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Since
the recording of missionary history, men and women have been
called of God, only to be seemingly cast aside for a time, or
until death. The apostle Paul was clearly called, chosen, and appointed by God to preach the gospel to the gentiles. (Ironic, isn't it?) He was imprisoned and only released for two years before he was finally beheaded. Actually, he was never entirely released - he was put under house arrest in Rome. Amy Carmichael was called to rescue and raise little children who were sold into temple prostitution in India. Just when the real opening came, she fell, and was bed ridden and was in extreme, incessant pain until death. The famous son of a Canadian millionaire, Jaffrey, was called to China and, although there are many miraculous stories, he spent a great deal of time in a sick bed, physically separated from the obvious call on his life - a call from God, without question. The Apostle John, originally named "Son of Thunder" because of his nasty temper, became known as the "apostle of love" after he met Jesus. He established at least three of the Churches in the New Testament, and yet the Lord in His sovereignty, allowed him to be banished to Patmos. The wonderful trombonist who established HCJB left Ecuador the first time in disgrace and almost suicidal discouragement. It was several years before he returned to establish one of history's greatest missions. I could go on. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission had to spend two years flat on his back in England during the mission's most developmental hours. Why does the Lord do this? Because when His servants are on display in distressing circumstances, the seen and the unseen world watch. When His servants are confined, restricted, in pain, victims of unfairness, the real depth of the Cross radiates from that life. Consider this. Consider it in prayer. He doesn't use you more when you feel used - he needs you right where he has you now. When the time is right, He will move you. Let Him have His way then, and let him have His way now. A no-matter-what-God wants no-matter-what-servants. |
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