The monks of Diksmijde, Belgium were well known in their
region. When one passed away, you would expect that there would be sadness. The
beggars of the region, however, would rejoice at such occasions, because for the
next thirty days, the deceased’s meal would be given to them!
"Looking at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is
the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20, NIV2)
Those of us who live in countries where abundance is the norm have a hard time
realizing just what those who truly have nothing must face every day. When
adversity hits, we tend to seclude ourselves from others, and we are inclined to
abandon reaching out to others through the ministry God has bestowed upon us.
When we hurt, we can’t deal with others who are hurting!
Those who truly have nothing, however, including those who are spiritually poor,
tend to have an attitude of dependency and expectation. They do not have a
backup plan. They can only rely completely on God!
"But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help
and my deliverer; LORD, do not delay." (Psalms 70:5, NIV2)
As a result, they are geared to experience God fully, to enjoy His presence in
the midst of their trials.
What does one do when cancer has invaded the body? Most tend to become
depressed, even fearful. Someone I know, however, faced this ailment with
anticipation, for she knew God would be there for her. Her doctor advised her to
cut down in her responsibilities, and especially her online ministry. It’s quite
human to conclude that ministering to others is less important than taking care
of ourselves!
She did cut down on her responsibilities, but she clung to ministry, for this
was one thing she was doing for God, the One who was sustaining her. Instead of
terror, she faced peace during her “ordeal”, and she experienced God more
vividly than ever before in her life. He is, after all, her Best Friend.
May we all live expectantly. When we do, we will experience God more fully in
our lives.
Circumstances are nothing but opportunities to see Him at work. May we live the
way Jesus instructed His disciples to live: With the attitude of expecting the
impossible, the attitude that we see among those who truly have nothing. And may
we never forget to help those in need, no matter how dire our situation.
Can I have some money?
I will do better than that. I will give you a meal fit for a king.
Rob Chaffart
Receive our free newsletters
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
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
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.