometimes that path will go through the dry and barren desert. Sometimes it will rise high up into treacherous mountain passes. But if it is where God leads, it will be right.
He will lead us into times of loneliness and preparation, times of trial and sanctification, times of confusion and questions, and times of abundant fruitfulness and service. Since life is one long journey, we can't get to the paths and locations that we prefer without first passing through the paths that are more challenging.
If God is leading us, and He is, that means He is never far away. We can follow close in His footsteps and right by His side. It is okay to follow God anywhere - in spite of our doubts, in spite of the questions or disapproval of others, in spite of danger or deprivation. He will not lead us wrong.
"Savior, like a shepherd lead us,/ Much we need Thy tender care;/ In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,/ For our use Thy folds prepare:/ Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,/ Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;/ Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,/ Thou hast bought us, Thine we are."
Many service-oriented songs carry this idea of following God. "Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me." "I will follow Thee, my Savior, where'er the pathway may go." "Where He leads me, I will follow." (And the second verse, just for missionaries - What He feeds me, I will swallow.)
That's really what the Christian life is really all about - following our Shepherd. In Christian growth, in obedience, in service, in faith. If we use Him as our guide and as our example, we can't go wrong. So keep following our trust-worthy Shepherd, wherever He leads.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, August 30, 2019
08302019 Afraid of What?
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the omnipresent God! He is with every one of us, in every corner of the world, all at the same time. We are never without His presence. One of the Bible's strongest applications of God's presence is that we should not fear.
I recently came across this poem by E. H. Hamilton. He wrote it after co-missionary J. W. Vinson was killed by rebel soldiers in China. As Vinson faced imminent death, he verbalized that he was not afraid. If the soldiers killed him, he would just go to heaven. I was touched by the confidence and victory of the poem.
Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace?
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Savior's face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace
The glory gleam from wounds of grace?
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;
Darkness, light, O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not -
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid - of that?
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28).
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:20).
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident" (Psalm 27:3).
I don't mean to be morbid nor to imply that we should expect martyrdom. The likelihood of that happening to any of us is probably pretty remote, although that has not always been the case in missions. Just as one example, the China Inland Mission deliberately called for hundreds of new volunteers to go into dangerous areas before the doors were closed. Pioneer works in many countries have been especially dangerous and deadly. Areas of military and civil unrest have been problematic also. I was unable to find the statistics I was looking for about number of missionaries killed in China, but there was more than one period of danger. In 1900 alone, 189 missionaries were killed in China.
In more modern missions history, I think it is somewhat typical for mission fields to be closed or for embassies to recall their citizens before things reach a boiling point. Nevertheless, there are still dangers, and sometimes missionaries are in danger not specifically because they are missionaries, but simply because they are foreigners in the wrong place at the wrong time. When these "tragic" events happen, they are often quite unexpected.
My desire is not to overemphasize the danger that some of you may face, but to assure all of you of the wonderful truth that even death - even a martyr's death, if it comes to that - is not a terrible thing for a Christian. It is not to be feared. No matter how our days end, whether in sudden violence or in peaceful old age, we will step from this life straight into the presence of our Savior in Heaven.
"When all my labors and trials are o'er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.
O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me!
When by His grace I shall look on His face.
That will be glory, be glory for me!"
That glorious day is coming for each of us! Until it does, remember that what you do today matters for eternity. Continue in that eternally valuable work for as long as God allows you to do so. It will be worth it!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the omnipresent God! He is with every one of us, in every corner of the world, all at the same time. We are never without His presence. One of the Bible's strongest applications of God's presence is that we should not fear.
I recently came across this poem by E. H. Hamilton. He wrote it after co-missionary J. W. Vinson was killed by rebel soldiers in China. As Vinson faced imminent death, he verbalized that he was not afraid. If the soldiers killed him, he would just go to heaven. I was touched by the confidence and victory of the poem.
Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace?
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Savior's face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace
The glory gleam from wounds of grace?
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;
Darkness, light, O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid - of that?
Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not -
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid - of that?
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28).
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:20).
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident" (Psalm 27:3).
I don't mean to be morbid nor to imply that we should expect martyrdom. The likelihood of that happening to any of us is probably pretty remote, although that has not always been the case in missions. Just as one example, the China Inland Mission deliberately called for hundreds of new volunteers to go into dangerous areas before the doors were closed. Pioneer works in many countries have been especially dangerous and deadly. Areas of military and civil unrest have been problematic also. I was unable to find the statistics I was looking for about number of missionaries killed in China, but there was more than one period of danger. In 1900 alone, 189 missionaries were killed in China.
In more modern missions history, I think it is somewhat typical for mission fields to be closed or for embassies to recall their citizens before things reach a boiling point. Nevertheless, there are still dangers, and sometimes missionaries are in danger not specifically because they are missionaries, but simply because they are foreigners in the wrong place at the wrong time. When these "tragic" events happen, they are often quite unexpected.
My desire is not to overemphasize the danger that some of you may face, but to assure all of you of the wonderful truth that even death - even a martyr's death, if it comes to that - is not a terrible thing for a Christian. It is not to be feared. No matter how our days end, whether in sudden violence or in peaceful old age, we will step from this life straight into the presence of our Savior in Heaven.
"When all my labors and trials are o'er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.
O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me!
When by His grace I shall look on His face.
That will be glory, be glory for me!"
That glorious day is coming for each of us! Until it does, remember that what you do today matters for eternity. Continue in that eternally valuable work for as long as God allows you to do so. It will be worth it!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, August 23, 2019
08242019 Maude Cary
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our grace-giving God! We all need His grace desperately. How else would we keep going when the challenges of life assault?
I just read a biography of Maude Cary, missionary to Morocco (northwestern Africa) for 54 years, beginning in 1901. She was among the first missionaries to enter that country during a 75-year window of opportunity for the gospel (1894-1969). She was part of a team of missionaries that started with a handful and grew to over 100. Her story abounds with challenges.
She experienced danger: Warring tribes, a violent revenge-filled culture, crime, rampant disease, murdered colleagues, revolution, military occupation, World War II, and another revolution that resulted in forced evacuations and the closing of the country.
She faced opposition: Much difficulty obtaining properties for housing and mission outposts, stones and dirt thrown at her, dogs turned loose while villagers laughed, overt ridicule, hatred of foreigners, false teachers, and threats.
She saw fruitlessness: Their entire team saw only one convert in the first 16 years and only five baptized after 25 years. The first convert later fell away following a second marriage. She saw many missionaries come and go for various reasons. The mission base was moved multiple times, often with no visible results after years of diligent effort. Many doors into new areas were closed rapidly.
She suffered deprivations: Travel was difficult, both to the country and within the country. Especially during some of the significant seasons of trouble, mail service and financial support were sporadic, clothes and shoes were almost impossible to find, and food sometimes consisted of little more than bread.
She endured isolation: It was 23 years before her first furlough. It seems she took only four furloughs, the third of which was for needed surgery, and the fourth was an urgent medical evacuation. She and three other single ladies were the only missionaries who stayed through World War II, and she spent much of that time alone in a remote outpost. When workers and leaders were scarce, she took on overwhelming responsibility, and was sent to open a new station at age 71.
She struggled with her health: Early on she had multiple persistent issues, which barely improved after four months of bed rest. A serious fever and a string of resulting issues led to false teeth and a permanent limp at age 41. Though at times she was a semi-invalid, she kept ministering and hostessing and teaching.
She dealt with personal disappointment: As a novice missionary, she received deeply hurtful criticism which almost ended her service. In spite of strong desire and great facility in the language, she was repeatedly hindered from going to the Berbers. She watched numerous fellow missionaries join in marriage, but she remained single. Her own engagement ended when her fiance was sent to open the Sudan, where her frail health would never have survived. She saw the loss of a promising young couple who were called State-side to replace the deceased mission director.
After her broken engagement, she wrote a powerful poem that expresses truth fundamental to a life of service for God.
"When in the West my sun has set,/When wiped the lashes, often wet,/ When silenced every sad regret,/It will not matter then.
When all the wilderness is past,/ And I have reached the goal at last,/ When I can earth with heaven contrast,/ It will not matter then.
When I my Saviour's face shall see,/ And hear His welcome home to me,/ To share His bliss eternally/ It will not matter then."
Maude knew the truth that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). She knew what it meant to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Compared to hearing the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21), she knew that nothing else mattered. Whatever difficulty, challenge, or loss she faced would be insignificant when she met her Savior face to face.
What you do today matters for eternity, and it is only an eternal perspective that will enable you to continue year after year. I recently heard a sermon in which the pastor stated that God's greatest rewards rarely happen on this earth. But what a day is coming, when every labor will be proved worthwhile!
"It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ."
Are there earthly rewards? Yes. Maude saw people receive the gospel. She gained the respect and acceptance of the Moroccan people. She saw many materials prepared and much of the Bible translated into Arabic and Berber. She saw former Jews and Muslims worshiping together, the first church service, the first Christian wedding, and a strong desire for Bible conferences. She saw three Bible institute graduates. She saw many missionaries taught the languages, and she eventually saw ten male missionaries consistently on the field. From afar, she saw twelve years of abundant harvest that stretched from her retirement until her death.
While few modern mission fields match the extreme difficulty of the pioneer Moroccan work, there are still many challenges. At times they may make you despair and even want to quit. Remember then Maude's stabilizing words: "it will not matter then." Anything you suffer will immediately dissipate when you stand before your Master. So press on. Continue faithfully, and God will give grace.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our grace-giving God! We all need His grace desperately. How else would we keep going when the challenges of life assault?
I just read a biography of Maude Cary, missionary to Morocco (northwestern Africa) for 54 years, beginning in 1901. She was among the first missionaries to enter that country during a 75-year window of opportunity for the gospel (1894-1969). She was part of a team of missionaries that started with a handful and grew to over 100. Her story abounds with challenges.
She experienced danger: Warring tribes, a violent revenge-filled culture, crime, rampant disease, murdered colleagues, revolution, military occupation, World War II, and another revolution that resulted in forced evacuations and the closing of the country.
She faced opposition: Much difficulty obtaining properties for housing and mission outposts, stones and dirt thrown at her, dogs turned loose while villagers laughed, overt ridicule, hatred of foreigners, false teachers, and threats.
She saw fruitlessness: Their entire team saw only one convert in the first 16 years and only five baptized after 25 years. The first convert later fell away following a second marriage. She saw many missionaries come and go for various reasons. The mission base was moved multiple times, often with no visible results after years of diligent effort. Many doors into new areas were closed rapidly.
She suffered deprivations: Travel was difficult, both to the country and within the country. Especially during some of the significant seasons of trouble, mail service and financial support were sporadic, clothes and shoes were almost impossible to find, and food sometimes consisted of little more than bread.
She endured isolation: It was 23 years before her first furlough. It seems she took only four furloughs, the third of which was for needed surgery, and the fourth was an urgent medical evacuation. She and three other single ladies were the only missionaries who stayed through World War II, and she spent much of that time alone in a remote outpost. When workers and leaders were scarce, she took on overwhelming responsibility, and was sent to open a new station at age 71.
She struggled with her health: Early on she had multiple persistent issues, which barely improved after four months of bed rest. A serious fever and a string of resulting issues led to false teeth and a permanent limp at age 41. Though at times she was a semi-invalid, she kept ministering and hostessing and teaching.
She dealt with personal disappointment: As a novice missionary, she received deeply hurtful criticism which almost ended her service. In spite of strong desire and great facility in the language, she was repeatedly hindered from going to the Berbers. She watched numerous fellow missionaries join in marriage, but she remained single. Her own engagement ended when her fiance was sent to open the Sudan, where her frail health would never have survived. She saw the loss of a promising young couple who were called State-side to replace the deceased mission director.
After her broken engagement, she wrote a powerful poem that expresses truth fundamental to a life of service for God.
"When in the West my sun has set,/When wiped the lashes, often wet,/ When silenced every sad regret,/It will not matter then.
When all the wilderness is past,/ And I have reached the goal at last,/ When I can earth with heaven contrast,/ It will not matter then.
When I my Saviour's face shall see,/ And hear His welcome home to me,/ To share His bliss eternally/ It will not matter then."
Maude knew the truth that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). She knew what it meant to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Compared to hearing the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21), she knew that nothing else mattered. Whatever difficulty, challenge, or loss she faced would be insignificant when she met her Savior face to face.
What you do today matters for eternity, and it is only an eternal perspective that will enable you to continue year after year. I recently heard a sermon in which the pastor stated that God's greatest rewards rarely happen on this earth. But what a day is coming, when every labor will be proved worthwhile!
"It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ."
Are there earthly rewards? Yes. Maude saw people receive the gospel. She gained the respect and acceptance of the Moroccan people. She saw many materials prepared and much of the Bible translated into Arabic and Berber. She saw former Jews and Muslims worshiping together, the first church service, the first Christian wedding, and a strong desire for Bible conferences. She saw three Bible institute graduates. She saw many missionaries taught the languages, and she eventually saw ten male missionaries consistently on the field. From afar, she saw twelve years of abundant harvest that stretched from her retirement until her death.
While few modern mission fields match the extreme difficulty of the pioneer Moroccan work, there are still many challenges. At times they may make you despair and even want to quit. Remember then Maude's stabilizing words: "it will not matter then." Anything you suffer will immediately dissipate when you stand before your Master. So press on. Continue faithfully, and God will give grace.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, August 16, 2019
08162019 Isobel Kuhn
Dear Missionary Lady,
How wonderful that God is using you! We cannot take such a privilege for granted. Do we realize how few Christians reach any exceptional level of usefulness? And do we realize how much God must intervene to prepare us for service? I recently read "By Searching: My Journey Through Doubt Into Faith" by Isobel Kuhn, and I loved the story of how God prepared her to serve Him.
Isobel ended up as a Canadian missionary to China and Thailand from 1928 to 1954. She was both a likely and unlikely candidate for missions. Her grandfather and father were pastors, and her mother led a ladies' missionary society. Isobel was deliberately trained to stand firm against the secular philosophies of university life. In spite of this background and training, she fell hard right away. A professor claimed that no one believed in God anymore, and anyone who claimed to was merely parroting what his parents had told him.
Isobel immediately decided she would not believe anything only on the word of others, and she rejected Christianity, although she couldn't quite bring herself to say God didn't exist. She lived a life of pleasure and entertainment, ignoring the spiritual influence of her family, and she continued in that mode for seven years.
Devastated when her learned her fiancé was unfaithful and intended to remain that way after marriage, Isobel briefly contemplated suicide. She was miserable and dissatisfied with life. She couldn't sleep and had a job she hated. In her aimlessness and despair, she finally called out for God to show her He was real.
God answered that prayer repeatedly over a period of years. Isobel's return to Christianity commenced immediately but was rather private and cautious. She gradually laid aside some of her worldly habits, and she progressively became more committed to God. For a long time her lifestyle and testimony lagged behind the progress and stirrings in her soul, until she was finally ready to fully and definitively commit to God with her whole heart.
Part of what amazed me about Isobel's story is the patience and persistence of God. He kept bringing the right people into her life. He kept putting opportunities in front of her. He kept answering her sometimes selfish and rather unspiritual prayers. Yes, Isobel was searching for God, but she was not easily convinced. She recognized ways in which God was working, but she was not quick to embrace Him. She wanted to see a consistent, long-term reality of God. And God was willing to do that. She had promised to follow Him if He would show Himself to be real, and God continued to do that even when she didn't really keep her promise for a long time.
Over the years, Isobel saw God do much for her. From an observer's perspective, God made it hard for her to get away from Him. He just kept doing things to show His interest in her and to keep pulling her more deeply to Himself.
Eventually, Isobel reached the place of being fully devoted to God and completely willing to do anything He asked. She recognized God's careful work in her life. She realized that her experience prepared her to minister specifically to others. She was willing to make sacrifices and hard choices to prepare for ministry. Through a false accusation that threatened her acceptance as a missionary candidate, she learned more about the deep spiritual needs she still had. She came to the conclusion that all the varied aspects of God's work in her life, including the very difficult things, were God's training. She saw that He was molding her.
Our stories may not match that of Isobel, but our God is the same. He has been so patient with us when we have sometimes been slow to take steps of growth. He has intervened to answer prayer and provide for us time after time, when we can quickly forget what He has done in the past. When God has seen us and has had a desire to use us for His service, He has set about to bring that goal to fruition. It has required way more work on His part than it ought to have taken. But patiently, day after day, and year after year, God has used a combination of blessings and trials to make us what we need to be.
He is still doing that work, because not one of us has yet reached the goal of consistent perfection. Every day we keep facing situations - challenges, heartaches, trials of all sorts - and it is so easy to forget that a patient God is molding us through them. His constant desire is to continue making us into fit vessels for His work, and He never gives up on us.
Oh, that we would learn to recognize and accept what God is doing! That we would compliantly place ourselves in His hands so that He can effectively do the work He wants to do. And may we thank Him for His choosing of us, for His patience in preparing us, for His goodness in placing us in His service.
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Romans 9:20-21). "And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it" (Jeremiah 18:4).
Yes, Lord, make us as You would make us. Give us the form that You know is best, through the method that You know is required. Please never stop molding us. And help us not to squirm and protest.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
How wonderful that God is using you! We cannot take such a privilege for granted. Do we realize how few Christians reach any exceptional level of usefulness? And do we realize how much God must intervene to prepare us for service? I recently read "By Searching: My Journey Through Doubt Into Faith" by Isobel Kuhn, and I loved the story of how God prepared her to serve Him.
Isobel ended up as a Canadian missionary to China and Thailand from 1928 to 1954. She was both a likely and unlikely candidate for missions. Her grandfather and father were pastors, and her mother led a ladies' missionary society. Isobel was deliberately trained to stand firm against the secular philosophies of university life. In spite of this background and training, she fell hard right away. A professor claimed that no one believed in God anymore, and anyone who claimed to was merely parroting what his parents had told him.
Isobel immediately decided she would not believe anything only on the word of others, and she rejected Christianity, although she couldn't quite bring herself to say God didn't exist. She lived a life of pleasure and entertainment, ignoring the spiritual influence of her family, and she continued in that mode for seven years.
Devastated when her learned her fiancé was unfaithful and intended to remain that way after marriage, Isobel briefly contemplated suicide. She was miserable and dissatisfied with life. She couldn't sleep and had a job she hated. In her aimlessness and despair, she finally called out for God to show her He was real.
God answered that prayer repeatedly over a period of years. Isobel's return to Christianity commenced immediately but was rather private and cautious. She gradually laid aside some of her worldly habits, and she progressively became more committed to God. For a long time her lifestyle and testimony lagged behind the progress and stirrings in her soul, until she was finally ready to fully and definitively commit to God with her whole heart.
Part of what amazed me about Isobel's story is the patience and persistence of God. He kept bringing the right people into her life. He kept putting opportunities in front of her. He kept answering her sometimes selfish and rather unspiritual prayers. Yes, Isobel was searching for God, but she was not easily convinced. She recognized ways in which God was working, but she was not quick to embrace Him. She wanted to see a consistent, long-term reality of God. And God was willing to do that. She had promised to follow Him if He would show Himself to be real, and God continued to do that even when she didn't really keep her promise for a long time.
Over the years, Isobel saw God do much for her. From an observer's perspective, God made it hard for her to get away from Him. He just kept doing things to show His interest in her and to keep pulling her more deeply to Himself.
Eventually, Isobel reached the place of being fully devoted to God and completely willing to do anything He asked. She recognized God's careful work in her life. She realized that her experience prepared her to minister specifically to others. She was willing to make sacrifices and hard choices to prepare for ministry. Through a false accusation that threatened her acceptance as a missionary candidate, she learned more about the deep spiritual needs she still had. She came to the conclusion that all the varied aspects of God's work in her life, including the very difficult things, were God's training. She saw that He was molding her.
Our stories may not match that of Isobel, but our God is the same. He has been so patient with us when we have sometimes been slow to take steps of growth. He has intervened to answer prayer and provide for us time after time, when we can quickly forget what He has done in the past. When God has seen us and has had a desire to use us for His service, He has set about to bring that goal to fruition. It has required way more work on His part than it ought to have taken. But patiently, day after day, and year after year, God has used a combination of blessings and trials to make us what we need to be.
He is still doing that work, because not one of us has yet reached the goal of consistent perfection. Every day we keep facing situations - challenges, heartaches, trials of all sorts - and it is so easy to forget that a patient God is molding us through them. His constant desire is to continue making us into fit vessels for His work, and He never gives up on us.
Oh, that we would learn to recognize and accept what God is doing! That we would compliantly place ourselves in His hands so that He can effectively do the work He wants to do. And may we thank Him for His choosing of us, for His patience in preparing us, for His goodness in placing us in His service.
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Romans 9:20-21). "And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it" (Jeremiah 18:4).
Yes, Lord, make us as You would make us. Give us the form that You know is best, through the method that You know is required. Please never stop molding us. And help us not to squirm and protest.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 10, 2019
08102019 God Sees You
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings to all of you who are scattered in so many different places around the world! Do you realize there are missionaries serving in countries that the average person has never heard of? Even in better-known countries or in the USA itself, countless numbers of God's servants are relatively unnoticed. Many times the specific avenues of service are unseen by men. But God always sees!
I was recently noticing a contrast in Job 23. Job speaks some difficult words out of a heart of pain. "Oh that I knew where I might find him! ... Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (vs. 3,8-9). Job couldn't see God, and this troubled him greatly.
Then comes verse 10: "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." If God knew Job's path, do you realize what that means? It means that God saw Job. The failure of vision was completely one-sided. Job didn't see God, but God saw him!
God always sees. Nothing escapes His gaze. "For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven" (Job 28:24). "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). There is never a time that you are out of God's sight, never a time when you are too insignificant for Him to notice. In fact, God sees every tiny sparrow that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29), and He uses that truth to reinforce that He sees us so much more than a tiny bird.
God sees every need and struggle. He saw Hagar when she was forced to flee, so that Hagar "called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me" (Genesis 16:13). God's rescue of Israel was because He saw them in their Egyptian bondage. God saw the blood that the Israelites put on the doorposts. God saw them trapped by the Red Sea. He saw them when they had no food or water. He saw them when enemies attacked. Jesus "saw [the disciples] toiling in rowing" in the midst of the storm, even though He was not with them (Mark 6:48). The psalmist was right. "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path" (Psalm 142:3).
God sees people that He desires to use and bless, even when no one else recognizes their value or potential. God sees the very heart of man - his deepest motivations, desires, and passions (I Samuel 16:7). God saw Gideon when he was hiding in a winepress. God saw Hannah when she was barren. God saw David in the shepherd's fields. God saw the widow of Zarephath who was down to her last meal but who would feed His servant. Jesus saw Nathanael when he was sitting under a fig tree (John 1:48).
God sees your service, no matter how small or misunderstood. He sees your gifts to Him when no one else appreciates or notices. Jesus saw the poor widow who was offering God her two mites (Luke 21:2). God sees spiritual devotion and service that no one else sees. "Thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:4,6,18).
You are never unnoticed, never forsaken, never overlooked, never belittled in your service. God sees you always, even when you may struggle to see Him. He sees your sorrows and trials, your struggles and loneliness. God sees the challenges of ministry, the doors He will open before you, and He sees every bit of your service to Him. What you do today matters for eternity, and if no one else is aware of what you do, God sees. So in your place of service, wherever that may be or whatever form it may take, continue faithfully on. There is One who sees you, cares for you, and receives your gifts of service.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings to all of you who are scattered in so many different places around the world! Do you realize there are missionaries serving in countries that the average person has never heard of? Even in better-known countries or in the USA itself, countless numbers of God's servants are relatively unnoticed. Many times the specific avenues of service are unseen by men. But God always sees!
I was recently noticing a contrast in Job 23. Job speaks some difficult words out of a heart of pain. "Oh that I knew where I might find him! ... Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (vs. 3,8-9). Job couldn't see God, and this troubled him greatly.
Then comes verse 10: "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." If God knew Job's path, do you realize what that means? It means that God saw Job. The failure of vision was completely one-sided. Job didn't see God, but God saw him!
God always sees. Nothing escapes His gaze. "For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven" (Job 28:24). "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). There is never a time that you are out of God's sight, never a time when you are too insignificant for Him to notice. In fact, God sees every tiny sparrow that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29), and He uses that truth to reinforce that He sees us so much more than a tiny bird.
God sees every need and struggle. He saw Hagar when she was forced to flee, so that Hagar "called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me" (Genesis 16:13). God's rescue of Israel was because He saw them in their Egyptian bondage. God saw the blood that the Israelites put on the doorposts. God saw them trapped by the Red Sea. He saw them when they had no food or water. He saw them when enemies attacked. Jesus "saw [the disciples] toiling in rowing" in the midst of the storm, even though He was not with them (Mark 6:48). The psalmist was right. "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path" (Psalm 142:3).
God sees people that He desires to use and bless, even when no one else recognizes their value or potential. God sees the very heart of man - his deepest motivations, desires, and passions (I Samuel 16:7). God saw Gideon when he was hiding in a winepress. God saw Hannah when she was barren. God saw David in the shepherd's fields. God saw the widow of Zarephath who was down to her last meal but who would feed His servant. Jesus saw Nathanael when he was sitting under a fig tree (John 1:48).
God sees your service, no matter how small or misunderstood. He sees your gifts to Him when no one else appreciates or notices. Jesus saw the poor widow who was offering God her two mites (Luke 21:2). God sees spiritual devotion and service that no one else sees. "Thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:4,6,18).
You are never unnoticed, never forsaken, never overlooked, never belittled in your service. God sees you always, even when you may struggle to see Him. He sees your sorrows and trials, your struggles and loneliness. God sees the challenges of ministry, the doors He will open before you, and He sees every bit of your service to Him. What you do today matters for eternity, and if no one else is aware of what you do, God sees. So in your place of service, wherever that may be or whatever form it may take, continue faithfully on. There is One who sees you, cares for you, and receives your gifts of service.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 3, 2019
08032019 Esther
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our sovereign God. He is always in control, always using both the big and small things in life to accomplish His plan. We can trust that wherever He has us, it is the right place; whatever our circumstances, they are under His careful supervision.
I read the book of Esther one day this week, or maybe last week. Every time I do, that book just leaves me amazed. God is not mentioned in the book. There are no heavenly visions, no declarations by prophets, no word of the LORD, no sermons preached or parables taught, no dramatic miracles. Even prayer is not mentioned, though it is probably implied by the fasting.
In spite of that "non-spiritual" context, God's hand is obviously at work throughout the book. A few years ago as I read through a new Bible, I highlighted various things. I used blue for themes or recurrent ideas within books. In Esther, I have highlighted in blue all the times that God's hand was at work although His name was not recorded. There are so many minor, ordinary things that apparently were entirely inconsequential, but God transformed them into interwoven facets of His great plan.
The king decided to give a great banquet. He decided to have Vashti brought from her women's banquet to parade before his guests. She refused. The king's advisors decided the appropriate response was to dethrone Vashti and choose a new queen. Esther was beautiful. Esther was chosen as a participant, pleased the man in charge, and was sent to the best spot in the harem. She continued to find favor and was chosen to be presented to the king. The king liked Esther so much that he suspended the contest. Mordecai overheard a threat against the king. A particular man, Haman, was put on the fast track in politics. Haman was irked by Mordecai's refusal to bow - so much that he wanted to destroy all Jews. The roll of the dice resulted in the most advantageous result. The king rubber stamped Haman's request without investigation. Mordecai sent Esther an extraordinary request. Esther had not recently been summoned to the king. The king extended his favor to Esther and offered her anything she wanted. Haman's anger against Mordecai exploded on the wrong night, and he ordered gallows built. The king couldn't sleep. His chosen response was to be read court records, and they happened to include the incident of Mordecai's warning to the king. No reward had been given to Mordecai at the time. Haman was instructed to honor Mordecai. Esther's request to the king met with approval. Haman unwittingly placed himself in a situation that appeared compromising. The perpetrator of the plan against the Jews was hanged. The king found a way to make a law to protect the Jews. Out of fear, the Jews' enemies easily acquiesced, and 75,000 enemies were killed. Mordecai ended up as the king's counselor.
While this long list may seem tedious, I hope you get the point and can make personal application. There is nothing so random or insignificant that God cannot use it to accomplish His plan. Consider some of these components: the decisions of politicians, a queen's insubordination, physical appearance, the favor of ordinary people who happen to be in the right position, an overheard conversation, political pride and ambition, a game of chance, insomnia, the random choosing of reading material, unforgiveable oversights, misconstrued physical position, and momentum shifts in social issues.
Might not some of these same components (or something similarly random) be at work in your life and ministry? Perhaps you face situations that bring fear, uncertainty, or even danger. Those are under God's control. Maybe you are dealing with politicians, community leaders, neighbors, even church leadership that seems bound to cause contention that will hinder the ministry. They are under God's control. It may be that puzzling or frustrating things have been happening in your health or the daily routine of life. Those are under God's control also.
We don't always see how these things work out, but they do. We might see the providential impact with the passing of time, but maybe not. Regardless of what we can humanly perceive, we can be confident that God is indeed working, coordinating, and orchestrating everything for His purposes.
"And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35).
Just keep walking forward, trusting God each day to work out His plan. He is able!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our sovereign God. He is always in control, always using both the big and small things in life to accomplish His plan. We can trust that wherever He has us, it is the right place; whatever our circumstances, they are under His careful supervision.
I read the book of Esther one day this week, or maybe last week. Every time I do, that book just leaves me amazed. God is not mentioned in the book. There are no heavenly visions, no declarations by prophets, no word of the LORD, no sermons preached or parables taught, no dramatic miracles. Even prayer is not mentioned, though it is probably implied by the fasting.
In spite of that "non-spiritual" context, God's hand is obviously at work throughout the book. A few years ago as I read through a new Bible, I highlighted various things. I used blue for themes or recurrent ideas within books. In Esther, I have highlighted in blue all the times that God's hand was at work although His name was not recorded. There are so many minor, ordinary things that apparently were entirely inconsequential, but God transformed them into interwoven facets of His great plan.
The king decided to give a great banquet. He decided to have Vashti brought from her women's banquet to parade before his guests. She refused. The king's advisors decided the appropriate response was to dethrone Vashti and choose a new queen. Esther was beautiful. Esther was chosen as a participant, pleased the man in charge, and was sent to the best spot in the harem. She continued to find favor and was chosen to be presented to the king. The king liked Esther so much that he suspended the contest. Mordecai overheard a threat against the king. A particular man, Haman, was put on the fast track in politics. Haman was irked by Mordecai's refusal to bow - so much that he wanted to destroy all Jews. The roll of the dice resulted in the most advantageous result. The king rubber stamped Haman's request without investigation. Mordecai sent Esther an extraordinary request. Esther had not recently been summoned to the king. The king extended his favor to Esther and offered her anything she wanted. Haman's anger against Mordecai exploded on the wrong night, and he ordered gallows built. The king couldn't sleep. His chosen response was to be read court records, and they happened to include the incident of Mordecai's warning to the king. No reward had been given to Mordecai at the time. Haman was instructed to honor Mordecai. Esther's request to the king met with approval. Haman unwittingly placed himself in a situation that appeared compromising. The perpetrator of the plan against the Jews was hanged. The king found a way to make a law to protect the Jews. Out of fear, the Jews' enemies easily acquiesced, and 75,000 enemies were killed. Mordecai ended up as the king's counselor.
While this long list may seem tedious, I hope you get the point and can make personal application. There is nothing so random or insignificant that God cannot use it to accomplish His plan. Consider some of these components: the decisions of politicians, a queen's insubordination, physical appearance, the favor of ordinary people who happen to be in the right position, an overheard conversation, political pride and ambition, a game of chance, insomnia, the random choosing of reading material, unforgiveable oversights, misconstrued physical position, and momentum shifts in social issues.
Might not some of these same components (or something similarly random) be at work in your life and ministry? Perhaps you face situations that bring fear, uncertainty, or even danger. Those are under God's control. Maybe you are dealing with politicians, community leaders, neighbors, even church leadership that seems bound to cause contention that will hinder the ministry. They are under God's control. It may be that puzzling or frustrating things have been happening in your health or the daily routine of life. Those are under God's control also.
We don't always see how these things work out, but they do. We might see the providential impact with the passing of time, but maybe not. Regardless of what we can humanly perceive, we can be confident that God is indeed working, coordinating, and orchestrating everything for His purposes.
"And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35).
Just keep walking forward, trusting God each day to work out His plan. He is able!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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