“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” Ephesians 3:10-13
It is truly amazing to look at the smiles and faces of these students from Mixte Nazareth, Haiti and hold their images as you reread the above verses again. Do you suppose they are discouraged or down because of any number of challenges that they are now enduring? I am aware that some of you are facing challenges of many different kinds today with an ugly wall that seems higher today than yesterday. Jesus is with you, wherever you are, no matter what your load, challenge, hurt or burden; He is nearer than you can imagine. These children go to a school with a dirt floor, metal roof and walls without windows and the late morning temperatures reach over 90. They are smiling because they know that Jesus is with them and their school provides a lunch for them daily; Jesus is beside each of them throughout each day. Stay focused on the One sure and true thing in our lives; our Savior is with us every moment. I am closing today with the words from the hymn My Faith Looks up to Thee that were written by Ray Palmer in 1830.
“My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine. Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away; oh, let me from this day be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire; As Thou hast died for me, oh, may my love to Thee pure, warm, and changeless be, a living fire!
While life's dark maze I tread and griefs around me spread, be Thou, my Guide. Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow's tears away, nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.
When ends life's transient dream, when death's cold, sullen stream shall o'er me roll, Blest Savior, then, in love, fear and distrust remove; oh, bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths 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