11182023 Always There

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God who never leaves and never forgets. That’s a pretty big deal, because people are not nearly as faithful or constant.

I don’t want to make assumptions about your personal situations, but I do know that in general, missionaries can sometimes feel neglected or forgotten by people “back home.” This can be true even of family and friends of whom we would never have believed it possible.

Our emotions and our rational thought don’t always line up very well when we sense that loneliness, and sometimes we interpret things to be worse than they are. (Not that I am trying to minimize the pain, which can be very real.) But just to be a little rational … here are a few thoughts based on my observations from both sides of the scenario. Probably none of these are new thoughts to you.

People don’t forget us nearly as thoroughly as we might be inclined to think. Our human nature says that if we don’t hear from someone, that person doesn’t remember us or care. Thought #1: Often the reason people don’t reach out is that they are too busy. That doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking of us, don’t have good intentions, or are even making resolutions to do better. Thought #2: Sometimes people don’t want to be a bother. “That missionary doesn’t really know who I am.” “She is so busy that I don’t want my correspondence to be another burden.” Thought #3: People don’t realize how important it is to say something. They assume that others know they are praying for them. Quite easily, you could be featured in prayer meeting or as the missionary of the week, and a whole congregation of people could be praying, and maybe no one would tell you. Some even see it as a ministry of humble service to pray faithfully in “secret,” with no one knowing.

I expect that each of you have a special core of supporters with whom you are more connected. That is a blessing. I’m also quite certain that you are loved and prayed for more than you are told. And, yes, maybe there is something sad and even wrong about that. But actually my primary focus and purpose today is not about people at all! Rather, it is to encourage you regarding the Most Faithful One. All of the above is just my thoughts, but below are God’s words, which are far better.

“For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). If we go where He tells us to go, how can He do otherwise but to go with us?

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10). Even in the most extreme scenarios, God is still there.

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up” (Psalm 27:10). The deepest and most unexpected rejections can come from people, but never from God.

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). In the context, this is even in spite of the psalmist’s abhorrent behavior that stemmed from his hurt spirit. God was faithful to stand by him.

“For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Never, never ever, absolutely not.

There is a precious old hymn (author unknown) called “Never Alone.” Here are two stanzas and the chorus.

2. The world’s fierce winds are blowing–

Temptation’s sharp and keen;
I have a peace in knowing
My Savior stands between;
He stands to shield me from danger
When all my friends are gone:
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

Refrain:
No, never alone, No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone:
No, never alone, No, never alone:
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

3. When in affliction’s valley
I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry
My cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness
And earthly joys are flown,
My Savior whispers His promise:
Never to leave me alone.

I hope that you don’t feel alone or neglected, but if you do, even a little bit, or even if you don’t, I hope that these reassurances will encourage your heart with the faithful presence of our loving God.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA