FOLLOWING GOD'S DIRECTION

Years ago, I found myself without an income. I had labored for eight years as a minister of music and education in a church, only to be judged by some in that church as too old to minister effectively. After all, I was fifty-nine years old!

Because of the attitude of some of the members, I was left with no income. Fortunately, I had housing. My mother's small house in my hometown was available to us, so we made the move, not knowing how God would provide for us.

It seemed to me something like the experience of Abraham, who was instructed by God to "a place where I will show you." And like Abraham, God provided all that we needed. Within two months my wife and I were both gainfully employed, and our grandson, whom we were raising, was happy with new friends.

To add to all this, within two months a local church had called me to be a bi-vocational minister of music—even at my "advanced age." And, this has been one of the most rewarding ministries of my life. In fact, I am at this point still ministering to this great church twenty years later. Age? They say, no problem.

"By faith Abraham obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Hebrews 11:8

LONELINESS

In Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “Clippings From My Notebook,” she writes of her loneliness in prison. She and her family were placed in concentration camps in World War Two Holland because of their work helping Jews. She tells of being in a dark cell alone for four months.

One day a beam of sunlight entered her cell. She stood so the beam fell on her face. As the beam moved, she moved, to enjoy it as long as possible. She says that moment she realized her loneliness as never before.

But, she says, God spoke to her through a remembered scripture: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

Loneliness sometimes may be almost unbearable. But join Corrie Ten Boom and countless others in the assurance of God’s never ending presence.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

A PIT SO DEEP

A few nights ago Marion and I watched the movie, “The Hiding Place.” This is the true story of Corrie Ten Boom, who lived in Holland with her family during the Second World War. As Jews were being deported to concentration camps, Corrie and her family hid a large number of them in their home.

The Ten Booms were found out and suffered much for their actions, even being deported themselves. Corrie and her sister, Betsie, ended up in the same women’s camp and, even through great hardships, became encouragers for others.

As the movie ends, the real Corrie Ten Boom quotes her sister’s words, “There is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus Christ is not deeper still.” This is the movie’s message: God does not forsake us in any situation. In fact, he has plans for us to share His love with others whatever the circumstance.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Psalm 130:1. I waited patiently for the LORD, and He . . . heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (KJV)

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