“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Consider for a moment what pattern your life resembles. Our parents provided a lifestyle for each of us; our friends may have twisted our fabric in a few different directions. When we left home the direction that we followed surely added a few new wrinkles to our pattern and where you and I are today. So where are you today? How would another person describe your life?
The girl in the attached photo, Lizette, lives in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Her home has a dirt floor, no electricity or indoor plumbing. She has three changes of clothes until she outgrows them. Her school has a dirt floor, corrugated metal siding, no electricity or indoor plumbing. Her meal of the day cost a quarter. She knows that Jesus loves her.
For practical purposes, you and Lizette only have one thing in common, you both know that Jesus loves you and your Heavenly Father provides for you daily. You probably require much more each day than she does; electricity, clean water, furnace, air conditioner, food, different clothes, transportation and entertainment. But dear friends, in your abundance, you have been blessed to share with Lizette so that she may have one meal every day she is in school.
The following two verses from “A mighty fortress is our God” by Martin Luther describe this world, the forces that threaten to crush us and that one sweet word, “Jesus” that has more power than all the darkness of this world.
“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: the Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth: let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay