Risky Business
After being on the field and living in Guatemala for the past nearly 18 years, I am still surprised at the disappointments I sometimes experience. Even as l work with poor people, my greatest sorrow comes from some Christian believers, the more educated and learned folks. It seems there is that mentality in some that we (missionaries) are “rich”! Ah, so where is my new car? Why am I still riding the bus or walking in the hot sun when I have so much money to ride in an air conditioned car?!?!
This is a risky business because I must remember that we are all God’s creation and as believers we are called to be son’s. What son has not disappointed his father?
Some may think the more obvious disappointments may come from the poor but I learned a lesson well when I was in a Christian camp in MN. with 10 awful ten year old Indian girls way back over 25 years ago. I went there to serve and these girls gave me much grief daily...But God said love them. I tried but one day after a really bad episode ...A pretty little girl reared back and broke wind in my face....I said self righteously, “ This is a Christian camp and I did not come here to be treated like this.” The sweet little thing said and I have never forgotten, “I am not a Christian”. I was expecting something from her she did not know how to give. The story ended well with much patience , resilience and love. We got through the week and my 10 little Indian girls said to me “ You were so kind to us. You didn’t holler and speak mean to us.” That was God’s love.
So in this risky business I have learned to love those who were lost but with those who say they love God and are sons of God I have sometimes walked in disillusionment. How He must grieve over us, his sons and daughters, who are not always walking in the light.
Lord help me to learn this lesson you want me to take hold of. I’m not clear sometimes what it is but I know when I speak out of my flesh even when I feel justified it pricks me. Am I the one who needs to pray more and speak less? I am still learning more about me and more about Him. Every day there is a new revelation and I know that in this risky business there are no guarantees but one...He is here and He is responsible for this ministry and for this life He has called me to and I can rest in that.
