"For God did not give us a
spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do
not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . ." (2 Tim 1:7-8 NIV)
Rising above adversity is humanly impossible, unless
we have our eyes fixed on the One who sustains us. Today we will discover three
individuals who are just like you and me. However they never let adversity stand
in the way of them serving God, and because of this, each time adversity hits
them, they rise above the circumstances. They can boldly declare: "Those who
hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isa 40:31
NIV)
First of all I would like to introduce to you Beryl,
from India, who is our prayer coordinator at Answers2Prayer. As with many of our
volunteers, her focus is on Jesus. She was going to be away for 2 weeks, and I
offered to do her part of the ministry for these two weeks. Her answer was
simple and to the point: "I have no problem taking care of the ministry because
this is the only way I can give some time for God and I love to do this. I have
seen God's blessing in my life and my family's life by giving time to the living
God."
She is one of those who shines, Shines, SHINES. All
because her priority is to serve God no matter what happens in life.
Another of our volunteers Sammy, from Kenya is one of
our Associate Directors in Bible Studies. At times he receives more than ten
bible questions per day. Answering these questions takes time from his busy
schedule, but here is his take on this: "Rob, I literally thrive on these
questions! Let them come . . ."
He is another one of those who shines, Shines, SHINES
the glory of the Lord.
One of our subscribers, Joyce from the United States,
went through tremulous times. Her very son was dying from colon cancer, and at
age of 32, he succumbed. But before his death, he experienced Jesus in all of
his glory, and he died with a smile on his face. How hard it is to lose a loved
one, even though we know they are in a much better place, with the best company
ever!
A couple of weeks after the funeral, Joyce, wrote me
the following note:
"Just a while ago I went to the shop at a local
business. I know all the ladies there quite well as I have shopped there since
our move to this town over 4 years now almost 5.
"Anyway, the manager's father had been going through
cancer as well, only to find out that he passed away two weeks ago. I felt in my
spirit that she and her mom are having a really difficult time, so I knew to
simply listen.
"I have found already three people in this town that
have lost love ones. They offer their condolences about Kenny and then proceed
to talk nonstop about their own sorrow. God is showing me to be that listening
ear they desperately need.
"An employee came to me moments later and apologized
for her nonstop talking about her dad when Kenny had passed away recently as
well. I reassured her that it was fine, as I knew to listen. It is the faith
that we have in Jesus Christ that makes the difference. The faith is one of a
relationship, not merely attending worship and doing good deeds.
"So it is Rob already God is showing me amazing
opportunities for Kenny's departure to make a difference.
"Yesterday I received an e-mail from an Alive Hospice
volunteer who I grew very close to while Kenny was a patient. She shared the
difference our family had made upon the families there as well as the employees.
Her message blessed our hearts knowing that our faith had been shared in such
ways that God had been glorified. The MAIN DESIRE and Passion of Kenny's heart
throughout his entire journey was that God be glorified. That same statement
described ours as well."
Praise God for Joyce! She also shines, Shines, SHINES,
and its God's love that is reflected in her life.
We could have introduced many others who let God shine
through them, but what is of more importance to you is for you to ask yourself:
Do I let God shine through me, no matter my circumstances?
It sure is a beautiful day today, even though the
storms on the horizon seem quite threatening. It doesn't matter, for all we have
to do is climb up the ladder of faith to where the Son always shines!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.