It’s a Twister!

That iconic, classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” yielded more than its fair share of memorable quotes. See if you can remember who said these and why*.

“Unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?”
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
“I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.”
“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! ”
“I don’t know… But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking… don’t they?”
“…there’s no place like home! ”
“It’s a twister. It’s a twister.”

Trisha recently used that last quote to describe the many challenges, opportunities, and constant changes that we face as we continue in full-time ministry. Often, life’s events and situations swirl around us, kicking up dirt and debris that make it difficult to know what direction to take or where to put our feet for the next step.

Yet, God is our shelter in the storm. He hides us in the cleft of His hand, protecting us from destruction. We might get scratched. We might lose some possessions and maybe some relationships. Nonetheless we are protected and kept toward the work that He has in store for us.

God is also the lighthouse, drawing us into safe harbor where we can get about His business and deepen our relationship with Him.

No “twisters” are surprising to God. No matter how violent or unexpected in human terms, He raises His mighty hand and says, “Peace, be still.

 

*To check your answers at IMDB.COM (click here).

Things turn out best…

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” – Art Linkletter

Mission work is full of surprises, unexpected situations and challenging obstacles.  Yet, the result is always predictable when God is glorified and the gospel is clearly and directly presented.  God has His way with both the missionary and those touched by the missionary.  Below are some lessons that must be learned and re-learned when serving the Almighty God.

-Learn to be led by the One we are serving and adapt our priorities to meet His
-Learn how to cheerfully change your plans when unexpected conditions require it
-Do not be discouraged when faced with unexpected challenges.  God has already prepared a way to overcome them in a way that will glorify Him

God said, 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. (Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV)

Missions is about following God’s lead and trusting Him with the result.

Finders Keepers. Losers weepers.

This old children’s adage has amazing application to the human condition.  Those who find (receive) Christ keep their life forever.  Those who do not receive Christ are eternally lost (losers).  The Bible is clear.  John 3:18 says:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18 NIV)

Missions is about telling people how to enter into relationship with Jesus Christ.  The cool thing about the gospel is that Jesus is looking for the “weepers” so that He can turn them into “keepers”.  What a joy it is to be part of that process.