By Rhonda Stinson
Every year I look forward to yard sale season. It’s almost like an adult scavenger hunt. Mom and I had been preparing for at least two weeks to have our own yard sale. After dragging things out of closets, dressers, the barn, the garage and the basement, I was overwhelmed by all of the stuff! I no longer wanted to go to another sale because I had so much of my own belongings to get rid of. It’s quite funny that the more material belongings I have, the more smothered I feel. It’s also easier to become ungrateful for God’s provisions.
A missionary from Ukraine spoke at church last week and made me realize how blessed I am to live in a place where there is freedom of worship, plenty of food, clothing, and shelter, just to name a few blessings. God called this man and his family to an area 30 minutes from Chernobyl.
Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, Daniel and his family were urged by their pastor to evacuate. While in Ukraine, they started missions in several villages where they saw people saved and began discipling and training some to be pastors. These pastors are now leading these missions in Daniel’s absence.
The people in the villages have no running water, indoor plumbing, or electricity. Most get around on horse and buggy. When Covid hit, the store shelves were empty in no time. The village people had no food, so various churches sent supplies to help these people. The church attendees bagged up these items to be passed out to anyone who showed up. Every time resources were going to be given out, people would begin lining up three hours in advance! Masses of people stood in line for hours. Every bag contained a gospel message explaining sin, life, death, and salvation. God not only gave them bodily nourishment; He showed them how to receive living water and bread of life!
I can’t even imagine living somewhere that is being attacked and overtaken. I can’t imagine sitting in church while hearing bombs explode down the street. Daniel and other men led many evacuations of women and children. They evacuated at night and had to be very cautious because the three mile stretch of forest was mined. Lines with grenades attached were also set up.
When God called Abraham to leave his home and go to an unknown country, Abraham went. He didn’t know if he’d have shelter, food, or security, but he did know his God. He knew God would supply his needs and lead him all the way. “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” “So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him” (Genesis 12:1, 4).
It is easy to become complacent and unthankful about what God has supplied because most of us have never been in a place of true want. Every want and every need is at our disposal. We have so much that we become excessively full. Let’s examine everything we have physically, emotionally and spiritually and begin the process of loss and gain. Lose those things that are tying us down to this world and gain those things which are spiritual!
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:13, 14).
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalms 107:9).
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.” (Psalms 69:30).
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