Dear Missionary Lady,
I read through the book of Ruth yesterday, and I saw a
wonderful truth that I am excited to share with you.
Naomi really suffered, poor lady. In the midst of a famine,
in which she was struggling to feed her family, her husband decided to move
from their home in Bethlehem to Moab, outside the confines of the nation of
Israel. Bethlehem is about 20 miles west of the northern end of the Dead Sea, and
Moab is on the eastern side of the Dead Sea about halfway down. My estimates
make that about an 80 to 90 mile trip.
While Naomi was living in that foreign land, her husband
died. Now she had to care for her two sons alone. The two sons sadly married foreign
women, and then her two sons died also. All Naomi's family was gone. Her
nearest relatives and all the people she knew were far away, and she hadn't
seen them for ten years. Left alone, she decided to return to Bethlehem, where
she may have been hoping for some support, but her given reason is that she
heard there was now food available back home.
Her daughters-in-law thought to return with her, though only
Ruth did so; in Naomi's conversations with Ruth and Orpah and then again with the
people of Bethlehem, Naomi uttered some difficult words. "It grieveth me
much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me"
(1:13). "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very
bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty:
why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the
Almighty hath afflicted me?" (1:20-21).
Naomi was struggling. She was so overcome with her grief
that she wanted to change her name. The essence of her agony runs in a unified
theme: God was against her. If we would put her anguished words in modern
terms, she would be saying something like this: "God has turned His back
on me. He has done some really harsh things to me. He has taken everything away
from me. He has gone on record as being against me, and He is treating me with
multiplied trials."
Not in the least little bit did Naomi sense that God was for
her, that He was helping her, or that He cared for her. She may have wished
that God had merely abandoned her or had remained neutral, but He hadn't. In
her estimation, God actually stood against her and deliberately treated her
poorly.
When life isn't going well, when it is filled with trials,
it is so easy to let our thoughts run in those directions. All we see is the
negative, and we see it in droves. And it's all God's fault. He has abandoned
us. He doesn't care. He doesn't love us. Life is hopeless and full of hurt. We
are defeated and despondent.
Naomi was wrong. God had not forsaken her nor turned against
her. That was her hurt and discouragement talking.
There is debate about whether Naomi and her family should
have left Bethlehem. There is the question of whether they were facing God's
judgment. The truth is that the text does not tell us. Nowhere does the text
speak negatively about their sojourn in Moab; it merely reports it. Perhaps
Naomi's husband was just doing what he needed to do to care for his family. The
text also does not outwardly condone the trip, and it does seem that God
generally wanted His people to trust Him and remain in the land. It is
concerning that they lived abroad for ten years.
Whether the decision was wrong or not, we can't definitively
say. Whether the deaths of her husband and children were judgment or merely
providential guidance, we don't know. What we do know is that the decision to
move to Moab was not Naomi's to make. Her husband had decided, and she had
followed his leadership.
Even in the difficulties, though, God was not against Naomi.
He gave her two daughters-in-law who had loved her sons and treated them well
(1:8). One of them was fiercely loyal to her, was committed to caring for her,
and had converted to Judaism. God somehow got word to Naomi that there was food
again in Bethlehem. It was like He was calling her home. The entire city of
Bethlehem came to greet her. Things were not as bleak for Naomi as she thought,
but it took a special act of God's love to open her eyes.
Ruth went to seek food and was amazingly cared for by Boaz.
He welcomed her and offered her protection. He purposefully increased her
gathering capacity. He gave her food to eat, water to drink, and a place to
rest. He assured her of ongoing provision in his fields.
Naomi didn't know all those details right away, but she saw
some of the results. She had supper from Ruth's leftovers. She saw so much
grain that it seemed impossible Ruth could have gathered so much in one day. It
was obvious to Naomi that Ruth had been shown particular and extraordinary
favor from the man in whose fields she had worked (2:19). And when Ruth
identified her benefactor, everything fell into place for Naomi. When she
realized that this special provision had come through a chance encounter with a
near relative, Naomi saw the light. "Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath
not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead" (2:20).
Naomi's eyes were opened to God's provision, God's love,
God's care. She realized that God had not forsaken her, but had led her to the
exact person who was truly able to help her and who had already shown himself
willing to do so. God's kindness remained.
Dear ladies, when life is turned upside down and all we seem
to see is God's frown, we can be assured that His love has not changed. He will
never leave us nor forsake us. As with Naomi, God is taking care of us in ways
that we do not see, and it is only a matter of time before our eyes will be
opened to see His hand of love, if we will only keep the faith and keep our
gaze on Him. Are things dark right now? Don't despair. God loves you very much,
and He will take care of you. Someday your eyes that struggle to see His
provision will be opened, and your heart will again be full and blessed.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, April 26, 2019
Friday, April 19, 2019
04192019 God's Word in Hard Places
Dear Missionary Lady,
Happy Easter! Or I know many Christians prefer to say Happy Resurrection Day, which is more meaningful. Lots and lots of people in the world will be focused this weekend on Easter and even on the religious aspect of Christ's death. Sadly, many of them are ignorant or blinded as to what it really means. I trust that you will have opportunities through ministry this weekend to share the hope of the Gospel.
I was recently very encouraged by the magazine from Voice of the Martyrs, and I wanted to share a couple of the stories with you as well - as reminders that God can do His work even in very hard places.
The first story was about a North Korean businessman. What hope is there for this man to be saved? Maybe if he were able to leave the country. Well, he did in 2004, going to China for an extended business trip. That doesn't sound so promising either, does it? Nevertheless, while in China he heard the gospel and was saved.
Five months later, as a baby growing Christian, he returned to North Korea. One of the Chinese Christians asked if he would accept a shipment of smuggled Bibles. He knew the danger. If caught with even a few pages of the Bible, he could be tortured or killed. If he helped, it was very likely he would end up in a brutal prison camp. Because he now belonged to Christ, he said he would help.
A few months later he went to the river in the middle of the night to receive duffle bags of clothing, in which were hidden ten Bibles. But how would he give them to anyone? Saying the wrong word to the wrong person would place him in extreme danger. He didn't even trust his wife. He hid the Bibles and waited for God to direct him to the right people. Sounds hopeless, right?
A few months later he heard a man whistling a Christian hymn. He followed the man to learn where he lived. During the night, he went back and left eight of the Bibles, again hidden inside clothing, at the man's door.
Later in the year, this Christian businessman tried to defect while in China, but he was arrested and sent back to North Korea. In prison he met a former friend, whom he learned had been arrested for being a Christian. How did that second man get saved? His uncle was the man who had received the eight Bibles. He had shared those Bibles with family members, who accepted Christ. The entire family - 27 members - were arrested when they were overheard singing in a secret church service. All were sent to a concentration camp. The persecution is sad, but the work of God is amazing.
The second story was about a pastor in Iran. A prayer meeting was interrupted by police. The pastor, his wife, his son, and four other church leaders were arrested. Though ordered not to tell other prisoners why they were arrested, they did anyway.
Some of the other prisoners showed interest. The Christians received multiple warnings to stop talking about Christianity, but they didn't stop. In need of the Bible, they wrote down memorized verses and shared them with each other. After more than eight months, the five men still imprisoned were able to communicate with family. They asked for hand-written passages of the Bible in English. These materials survived the scrutiny of the guards, and the English-speaking prisoners translated to Farsi. More and more copies of the Bible were being made as time went by.
As the work of the gospel kept spreading, the guards got angry and took action. They came up with the brilliant plan of separating the five men. Now the gospel was being proclaimed in five different parts of the jail instead of just one! Additionally, the guards kept transferring the prisoners to different sections of the jail as punishment; with the subsequent transfers, the gospel spread to more and more areas. Eventually, the pastor was placed in what we would call Death Row, where men whose lives would shortly end accepted Jesus also.
The persecution and suffering are sad. Both of these men, now living in other countries, still face uncertainty and danger. The power of God is incredible. It is thrilling that God can send His Word to people in such unlikely places. It is wonderful that He gives them courage, in spite of the danger, to spread the Gospel. Truly "the word of God is quick and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). The gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). It is able to reach people and transform lives even in the most unlikely situations.
I hope these stories will encourage you to press on in your ministry, trusting in the amazing work of God and the convicting power of the Bible to do their work even when results seem difficult from a human perspective. God will build His church, and He is not limited!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Happy Easter! Or I know many Christians prefer to say Happy Resurrection Day, which is more meaningful. Lots and lots of people in the world will be focused this weekend on Easter and even on the religious aspect of Christ's death. Sadly, many of them are ignorant or blinded as to what it really means. I trust that you will have opportunities through ministry this weekend to share the hope of the Gospel.
I was recently very encouraged by the magazine from Voice of the Martyrs, and I wanted to share a couple of the stories with you as well - as reminders that God can do His work even in very hard places.
The first story was about a North Korean businessman. What hope is there for this man to be saved? Maybe if he were able to leave the country. Well, he did in 2004, going to China for an extended business trip. That doesn't sound so promising either, does it? Nevertheless, while in China he heard the gospel and was saved.
Five months later, as a baby growing Christian, he returned to North Korea. One of the Chinese Christians asked if he would accept a shipment of smuggled Bibles. He knew the danger. If caught with even a few pages of the Bible, he could be tortured or killed. If he helped, it was very likely he would end up in a brutal prison camp. Because he now belonged to Christ, he said he would help.
A few months later he went to the river in the middle of the night to receive duffle bags of clothing, in which were hidden ten Bibles. But how would he give them to anyone? Saying the wrong word to the wrong person would place him in extreme danger. He didn't even trust his wife. He hid the Bibles and waited for God to direct him to the right people. Sounds hopeless, right?
A few months later he heard a man whistling a Christian hymn. He followed the man to learn where he lived. During the night, he went back and left eight of the Bibles, again hidden inside clothing, at the man's door.
Later in the year, this Christian businessman tried to defect while in China, but he was arrested and sent back to North Korea. In prison he met a former friend, whom he learned had been arrested for being a Christian. How did that second man get saved? His uncle was the man who had received the eight Bibles. He had shared those Bibles with family members, who accepted Christ. The entire family - 27 members - were arrested when they were overheard singing in a secret church service. All were sent to a concentration camp. The persecution is sad, but the work of God is amazing.
The second story was about a pastor in Iran. A prayer meeting was interrupted by police. The pastor, his wife, his son, and four other church leaders were arrested. Though ordered not to tell other prisoners why they were arrested, they did anyway.
Some of the other prisoners showed interest. The Christians received multiple warnings to stop talking about Christianity, but they didn't stop. In need of the Bible, they wrote down memorized verses and shared them with each other. After more than eight months, the five men still imprisoned were able to communicate with family. They asked for hand-written passages of the Bible in English. These materials survived the scrutiny of the guards, and the English-speaking prisoners translated to Farsi. More and more copies of the Bible were being made as time went by.
As the work of the gospel kept spreading, the guards got angry and took action. They came up with the brilliant plan of separating the five men. Now the gospel was being proclaimed in five different parts of the jail instead of just one! Additionally, the guards kept transferring the prisoners to different sections of the jail as punishment; with the subsequent transfers, the gospel spread to more and more areas. Eventually, the pastor was placed in what we would call Death Row, where men whose lives would shortly end accepted Jesus also.
The persecution and suffering are sad. Both of these men, now living in other countries, still face uncertainty and danger. The power of God is incredible. It is thrilling that God can send His Word to people in such unlikely places. It is wonderful that He gives them courage, in spite of the danger, to spread the Gospel. Truly "the word of God is quick and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). The gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). It is able to reach people and transform lives even in the most unlikely situations.
I hope these stories will encourage you to press on in your ministry, trusting in the amazing work of God and the convicting power of the Bible to do their work even when results seem difficult from a human perspective. God will build His church, and He is not limited!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 13, 2019
04132019 Privilege and Opportunity
Dear Missionary Lady,
Our church recently held a missions emphasis week, with the theme "The Urgency of the Hour." Two missionary men who served on the mission field for years and are now State-side by God's intervention earnestly shared their hearts that they wish they could still be serving in Africa. We heard statistics about world population, countries that missionaries don't even go to, and how many people are dying without hearing of Christ. We heard about the reduced number of missionaries going to the field and about the aging missionary population, of which fewer and fewer are still involved in foreign missions. We heard about particular countries with really intense needs whose only hope is the gospel. We heard about fields white to harvest and no laborers to go.
My heart was touched. As I listened to these presentations, I wished I were twenty-five years younger - but with the maturity and Biblical understanding that I have now. I wished I were healthy. I wished I were a man who could preach and lead churches. I wished my days could be devoted to the gospel rather than making a living. I wished I spoke more languages. I wished I had unlimited financial resources so I could help others to go.
The truth is that I'm single and female, which limits not only how I could even live abroad, but also limits the aspects of ministry I could be involved in. Health-wise, I barely manage the essentials of life here, let alone the demands of a foreign land and culture or the level of activity required for mission work. And I don't have unlimited finances.
All of this made me feel helpless - like my heart was overflowing with wanting to serve God in missions, but seemingly totally inadequate to do anything significant. I asked God what I can do to help world missions, and I don't really know the answer. Due to the life God has given me, it seems that my "missionary" service will be limited and auxiliary in nature.
Of course, I want to continue my ministry of encouragement to you dear ladies. If I can't be on active duty, I want to help those of you who are there to be strengthened in your work. I wish I could do more to help you in your ministry, but that is a challenge when I am here and you are there. The only thing that comes to my mind is that I have accumulated a lot of Bible study over the years. I have done numerous Bible studies on various topics and Bible books, a few of which I have developed into Sunday school curriculum (Psalms and Hebrews). I would be happy to make these materials available to you if it would help you in teaching classes or even in your own study. I'm not sure if this idea is practical or helpful, but if you are interested in knowing what I have available, please feel free to ask.
Other than that, the biggest way God impacted me was with the idea of prayer - Jesus' instruction to pray for laborers for the harvest. I realize that many of the needy countries around the world are ones that American missionaries can't even get to if they tried and wouldn't survive in even if they got there. We are dependent on God to open doors and to send laborers; He can send people to countries and people groups that neither I nor anyone I know would be able to reach. So I am compiling a list of world countries and basic data about them so that I can pray more specifically and knowledgeably for countries around the world. I'm hoping to be able to share this information in a way that will prompt others to join me in praying for laborers. I also want to take names of people I know - particularly boys and young men - and ask God to call some of them into His harvest field. In addition to prayer, I want to be an encouragement to young people who are contemplating missions, including giving support whenever possible to young people taking missions trips.
Even so, I still feel that what I can do is very small. This led me to think about you ladies and your families. I am so thankful for you. I am thankful that you are doing what I cannot do. I am thankful that your hearts have been tender to God and that you have yielded to His leading even when it was not easy. I'm thankful that you are faithful.
I wanted to encourage you with the reminder of what a privilege and opportunity you have. Most of you are already on the mission field. You already know the language. You already have contacts and a developing ministry. You are exactly where the need is. You can actually touch the lives of those hurting, needy people whose only hope is Jesus. You can have a very practical, daily role in doing what most Christians are so remote from being able to do.
Serving God in missions requires a level of devotion to God, a level of submission, and a level of maturity; most Christians sadly will never reach those necessary levels that would even allow them to consider missionary service. Praise God that your heart is inclined to that ministry and that you have yielded to Him and prepared to serve Him. Among Christians who do have that passion and submission, there are many who have been providentially prevented (for a variety of reasons) from serving abroad. They simply can't go or are not qualified or equipped. Praise God for leading and guiding you to where you are and for preparing you for what you do.
You are indeed in a very special spot. God's blessings may not always come to you in the practical ways that you would like to see them, but there is no doubt that God is blessing your labors for Him. What a unique opportunity and privilege is yours! May God use you in extraordinary and unusual ways this week to do for Him the work that only a few are in the position to do and to take advantage of the unique opportunities that many will never see. Truly, what you do today matters for eternity!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Our church recently held a missions emphasis week, with the theme "The Urgency of the Hour." Two missionary men who served on the mission field for years and are now State-side by God's intervention earnestly shared their hearts that they wish they could still be serving in Africa. We heard statistics about world population, countries that missionaries don't even go to, and how many people are dying without hearing of Christ. We heard about the reduced number of missionaries going to the field and about the aging missionary population, of which fewer and fewer are still involved in foreign missions. We heard about particular countries with really intense needs whose only hope is the gospel. We heard about fields white to harvest and no laborers to go.
My heart was touched. As I listened to these presentations, I wished I were twenty-five years younger - but with the maturity and Biblical understanding that I have now. I wished I were healthy. I wished I were a man who could preach and lead churches. I wished my days could be devoted to the gospel rather than making a living. I wished I spoke more languages. I wished I had unlimited financial resources so I could help others to go.
The truth is that I'm single and female, which limits not only how I could even live abroad, but also limits the aspects of ministry I could be involved in. Health-wise, I barely manage the essentials of life here, let alone the demands of a foreign land and culture or the level of activity required for mission work. And I don't have unlimited finances.
All of this made me feel helpless - like my heart was overflowing with wanting to serve God in missions, but seemingly totally inadequate to do anything significant. I asked God what I can do to help world missions, and I don't really know the answer. Due to the life God has given me, it seems that my "missionary" service will be limited and auxiliary in nature.
Of course, I want to continue my ministry of encouragement to you dear ladies. If I can't be on active duty, I want to help those of you who are there to be strengthened in your work. I wish I could do more to help you in your ministry, but that is a challenge when I am here and you are there. The only thing that comes to my mind is that I have accumulated a lot of Bible study over the years. I have done numerous Bible studies on various topics and Bible books, a few of which I have developed into Sunday school curriculum (Psalms and Hebrews). I would be happy to make these materials available to you if it would help you in teaching classes or even in your own study. I'm not sure if this idea is practical or helpful, but if you are interested in knowing what I have available, please feel free to ask.
Other than that, the biggest way God impacted me was with the idea of prayer - Jesus' instruction to pray for laborers for the harvest. I realize that many of the needy countries around the world are ones that American missionaries can't even get to if they tried and wouldn't survive in even if they got there. We are dependent on God to open doors and to send laborers; He can send people to countries and people groups that neither I nor anyone I know would be able to reach. So I am compiling a list of world countries and basic data about them so that I can pray more specifically and knowledgeably for countries around the world. I'm hoping to be able to share this information in a way that will prompt others to join me in praying for laborers. I also want to take names of people I know - particularly boys and young men - and ask God to call some of them into His harvest field. In addition to prayer, I want to be an encouragement to young people who are contemplating missions, including giving support whenever possible to young people taking missions trips.
Even so, I still feel that what I can do is very small. This led me to think about you ladies and your families. I am so thankful for you. I am thankful that you are doing what I cannot do. I am thankful that your hearts have been tender to God and that you have yielded to His leading even when it was not easy. I'm thankful that you are faithful.
I wanted to encourage you with the reminder of what a privilege and opportunity you have. Most of you are already on the mission field. You already know the language. You already have contacts and a developing ministry. You are exactly where the need is. You can actually touch the lives of those hurting, needy people whose only hope is Jesus. You can have a very practical, daily role in doing what most Christians are so remote from being able to do.
Serving God in missions requires a level of devotion to God, a level of submission, and a level of maturity; most Christians sadly will never reach those necessary levels that would even allow them to consider missionary service. Praise God that your heart is inclined to that ministry and that you have yielded to Him and prepared to serve Him. Among Christians who do have that passion and submission, there are many who have been providentially prevented (for a variety of reasons) from serving abroad. They simply can't go or are not qualified or equipped. Praise God for leading and guiding you to where you are and for preparing you for what you do.
You are indeed in a very special spot. God's blessings may not always come to you in the practical ways that you would like to see them, but there is no doubt that God is blessing your labors for Him. What a unique opportunity and privilege is yours! May God use you in extraordinary and unusual ways this week to do for Him the work that only a few are in the position to do and to take advantage of the unique opportunities that many will never see. Truly, what you do today matters for eternity!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 6, 2019
04062019 No Impossible for God
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our powerful God. Aren't you glad God is so powerful? All-powerful, in fact. Powerful enough to create the world and to raise the dead. Powerful enough to conquer sin and Satan.
There are certainly things that are too difficult for us. The challenges of missions are immense. How do you plant a church in another culture? You have to raise the funds to get you and your family to the field and to provide for your living expenses. In a land where there are no Christians, you have to find Christians to make up that church. With the resources of the small group of believers who have no money, you have to acquire a piece of land on which to meet - and then build a building adequate for worship. Then you have to disciple baby Christians, train a pastor, and establish leadership in a culture where Biblically-qualified leaders seem non-existent and where Satan and sin fight against everything you are doing. Then you have to teach those people to duplicate this same kind of work without your help. And it seems to require Superwoman strength even to attempt to keep up with the constantly full schedule. Well, those are some of the challenges.
I was interested to read recently the story of some people who faced impossible challenges. As Israel settled into her new land, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh did not have a possession extensive enough for all their people. The people came to Joshua with their dilemma. "Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?" (Joshua 17:14).
Joshua acknowledged their need and gave a solution: "If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee" (17:15). Joshua didn't say they were wrong. He didn't tell them to be satisfied with what they had. He gave them guidance for solving their problem.
For the children of Joseph, however, the solution wasn't a good one. It wasn't even possible. They replied first of all, "The hill is not enough for us" (v. 16). From later verses, it seems the hill Joshua suggested didn't seem like a good possession because it was forest; it was covered with trees, not a residential area, not a city designed for habitation. It wouldn't work.
Besides that, "All the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron" (v. 16). The enemies were too strong. The Israelites could not take possession of this territory when the enemies were so formidable. It was impossible.
Once again, Joshua never denied the challenges they presented. In v. 18, he acknowledged that the land was indeed a forest. And the Canaanites were strong, and they did have iron chariots. Nevertheless, this was the solution of God for them. "But the mountain shall be thine." As to the problems - yes, it was a forest and not currently inhabitable. Solution: "Thou shalt cut it down." Yes, the surrounding land was inhabited by fierce foes that would not welcome the invasion. Solution: "Thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong."
Joshua listened to the protests and excuses, and he said, "Be that as it may, this is what you will do." He agreed with every complication the people told him, but those complications did not matter when this is what God had determined they should do. Even though those challenges existed, the people were to press forward anyway.
Why didn't it matter that their task was impossible? Because they were serving the God of the impossible. Both Moses and Joshua had told the people repeatedly that God would give them the land and that He would fight for them. Consider this later assurance from Joshua: "For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you" (23:9-10).
When the battle is the Lord's, the difficulty of the task doesn't matter. When the battle is the Lord's, the strength of the enemy is inconsequential. What do you face that is too hard for God? False religion? Witchcraft? Poverty? Liberalism? Oppressive governments? Adulterous cultures? Rampant crime and drug use? Family responsibilities? Physical limitations? List whatever aspect you want, and it is not too hard for God. There are no excuses, no complications, no protests, and no impossibilities that can thwart God's plans. Execution of the task may require combat and hard work on your part, as it did for Israel, but it is God who fights for you. It is God who enables you to do what you could never accomplish on your own.
What you do today matters for eternity, and it is the eternal and powerful God who enables and blesses your labors. So just keep cutting down those trees. Keep fighting against those enemies in iron chariots. God can clear the way for you, and He can defeat the enemies. The presence of God in the equation makes all the difference.
"With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our powerful God. Aren't you glad God is so powerful? All-powerful, in fact. Powerful enough to create the world and to raise the dead. Powerful enough to conquer sin and Satan.
There are certainly things that are too difficult for us. The challenges of missions are immense. How do you plant a church in another culture? You have to raise the funds to get you and your family to the field and to provide for your living expenses. In a land where there are no Christians, you have to find Christians to make up that church. With the resources of the small group of believers who have no money, you have to acquire a piece of land on which to meet - and then build a building adequate for worship. Then you have to disciple baby Christians, train a pastor, and establish leadership in a culture where Biblically-qualified leaders seem non-existent and where Satan and sin fight against everything you are doing. Then you have to teach those people to duplicate this same kind of work without your help. And it seems to require Superwoman strength even to attempt to keep up with the constantly full schedule. Well, those are some of the challenges.
I was interested to read recently the story of some people who faced impossible challenges. As Israel settled into her new land, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh did not have a possession extensive enough for all their people. The people came to Joshua with their dilemma. "Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?" (Joshua 17:14).
Joshua acknowledged their need and gave a solution: "If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee" (17:15). Joshua didn't say they were wrong. He didn't tell them to be satisfied with what they had. He gave them guidance for solving their problem.
For the children of Joseph, however, the solution wasn't a good one. It wasn't even possible. They replied first of all, "The hill is not enough for us" (v. 16). From later verses, it seems the hill Joshua suggested didn't seem like a good possession because it was forest; it was covered with trees, not a residential area, not a city designed for habitation. It wouldn't work.
Besides that, "All the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron" (v. 16). The enemies were too strong. The Israelites could not take possession of this territory when the enemies were so formidable. It was impossible.
Once again, Joshua never denied the challenges they presented. In v. 18, he acknowledged that the land was indeed a forest. And the Canaanites were strong, and they did have iron chariots. Nevertheless, this was the solution of God for them. "But the mountain shall be thine." As to the problems - yes, it was a forest and not currently inhabitable. Solution: "Thou shalt cut it down." Yes, the surrounding land was inhabited by fierce foes that would not welcome the invasion. Solution: "Thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong."
Joshua listened to the protests and excuses, and he said, "Be that as it may, this is what you will do." He agreed with every complication the people told him, but those complications did not matter when this is what God had determined they should do. Even though those challenges existed, the people were to press forward anyway.
Why didn't it matter that their task was impossible? Because they were serving the God of the impossible. Both Moses and Joshua had told the people repeatedly that God would give them the land and that He would fight for them. Consider this later assurance from Joshua: "For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you" (23:9-10).
When the battle is the Lord's, the difficulty of the task doesn't matter. When the battle is the Lord's, the strength of the enemy is inconsequential. What do you face that is too hard for God? False religion? Witchcraft? Poverty? Liberalism? Oppressive governments? Adulterous cultures? Rampant crime and drug use? Family responsibilities? Physical limitations? List whatever aspect you want, and it is not too hard for God. There are no excuses, no complications, no protests, and no impossibilities that can thwart God's plans. Execution of the task may require combat and hard work on your part, as it did for Israel, but it is God who fights for you. It is God who enables you to do what you could never accomplish on your own.
What you do today matters for eternity, and it is the eternal and powerful God who enables and blesses your labors. So just keep cutting down those trees. Keep fighting against those enemies in iron chariots. God can clear the way for you, and He can defeat the enemies. The presence of God in the equation makes all the difference.
"With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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