As many of you know I had the opportunity to speak to a Christian group in Pakistan via skype recently. When I first received the invitation, I can tell you I was both excited and hesitant at the same time. I mean it’s no secret that Christianity is not exactly accepted in Pakistan.
– Who exactly was this group?
– What were they teaching the people in the group?
– Were our beliefs the same?
-Would their views align with mine?
These were just some of my concerns as I contemplated whether or not this was something I wanted to do. After kicking the idea around and after having a conversation with the voice of reason <my mom>, I realized I really didn’t have a choice in the matter. It was an assignment given to me by G-d and not only would I carry it out, but I would carry it out with a cheerful heart.
Blessed to be a blessing were her exact words!!
…And she knew exactly what she was talking about like all good momma’s do.
You see this group reminded me of how we ought to ask G-d for The Hard Thing.
About 20 of them gathered in what seemed to be an empty room with a banner displaying their name in the back. On their knees and sitting in rows on the floor they greeted me with the most genuine smiles showing both appreciation and reverence. I’m not sure if my favorite part was when they asked me to sing a worship song or when they waved hello at me through the camera. And for those of you who know me, you can breathe now…No, I did not sing! I’ll save that for the next time <wink, wink>
My message was about G-d’s faithfulness. Yet in spite of the fact that I was the one who brought the Word, I can tell you that they were the ones that brought the testimony!
There was no fancy sanctuary filled with comfortable chairs, nor were their flashy lights or top of the line instruments. All there was, was a people who had learned to ask and depend on G-d for The Hard Thing.
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For peace amongst the turmoil
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For water in the dry place
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For protection in the middle of the chaos and violence
For all the things that you and I take for granted every day because they come with our territory.
You see for them, this is The Hard Thing. What can only happen on a daily basis with the intervention of a faithful G-d.
Like always, my mother was right…the blessing was for me. I will not settle for the little things but will confide in an all-powerful G-d to perform The Hard Thing(s) in my life.
Praying you do the same….
Awesome blog!
Thank you Ann 🙂
It is amazing how different our lives can be from our sisters around the world. I know I take SO much for granted. Yet the Lord is as faithful to them as he is to me, just in different ways to meet different needs. What a blessing you got to be and got to receive to get to speak with these women.
Lisa, yes we are all so different and at the same time so alike. What constitutes a hard thing for me is at the end of the day the same for another person just in a different scenario. Something we see as impossible and question the chances of ever coming to pass, yet with an all-knowing, all-powerful, faithful G-d…even the Hard Thing is simple! I appreciate you stopping by. 🙂 It was truly my pleasure and an honor to be able to speak with this group!
Such a neat opportunity!! Thanks for sharing about this and the important message behind it, Rosie! #TestimonyTuesday
It sure was! Thanks for the comment Bethany.
No matter where we live in the world, we need to be “a people who had learned to ask and depend on G-d for The Hard Thing.” His arm is not too short that it cannot save! The problems in some parts of the world seem insurmountable to me, but not to Him!
What an honor that you were asked to minister.
Yes, it truly was an honor! All problems are equal to Him because his capability is endless! Thanks for stopping by.
It’s amazing the testimony that believers from around the world give us about the cost of faith. We are easily lulled into complacency in our comfortable churches, often forgetting the price it is to some to declare allegiance to the one true G-d. Thank you for this reminder and your faithful response to G-d’s invitation to speak His name to the nations.
You are correct Karen…for some just just getting to hear the Word or participate in a church setting is the Hard Thing. I appreciate your comment.
Wow! Whst a great opportunity to speak with believers across the world. I’m sure they were as blessed as you to share those moments together. It’s amazing to think of the ministry that can take place b/c of the interwebs and technology. So excited to read about this today. We’re neighbors at 2 places. 🙂
Hi Lisa, yes technology is something else. It has opened avenues of communication that we never thought we would have. Almost anybody in anyplace of the world can hear His Word today and for that I an grateful!
They live the “hard” every single day. What a blessing.
They sure do! And if they can do it everyday than I believe we can do occasionally. Learning to trust in Him and the fact that He has every situation taken care of before it even arises:)
Oh that I would be so faithful when called to do the hard thing one day. Thanks for linking up at The Loft on the topic of Fathers.
I appreciate you stopping by Leah 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this, Rosie. What a blessing that must have been for you, but I’m sure they were also blessed by your words as you followed the leading of the Lord. Blessings to you today and thanks for linkup up with #LMMLinkup!
There is always a blessing in obedience! Thanks for stopping by Gayl.