OR THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND EVENTS THAT BECOME THE THREAD OF GOD ACCOMPLISHED PLANS IN THE “TRUE TO HIS PURPOSE” LIFE OF HIS CHILDREN
The other day I was reading in a children´s book the turning of a chrysalis into a butterfly, and its inner struggle in trying to rip open and break away from the cocoon layers so its beautiful colored wings could take her fluttering away. It was mentioned how well intentioned hands by breaking open the cocoon irremediably condem the chrysalis to become a “maimed to be butterfly” that could not mature into such a beautiful freely flying creature of God.
Same could be said of so many newborns or growing in adversity creatures of God, thirsting to receive a soothing caress or a helping hand to take them off their apparently insurmountable plies.
The other day I was reading in a children´s book the turning of a chrysalis into a butterfly, and its inner struggle in trying to rip open and break away from the cocoon layers so its beautiful colored wings could take her fluttering away. It was mentioned how well intentioned hands by breaking open the cocoon irremediably condem the chrysalis to become a “maimed to be butterfly” that could not mature into such a beautiful freely flying creature of God.
Same could be said of so many newborns or growing in adversity creatures of God, thirsting to receive a soothing caress or a helping hand to take them off their apparently insurmountable plies.
On the other side there are extremely appealing readymade successes that lift up the spirit with almost instant gratification when you see an slight change in the hurting eyes of the ailing, the dispossessed and the beggarish.
There are different calls and deeds and actions, suited to the spiritual understanding of the called, the doers and the acting. All types are necessary for the threading and weaving of the fabric of God´s Kingdom. It depends on the spirit and the skills of the threaders and the weavers, the servants of the Lord. It depends on our inner fabric and personality.
Some are destined to light up the skies as firecrackers, comets and passing stars. Some are to serenely shine as a moon through its subsequent stages and passing over the darkened souls. Some are to warm and even sometimes scorch the earth while giving out and distributing over the light that make life sprout. Some are called to fill the stage with their astounding feats and sonorously resounding voices and actions, but in my book, the most important of all are those like us who ready up the stage for them at the same time that we care and nurture our children who could probably become, in the future, part of the limeligh actors and doers of the wonderful deeds of mercies for the masses.
Our ministry, the one that the Lord has placed us for the time he plans us to be his instruments in His influencing the lives of those around us… Our ministry, the Arms of Love ministry, is placed in a very particular and very unique place in the Kingdom. Our president and founder, very recently reemphasized that we, being a custodial care ministry dedicated to the extremely hurt few, at the same time has become a linking factor between those groups focused on the healing and the soothing of the many as well as for the christian leadership promotion in the adults gathered under the spiritual covering of our ministry.
They, churches, leaders and followers, come to us as groups on their way to the masses, but then, by the grace of God and our humble subservience to His guidance, in its best interpretation (subordination not servility nor opportunism) they come out as individuals committed to a “one at a time” and “one by one discipleship” of the few by way of their prayer, sympathy, personal attachment or support.
This is the only way to really make the difference in someone´s life. I remember the story of a rural pastor, humble and secluded in an isolated place on this earth who faithfully preached by word and example to a very few but especially to one nondescript person. I remember it was said that he died without never seeing a firecracker in the sky, but his nondescript disciple became one of the greatest revival evangelist of his time. That pastor understood what Ecclesiastes describes as a time for everything, which in its broader context describes the necessity to understand that everything becomes what it becomes through a patient and many times a seemingly obscure, tiresome and unglamorous process.
I relate this concept to the undeniable fact of sprouting up and increasingly maturing life “being an unceasing but not hasty step by step process”, each one of them bringing up with it its particular and specific challenges. If we want the best for any child or individual in our circle of christian oriented service we must be acutely aware of everything that could affect their life long term and not just at the precise moment they cross our paths or become subjects or our plans or visions.
We must be aware that for some are the limelight and the glory and for others the setting up the stage for those called to light it up with their astounding feats and resounding voices and glamorous regards and recognition. But let all of us beware of Mathew 7:21-23 so we serve the Lord as He wants us to serve.
This starting year and after more than 5 years of dedication we see it with such an awesome clarity that brings joy to the spirits of all who have been involved with us in a fraternal effort to bring the “children in our care” to their destiny and place in God´s Kingdom.
Not all succeed. Some have walked away. Probably some more will in their haste for freedom and independence. If, after trying our best to guide them so they can have a safe and protected future where their flying out can be strong and forcefully, they decided otherwise in their hurry to enjoy that independence or reunion with their own flesh and blood, we trust the Lord will make a way for them. As in Luke 15:4-7 He will send His angels to satiate their thirst and protect them as they did with Agar and Ishmael.
If they listen to His voice, not any other interested voice (Luke 15:14-15) because of need, as in Luke 15:17 to 24 we will be there for them if they decide to submit better to our loving restrain as prodigal sons but sons above all worldly considerations. Because they would have proven in themselves that life is more than just a process. Life is a winding path from eternity to eternity.
There are different calls and deeds and actions, suited to the spiritual understanding of the called, the doers and the acting. All types are necessary for the threading and weaving of the fabric of God´s Kingdom. It depends on the spirit and the skills of the threaders and the weavers, the servants of the Lord. It depends on our inner fabric and personality.
Some are destined to light up the skies as firecrackers, comets and passing stars. Some are to serenely shine as a moon through its subsequent stages and passing over the darkened souls. Some are to warm and even sometimes scorch the earth while giving out and distributing over the light that make life sprout. Some are called to fill the stage with their astounding feats and sonorously resounding voices and actions, but in my book, the most important of all are those like us who ready up the stage for them at the same time that we care and nurture our children who could probably become, in the future, part of the limeligh actors and doers of the wonderful deeds of mercies for the masses.
Our ministry, the one that the Lord has placed us for the time he plans us to be his instruments in His influencing the lives of those around us… Our ministry, the Arms of Love ministry, is placed in a very particular and very unique place in the Kingdom. Our president and founder, very recently reemphasized that we, being a custodial care ministry dedicated to the extremely hurt few, at the same time has become a linking factor between those groups focused on the healing and the soothing of the many as well as for the christian leadership promotion in the adults gathered under the spiritual covering of our ministry.
They, churches, leaders and followers, come to us as groups on their way to the masses, but then, by the grace of God and our humble subservience to His guidance, in its best interpretation (subordination not servility nor opportunism) they come out as individuals committed to a “one at a time” and “one by one discipleship” of the few by way of their prayer, sympathy, personal attachment or support.
This is the only way to really make the difference in someone´s life. I remember the story of a rural pastor, humble and secluded in an isolated place on this earth who faithfully preached by word and example to a very few but especially to one nondescript person. I remember it was said that he died without never seeing a firecracker in the sky, but his nondescript disciple became one of the greatest revival evangelist of his time. That pastor understood what Ecclesiastes describes as a time for everything, which in its broader context describes the necessity to understand that everything becomes what it becomes through a patient and many times a seemingly obscure, tiresome and unglamorous process.
I relate this concept to the undeniable fact of sprouting up and increasingly maturing life “being an unceasing but not hasty step by step process”, each one of them bringing up with it its particular and specific challenges. If we want the best for any child or individual in our circle of christian oriented service we must be acutely aware of everything that could affect their life long term and not just at the precise moment they cross our paths or become subjects or our plans or visions.
We must be aware that for some are the limelight and the glory and for others the setting up the stage for those called to light it up with their astounding feats and resounding voices and glamorous regards and recognition. But let all of us beware of Mathew 7:21-23 so we serve the Lord as He wants us to serve.
This starting year and after more than 5 years of dedication we see it with such an awesome clarity that brings joy to the spirits of all who have been involved with us in a fraternal effort to bring the “children in our care” to their destiny and place in God´s Kingdom.
Not all succeed. Some have walked away. Probably some more will in their haste for freedom and independence. If, after trying our best to guide them so they can have a safe and protected future where their flying out can be strong and forcefully, they decided otherwise in their hurry to enjoy that independence or reunion with their own flesh and blood, we trust the Lord will make a way for them. As in Luke 15:4-7 He will send His angels to satiate their thirst and protect them as they did with Agar and Ishmael.
If they listen to His voice, not any other interested voice (Luke 15:14-15) because of need, as in Luke 15:17 to 24 we will be there for them if they decide to submit better to our loving restrain as prodigal sons but sons above all worldly considerations. Because they would have proven in themselves that life is more than just a process. Life is a winding path from eternity to eternity.
The rest, despite temptations and luring ghosts lurking along their paths, keep on growing up busily working as bees at their own pace under the shadows of the merciful tree the Lord has ordered all of us to become. In our case, two are actively engaging in their starting college studies, having earned scholarships besides our and other sponsors’ direct support. Several are striving to become college student candidates. Others are trying their best to find their way to technical trade skillshood. And the younger ones? They are happily starting to walk through the stages from infancy to adulthood…
Cared for by our dedicated staff people that presently include even a young girl who served with us until she got married and now is back with us serving again the children she served before as a single girl, but now alongside her husband and her first born child.
And the latest blessing, the sample of how a little child can bring joy to us through her happiness and early dedication to the usually dreary chores of life she has already witnessed, such as washing her own clothes as she probably saw her mother and relatives do in the midst of the mountains where she lived until she came to the warmth of our home. It will be an emotive and emotional day when she leaves our home to join the other little ones in Jinotepe. Believe us… we are sorely tempted to keep her with us to lighten up our elderly days. Truly, Truly! There is no better lifting up of your spirit despite the dreary at times passing of the days!
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