by Joni
”He was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you."
2 Corinthians 13:4
Back in 1967, missionary Doug Nichols fell ill while serving in India and had to spend several months in a dingy tuberculosis sanitarium. While there, he tried to give Gospel tracts to the patients and doctors, but no one would accept them. Understandably, Doug became discouraged. He was sick, weak, lonely, and disappointed no one would listen to him.
One night around 2:00 a.m., Doug woke up coughing. Across the aisle, he noticed an old man trying to get out of bed and get to the bathroom. Too weak to stand, the man fell back into bed crying and exhausted.
Although sick himself and as weak as he had ever been, Doug got out of bed, and with a smile, placed one arm under the patient's neck and the other under his legs.
With all his strength he lifted the man and carried him down the hall to the filthy, smelly washroom. Then the missionary carried him back to his bed. The old man smiled and said the Indian word for "thanks."
What happened the next morning was amazing. One of the other patients woke Doug up with a steaming cup of tea, making motions that he wanted a Gospel tract. Then other patients asked for the booklets. Even nurses and a doctor asked for one. Over the next few days, several patients and staff gave their lives to Christ. The whole situation changed because of Doug's sacrificial act in the middle of the night.
The power of the Good News is released in your life when you allow your weaknesses to showcase the awesome might and love of our Savior. Plan on doing that today.
Father, I confess that I pass by opportunities to help others in the name of Jesus because I just don't want to get involved, or don't want to get my hands dirty. Move me, by Your Spirit, to reach beyond my own strength.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
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2 comments:
How i let the power of the Good News pass me and others by, when i was not willing to go the extra mile. How many times ive not denied myself and carried my cross... and followed Him. It is a very heavy burden i do not know how to carry, for i did not bring it to Him who said, Come unto Me.
How is it a person could be so close to God's word, but not lived it in truth. We've been told to Guard our heart, but sin has clouded my vision so. Would the Lord have mercy yet, and forgive a real hard headed sinner. Wisdom from above is peaceable, but the gifts and knwledge He has given i have not passed on as a peacemaker. May God have mercy yet.
Oh, "anonymous"....how I can lament with you!
We are all guilty of not following through what the LORD has laid in front of us. We are all shy, tired, afraid, unwilling, angry...when times come for us to deny ourselves and pick up our cross.
***Good News! The LORD is FULL of mercies! Every day is a new day! As His children He does not hold anger against us for what we did not do in all of our yesterdays.
Instead, His Spirit is always encouraging us to continue to draw closer to Him and eventually reach out and do things for Him as we become more bold in Him.
As we read His word, as we come to Him in prayer, as we abide in Him more and more, we WILL desire and we WILL do for Him out of our hearts which are "bursting" to glorify Him with our very lives!
Continue, "anonymous", ...to draw closer to Him everyday and in His word and you will find your life lived for Him, doing things which will glorify Him.
Praising the LORD with you!
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