On Little Yellow Flower! (11.04.05--Faith That Flies!--John 6:18-19)
Now is the time of year when most of the flowers in my wife’s flower beds have wilted and sagged. The frost has struck more than once, making even the hardier mums droop a bit. The time of blossoming has passed for most of the plants here at Beech Springs. The leaves lay thickly over stem and bulb. The autumn sleep had begun.
Yet, as I took to my walk this morning, a bit of unexpected color caught my eye. One little, yellow flower had poked a blossom up above the leaves. Seemingly, its expectations were different from the rest of the plants nearby. Exhibiting a faith that the sun would be there when it poked through, it was determined to blossom that day no matter what.
For a Christian, it is no different. If by faith we expect God to act on our behalf, we can be assured that He will! A story from the life of missionaries Robert and Mary Moffat illustrates this truth. For 10 years this couple labored faithfully in Bechuanaland without one ray of encouragement to brighten their way. They could not report a single convert. Finally the directors of their mission board began to question the wisdom of continuing the work. The thought of leaving their post, however, brought great grief to this devoted couple, for they felt sure that God was in their labors, and that they would see people turn to Christ in due season. They stayed; and for a year or two longer, darkness reigned. Then one day a friend in England sent word to the Moffats that she wanted to mail them a gift and asked what they would like. Trusting that in time the Lord would bless their work, Mrs. Moffat replied, “Send us a communion set; I am sure it will soon be needed.” God honored that dear woman’s faith. The Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the villagers, and soon a little group of six converts was united to form the first Christian church in that land. The communion set from England was delayed in the mail; but on the very day before the first commemoration of the Lord’s super in Bechuanaland, the set arrived. (Unknown.)
When we live
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