After a couple weeks into this time of separation, I believe the word is, "He has stilled and quieted my soul". It's hard not to look to the "end" of this time, but I have come to see, (or at least have begun to see), as the Psalmist in chapter 31 said, "My Times Are In His Hands". That's tough for a guy who starts reading a book by looking at the last page!
2 Cor 4:8-11
8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Verse 11 seems to say it best as I consider the timing and purpose of this experience... "that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh". Truly, that's what I desire more than anything else. I want Jesus to be seen, as through this time my flesh and person becomes less and He all the more glorified.
The heart of the message of the "Ministry Of The Helper" is that ministry starts and ends where you are and with what you have. This works for me too. My ministry that is in front of me: the Lord. My ministry that I have at hand: the Lord. My trust is that I am in His hand and He will be glorified.
While the Lord and I are consumed with each other as He is working in my life, the work goes on in remote places of the earth. You can not stop the Word. It doesn't return empty. It IS life.
We continue to rejoice that the Lord is glorified through the teaching in the book, Your Ministry Matters, in several countries. Our wonderful foreign contacts have offered their prayers for us, and a commitment to continue teaching this life changing message to prepare the church for harvest and revival. Truly, those with eyes to see are laying a foundation of service in the awakening of the "Ministry Of The Helper".
I'll try to stay in contact as I am able. My commitment to the Lord, and the work, and Word He has committed to me remains unscathed. If all I have ever done is all Jesus has for me to do, then I am thankful to have done His will. If He has more for me to do according to His sovereign will and grace, then I am thankful to do His will.
"My Times Are In His Hands"
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