Have you ever had a morning when you woke up feeling that
Satan must be working overtime on you. It happens to me all the time,
especially just before some big ministry event when everything seems to go
wrong.
For example, we are preparing to return to India in just a
few short weeks. And what happens? Our truck has a cracked exhaust manifold, Alice has had the flu for
two weeks, and I have this constant overwhelming feeling that nothing is
getting done.
But the Bible reminds us that the battle belongs to God. 2
Chronicles 32:8 tells us, “but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to
fight our battles."
Several weeks ago, 26 lives were ended. There are so many
families and lives in Connecticut
that have been impacted by this shocking act. So many people, believers and
unbelievers alike, are asking, “WHY?” I can’t even begin to answer this
question, yet in my opinion, it is just more evidence of how much this world
needs Jesus.
We live in a broken world; hurting people hurt other people.
Nothing can be done to bring back the lives of those so violently cut short.
But as Christians, there is action we can take. God calls us to be His vessels;
His hands and feet in a place lacking true love and worth.
It may be easy to “rejoice with those who rejoice,” but we
must also be willing to “mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) We can be
who God calls us to be, here and now, there and then.
“Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry,
we do not lose heart…For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made
his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, 6)
Not only is He the light of the world, but He sheds His
light on us that we may then be the light of the Gospel. There is no doubt in
my mind that God never stops speaking to His people; the question is, are we
listening?
But how can we be the light if we have not accepted Him
ourselves? If we truly know Him, how can we not desire that everyone experience
the same relationship with Him that we have?
We are God’s vessels, and we are to represent Christ in our
lives. 2 Corinthians 4:7 talks about how we are like “jars of clay” and it is
from God that we have power and grace. We are only human, and we are bombarded
with trouble and trials continually. Our time on this earth is short, yet
through all of this, God is preparing us for greater tasks and unseen glories.
Nearly every day I am reminded that what God has in store for
us is greater than anyone could ever imagine. And this alone should encourage
each of us to look up to Him, and to the road head. Do not lose heart!
So, coming back full circle, the battle does belong to the
Lord. This doesn’t mean that we sit
around and do nothing. This means that we keep walking in faith, and learn and
do what God says. If we can’t imagine our lives without Him, why would we want
anyone else to face life (and death) without Him?
Listen to what 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 says, “This is what
the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast
army. For the battle is not yours, but God's…You will not have to fight this
battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD
will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the
LORD will be with you.'"
We can trust God because He already knows what is to come.
This prepares us for the battles. No matter the situation, God is bigger and
will bring us through whatever the trial or temptation. Just seek His face and
cover yourself with His protection everyday.
And finally, “…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
--Russ Sharrock
-------------------------
2013 Annual Board Meeting
The Annual Board Meeting is for
the purpose of providing sound guidance and direction to the ministry of AIM. The
past year has been a time of great opportunity on the mission field.
Thankfully, we serve an amazing God who provides strength when we are weak and
hope for the future. The Directors are also accountable for approving a challenging, but responsible budget to meet the opportunities the Lord has placed in our path. As they meet on January 17th, please pray that God will grant them wisdom as they seek His will for the days ahead.
Pray for the Unreached Basor of India
Population: 900,000
World Popl: 900,000
Main Language: Hindi
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
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
