Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Knowing God's Will?

I believe you can. God would not leave His servants in darkness. But please allow me to quote Charles T. Studd's experience. How was he called, and why did he go to China?

What was his reason for going? Studd, you remember, gave away a fortune—$145,000. He could have lived at home in great luxury, but he chose rather to give away all that he had and go to China as a missionary. Why? Strange as it may seem, it was the statement of an atheist that started him on his way. It so gripped him when he read it that he felt he must leave all and follow Jesus Christ. Here it is:

“Did I firmly believe, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another, religion would mean to me everything. I would cast away earthly enjoyment as dross, earthly cares as follies, and earthly thoughts and feelings as vanity. Religion would be my first waking thought, and my last image before sleep sank me into unconsciousness. I would labor in its cause alone. I would take thought for the morrow of Eternity only. I would esteem one soul gained for Heaven worth a life of suffering. Earthly consequences should never stay my hand, nor seal my lips. Earth, its joys and griefs, would occupy no moment in my thoughts. I would strive to look upon Eternity alone, and on the immortal Souls around me, soon to be everlastingly happy or everlastingly miserable. I would go forth to the world and preach to it in season and out of season, and my text would be, ‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?’” 

Is that the way you feel? Does the Word of God burn like a fire in your heart? Have you know rest day or night because you don't go?

If you really want to hear God's voice, and if you want to do His will, I want to give you two ways you may find out if God has called you.

First, start praying about your life's work, and pray every day. Set aside a time to wait on God about it. Pray, "Lord, what would you have me do?" 
Second, as you pray, read missionary biographies. When I was a student I purchased several biographies and read two or three chapters a day, as well as the book of Acts in the Bible. 

Why study biographies? Because in this day and age, too many things come between you and hearing God speak. Through the book of Acts and the lives of other missionaries, you will be in an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can and will speak to your heart. Soon, you'll be burdened for some particular field, and before long you will find yourself in the place of God's choosing for you.

And so you will be called, and if you faithfully follow these suggestions, God will lead you into the most glorious work ever committed to man. Your life will be invested in in a worthwhile cause, and, conscious of the leading of the Lord, you will never be disappointed.

You could do what millions of other Americans have done. Settle down to the monotony of American life, get married, raise children, work, retire, and die, or you can become a trail blazer, and invest your life in a great adventure for God.

Will you then listen to His voice and answer, "Here am I, Lord, send me?"
__________________________________________________________________________________

We are in the planning stages for next year's mission trips. So please keep checking back for the announcement of  short-term trips. You can also check out our website for available trips next year Here.
__________________________________________________________________________________

In these times of financial crises and financial mismanagement, the Board of Directors and I would like to reaffirm our pledge to you of financial integrity and good stewardship. Asia International Mission and I want you to have every confidence in this ministry and in our stewardship of your gifts. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call me personally (405.762.2471) or you can leave comments on this blog and at our website Here. You can also go Here Now to help support God's work in India.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Prayer Requests 
-More sponsors to support and expand the work on India.
-More staff members - Short-Term Missions Trip Coordinator, Communications Director, Donor Development Director, State Coordinator (All positions are self supporting).

-That the Holy Spirit will speak clearly to the people and that many will turn to the Lord.

Pray for the Unreached Aguri of India
Population: 460,000
World Popl: 461,000
Main Language: Bengali                                                                                  
Main Religion: Hinduism                        
                                             
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%


"Declare his glory among the nations" Psalm 96:3


Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated