inspiring faith

September 15, 2004

It happened once at the post office and once in the parking lot of a local strip mall. This time it happened in the candy aisle of the drugstore at 11 pm. I’m talking about seeing the same casual acquaintance in the most random places around town.

Despite not knowing each other well, my overseas experience as a kid and her ministry has led to a common interest: missions. It’s this topic that inevitably comes up when we run into each other.

For the last several years, my friend has single-handedly run a ministry targeting international students in our area, teaching them English, building relationships and sharing the Gospel. It hasn’t been an easy program to keep going. Recruiting people to help her has often been like “pulling teeth.” In particular, she’s had a hard time finding others to train as leaders. But something happened this summer that changed all that: She got cancer and has a 50% chance of survival.

As I listened to her story–how people are getting saved and how she now has not one but four people eager and willing to lead, I was amazed at her faith and her peace about the future. One comment she made has stuck with me. She said something like this: “I didn’t think it would be in my weakness that God would come through so strongly.” And isn’t that they way it is. When we’re open to Him having full control of our lives, we will be amazed at how and when He works.

Obviously my friend doesn’t like having cancer, but it seems clear it has catapulted her to a new level in ministry and God’s grace is sustaining her as she needs. It was so inspiring to see real faith in action. I pray I can have the same attitude…come what may.

Category: Deep Thoughts, Lead

Comments

One Response to “inspiring faith”

  1. ANGIE
    May 18th, 2006 @ 6:02 am

    I am so inspired by this article. I hwas diagnosed with lupus 6 months ago ,and since then my ministry has taken on a new level. It’s amazing how God puts your real faith into action when crisi arise in your life.

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