Yesterday, God answered a question that I had asked in a moment of
discouragement over 42 years ago — and I was blessed beyond words!
A friend and I had taken Bibles with us into Russia, even though it involved
considerable danger, because doing so was strictly prohibited at that time. The
Lord led us through several obstacles to a tiny church where we gave them to the
overjoyed pastors.
I vividly recall watching in horror as they began to tear out page after page
and place them in piles. On noticing my expression, they quickly explained that
these would be distributed to the members of their congregation, who would copy
out each page and then pass them along for others to copy. In such a way, the
Word of God was spread among the believers who were so hungry for His Word.
As we left that church, teenagers crowded around me with tears streaming down
their faces, crying words that would haunt me for many years. "Young people
never get Bibles — only old people." I remember the feeling of futility that
engulfed me. What was the point of it all? It had taken a lot of planning and a
high degree of risk, and for what? What were so few Bibles among so many?
Yesterday, as I shared this story with a group of ladies in a seniors'
residence, the Lord gave me my answer with reference to the miracle of feeding
the hungry crowd that had gathered in the wilderness to listen to Jesus. When
the disciples suggested that they be sent away to get something to eat before
they fainted from hunger, Jesus replied, "You give them something to eat." (Luke
9:13 NIV)
John 6:8-9 – Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five
small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
(NIV)
Luke 9:16-17 – Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven,
[Jesus] gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set
before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up
twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (NIV)
Suddenly a light went on. When the pages were torn from those few Bibles and
their words were copied over and over again, their message was multiplied, just
as the loaves and fishes had been, and many thousands would eventually be fed.
My part was in simply being obedient to His direction to take the Bibles to the
pastors in Russia (my five loaves and two fish).
As for my question, "What were so few Bibles among so many?" One day, I shall
know, when I meet the untold number of recipients who were fed by these precious
words of the gospel. In the meantime, my heart can rejoice.
I'm sure that we all have days when we wonder exactly what effect all our
efforts and dedication will have in glorifying God or extending His kingdom.
Such days can be discouraging, and when months or years go by, and we see no
concrete results, we may even be tempted to give up. Next time this happens to
you, think back on this account. Hopefully you will see, as I did, when our all
is in the Master's hands for Him to bless and break, miracles will happen.
Prayer: Father of understanding and compassion, we are so grateful that You know
us inside out. Be with us when doubts and questions assail us. Lift our failing
spirits, and give us Your encouraging smile, so that we will keep on keeping on,
until that day when we will hear Your loving words, "Well done, good and
faithful servant." Amen.
Sharon Greer Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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