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- Written by: Don Goulding
But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God. John 3:21 (NETFull)
Vibrant-green crops of sugarcane flew past the windows of our van and school children were stricken in amazement at the sight of so many white people. The road ended hours later in the village of Nampiyumpetu, India. Every attempt to bring the gospel to these mountain people had been met with hostility—twenty years worth. Our bold plan was a free medical clinic but, by the time our team arrived, the doctors had seen most of the patients and were about to leave—an organizational disaster.
In a desperate effort, I grabbed the last feverish boy and explained the simple gospel. A crowd gathered to listen in, so my interpreter, Asher, and I stood and addressed the group. At end of the presentation, thirty-two adults signed decision cards and Asher’s father agreed to return weekly for follow up.
We had planned a medical clinic but God planted a church.
The events of mankind’s history—the Israelites, romanization, medieval kingdoms, industrialization, and my tiny life—are not the real story. They are merely a framework on which God weaves his masterful purposes. As happened in Nampiyumpetu, we make our gossamer plans while the Sovereign King works threads of silver and gold into elegant destinies.
The Holy One often involves his servants in miracles of reclamation, yet I can never be so foolish as to conclude they are sourced by me. I’m blind to most of what God accomplishes. Yes, I should be brave and step into the authority of Christ but I should also remain humble and aware it is always his party. I'm only the cardboard box used to deliver his invaluable gift.
Prayer: Mighty God, in the light of truth, it’s plain that you bring all goodness.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The Lord will protect you in all you do, now and forevermore. Psalms 121:5-8 (NETFull)
“What you doin’ here, white man.” A thug barked at me as I picked my way through the Oshodi Marketplace in Nigeria. “You don’t belong.”
John, a Nigerian believer, pushed his small body between us and yelled back. We were caught in a sea of swarming Africans in the most densely populated location on the continent. There were shouts of owiibo (white-man), most were friendly, a few were not. A knot of hoodlums led by the mouthy thug bullied me to buy goods at exorbitant prices so they could snatch part of the proceeds. It was time to get out of Oshodi.
Unseen to all, floating above my head was the promise that God protects those who entrust their hearts to him. Three months earlier, I had embraced that promise. I would simplify my life, go to the mission field, and trust him to provide everything necessary.
In Oshodi, and in other tight spots, God kept his promise to the letter. I recall the bus that showed up at the right time to snatch us from a criminal infested jungle in Côte d’Ivoire. I know how God sent an angelic helper to guide me out of the bush in Zimbabwe. I realize he made my ministry partner and me invisible as we walked past Chinese police during a raid of the secret church.
It has to be said that God’s promise of protection is for the spirit of those who love him—not necessarily their body. Nevertheless, in every case so far, he protected my earthly life as well.
While my friend of small stature, and large courage, argued with the Oshodi ruffians, I prayed. John negotiated our way into a more reasonable price, or ransom if you please, and I quickly passed the naira bills to the vendor. While our swindling brokers celebrated, John and I slipped away because the LORD protects us in all we do, both now and forevermore.
Prayer: Lord, let me be consumed with trusting you for everything.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they can see my glory that you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24 (NETFull)
For years I heard Venice, Italy was the most romantic city in the world. Friends spewed about the gondolas, cathedrals, works of art, and blah, blah, blah. Their descriptions and pictures bored me.
Then one year we visited the famous “City of Light” for ourselves. Only when I rode the boats, explored the maze of bridges, watched fireworks drape golden sparkles over St. Mark’s Square, and heard an orchestra bounce music from the walls of an ancient church did I realize how understated the descriptions had been.
Like my difficulty with Venice, I have a tough time gaining a full appreciation for all that Jesus is. The reason I live with doubt, fear, and conflict is because I underestimate the scope of his majesty. If I truly grasped his sufficiency to absolve sin, I wouldn’t worry about how others judge me. If I would fully see the glory God gave to Jesus after his trials, I would rest in what God is doing through my own trials.
Jesus existed before there was time. He currently holds everything together. He is Immanuel (God with us) and I Am (the name God gave himself) and Jesus (which means God saves). He is the Righteous Judge all men are destined to face, the Word of God, and the light in paradise.
But these encyclopedic facts on their own don’t penetrate my heart. Only when I grab his hand over the stony paths of life, and trust his guidance over bridges of change, and see his provision for places of grace do I begin to grasp the breadth of Jesus. It is in the daily experiential union with Christ that the facts about his majesty become real to my heart.
Prayer: Holy Awesome Lord Jesus, let me experience life with you.