January 1, 2018
Today I received 3 unexpected messages from different parts of the world. They have so encouraged me and I hope something here encourages you! As usual, I’m not succinct when writing from my heart, so I’ll divide this into 3 posts: Jan 1, 2, and 3rd! Grab a cup of tea and join me by the fire!
Message 1: God is saying, “Look to Me only for your value, your worth!”
This first message arrived on Messenger from a strong follower of Christ named Kashma, who I gave my travel Bible to in 2014. He wanted an English Bible more than anything else on earth – really! It really spoke to me about how much value He places on God’s Word and I considered how much I value the Word of God. I fail miserably in comparison to his faith.
I don’t know Kashma well – I think I’ve only met him once, but have frequently enjoyed his posts of scripture or words of encouragement on Facebook. He has limited English, lives in a small Maasai village, and lives totally all out for Jesus. Proud to consider him my brother in Christ.
Here is what he took the time to send me today.
“HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018, MY FRIEND IN JESUS CHRIST! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. READ JEREMIAH 1:5-9. THIS MESAGE TO YOU IN 2018. AMEN!”
So, I looked up Jeremiah 1:5-9 and read,
5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb;
I set you apart before you were born.
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
6 But I protested, “Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”
7 Then the Lord said to me:
Do not say, ‘I am only a youth,’
for you will go to everyone I send you to
and speak whatever I tell you.
8 Do not be afraid of anyone,
for I will be with you to rescue you.
This is the Lord’s declaration.9 Then the Lord reached out his hand, touched my mouth, and told me:
I have now filled your mouth with my words.
Wow! That spoke strongly to me. The idea of following Christ and going wherever He sends me doesn’t seem difficult, but something else in this scripture was meant just for me. Find it so tough! I was a bit stunned that Kashma sent this of all the passages in the Bible. I wasn’t sure how to reply and feebly sent a message wishing him a blessed 2018. In my heart I knew God was speaking to me.
Specifically, in the section that begins, “Do not say, ‘I am only…'” where Jeremiah is complaining to the Lord. I have complained to God for several years, more like whining if I’m being honest.
“God, if only xx would stop saying cruel things to me or about me, then I could be more effective for You.”
Truth. I’ve let one person rob me of my joy (often) and it’s silenced me in many ways. For example, I have not posted to this blog for a year and have felt insecure in leadership and in life due to this person. Do you have someone like that in your life? How can a single person’s words be louder than what our Savior says of us? Why do we let them steal our joy?
One of my favorite worship songs (by Hillsong) “In Control” reminds me that the waves will always come, but He will tame them.
I lift my hands to Heaven, here my heart surrendered, I tell my soul again, You are Lord of all! And though the seas are raging, You will speak and tame them. In You I find my rest, You are in control.
Today, God’s message was about my need to look only to Him for my worth and not to anyone else. One person cannot put out the fire in my heart for Christ, nor can 100 or 1,000. I am ineffective only when I stop hearing what God says about me. Maybe that’s true for you, too.
Thank you,brother Kashma, for your faithfulness to Christ and for taking time to remind me that if we are true followers, His words will be the loudest thing we hear each day!
