Inspiring Story: God's Work, God's Way

Over the last two weeks, I've missed my meme Inspiring Story due to a vacation. But before I share this week's IS, I want to recap the rules and reason for this meme: The purpose of this meme is to encourage you; I believe that each and every thing that the Lord does for us on a daily basis is the biggest evidence for His existence. Therefore, I think we should encourage each other with stories and messages that will keep us uplifted in the Lord, and inspire us to be all that we can for Him. I invite you all to participate in this meme; just keep the content clean and Christian. What has God been doing in your life? I'd love to hear it; if you want to share it on your blog as an inspiriaton to others, just link back here. If you do not have a blog and would still like to share, by all means, comment! I love hearing from you all. So, without further ado, here is the next installment of Inspiring Story on the DCF blog. Enjoy!
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Recently, I have had a growing interest in the work of The Jesus Film Project. This ministry carries filming equipment into the most remote regions, to nations and peoples who never heard the Gospel; there, they share the story of Jesus, based on Luke's gospel, on film projector. Many people have come to the Lord as a result of their brave efforts. And God is bringing people to Himself in some unusual ways. I recently received the August newsletter, and I wanted to share some of the stories contained in it for this week's Inspiring Story meme.

In many places of Africa, an epic struggle is underway for the hearts and minds of hundreds of millions. A "JESUS" film team met with stiff resistance in one of those places. They had come to a very poor village with humanitarian aid and the film "JESUS." They quickly found they were not at all welcome. Seeing them as a threat -- and displaying much anger -- the powerful religious leader of the town drove them out. He demanded that they pass out nothing they brought, that they leave immediately, and not show the film.

That night this religous leader could not sleep. He tossed and turned, experiencing much anxiety. He could not understand what was happening. Later he described it as the worst night of his life. Very early the next day he arose, climbed up the prayer tower, preparing to call out the morning prayers to his people. As the dawn of day illumined the sky, he was startled by what the light revealed. Far above him in the sky, and written in large letters in his own language, were the words: "Jesus, the son of Mary." His anxiety turned to terror. The people he had driven out with rage were followers of this Jesus. What had he done?! Forsaking his responsibilities, he climbed down from the prayer tower and began searching for the team. He found them in another village, apologized and invited them to stay in his home. There he told them all that had happened, saying, "Anything you want to do, anything you want to distribute, you may do it here. You are under my protection." The team agreed, gave out the aid, and showed "JESUS." Indeed, how unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable are His ways! Another "JESUS film team with a partner organization was working in Africa. They too saw God work, and in a most unusual way. Carrying the film equipment they trekked halfway up a mountain to show the film in a remote village. They set up the projector, generator and speakers and began to spread the word that a film would be shown that night in the people's own language. But, despite their hard work and fervent prayer, only a small crowd gathered under the dark sky. When the invitation was given, just a few people indicated a decision to follow Christ. The team must have been very disappointed. But imagine their surprise when the next morning nearly 100 people appeared at the appointed place for follow-up! These people had come up the mountain seeking out the team. They wanted prayer, for Jesus to forgive their sins, to give them eternal life and take over lordship of their lives! But how could this have happened? It was the Lord...His plan...His ways. You see, hundreds of others lived down the mountainside from the film-showing location, in the valley below. Although they could not see the film, the sound from the speakers had traveled down the landscape, over the hills, reaching into their village! Although they could not see the screen, they were moved by all they heard. Touched from afar, the Word of God in their own tongue did its mighty work."

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God is constantly revealing Himself to people! However, in our efforts to reach out to others with the Gospel, we often encounter the stubborn folk. I am reminded of a Scripture written by Paul when he was imprisoned: "...but the word of God is not chained." (2 Timothy 2:9) In this instance we see that the Word of God will reach people in whatever ways God sees fit -- even if the people are obstinate; God's Word is not limited to a persons unwillingness to receive it! So if you have been trying to reach out to someone and they haven't responded -- like the man in the first story -- don't lose heart; God Word will find its way into their hearts. The important thing is that you did your part. I am constantly reminded of this. In fact, I have been meditating on this Scripture recently: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." (1 Corinthians 3:6) By doing our part, we have planted a seed. Other people may come along and talk to that person, or that seed may stir in their hearts out of conviction, or it may be your prayers (and I do encourage you to pray for those people whom you have reached out to)-- this is the watering stage. But ultimately God causes the growth. Never forget that "your labor is not in vain in the Lord," "for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9) That's reason enough to smile, don't you think? "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58
This post is linked to Smile Sunday.

Comments

  1. Thank you for joining in on Smile Sunday. What a lovely post! God is always surrounding us with His love and His word. We just have to open our eyes and see it. Have a great Sunday!

    Mama Hen

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a powerful story! Thanks for sharing it here. Happy Smile Sunday!!

    ReplyDelete

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