No one likes to fail. When things fall apart on several fronts all at once, feeling like a failure just seems logical, but Jesus defies our human logic with a love and perspective we can't have without Him.
The Jesus' perspective: regardless of my current circumstances, I have hope...for this life and the hereafter. Since we are all going to be ushered into eternity one day, and we know it; we have a wonderful chance to help others gain the Jesus' perspective.
Everyone who encountered Jesus saw evidence of hope, whether or not they believed in Him to be the Son of God. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many believed and saw hope for the future in light of Jesus' power over death, yet some ignored the miraculous to simply become "whistle blowers". These people, who saw the same thing others saw but interpreted the miracle as a bad thing or passed it off as some trick, reported to the corrupt religious leaders of the day; who, in turn, decided both Lazarus and Jesus needed to be terminated.
Many others found hope in this miracle-worker Jesus. Do you? Do I?
Yes, I do. My simple conclusion is that at times when I have no idea whether what we at TBI are doing will impact anyone else - anywhere else, Jesus' clear call on my life means that He is my hope and the results are His, not mine. When the resources we need are thin or not yet in view, Jesus Who loves and saves me, brings what He has for us into view when He is ready to reveal it. His provision is ample to the need, as He sees it - relative to our involvement in His kingdom work. After all, it is not my work, but His work that we are called to complete by His power.
Currently, I see an upward momentum both in results of ministry invested, the number of inquiries about this ministry, and the level of resources being given through TBI Ministries. I am grateful to God for His provision and His power being revealed in changed lives.
Recently a gentleman called to check up with our situation and hear about our next ministry venture. As we spoke, he asked about how much we needed to pay for a full paycheck for me, Carol, and Jeanne. Considering the fact that we three have not had a full paycheck since we started a year ago, it took me a while to calculate the amount in my head. After telling him my estimate, he said that he would cover that amount for us so that we would have a full (or very close to it) paycheck in the near future. The next day a financial blessing came his way regarding some property he needed to sell or lease. Wow, what a coincidence! :)
He blessed us with needed resources and God blessed Him with a new revenue stream that will provide the cash flow he needs to do the ministry God has called him to do. Does God always work that way? I don't think so. He is God and He works the way He chooses to work, but He loves us and works "all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."
So whether your current life-momentum is upward or downward (in your own estimation), remember this: Our hope for here is secure and our hope for eternity is set in the faithfulness and character of our God who reveals Himself to us through His Son Jesus Christ and through His Holy Spirit. What a privilege to know we are secure for here and hereafter through the grace, power, and love of our God!
Let's be really clear in our story of God's miracle power in our own lives. He has saved us; He has provided all the needs of our lives so far and will continue; He makes life worth living by His great love for us and by the purposes to which He calls each of us. Let's finish well the work He left us here to do and let's do it so that others may know this loving, holy savior Jesus Christ. John 13: 34, 35
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