There are times in life when the LORD reminds us that His work has never depended upon our strength, our ability, or our plans. It has always depended upon His power.
For the past several months, my blog has been averaging around 2,000 views each day. Over the last few days, however, that number dropped to around 1,300. Like many writers and ministers, I have often wondered how I might reach more people with the message of Jesus Christ. My desire has never been popularity or recognition. My prayer has simply been that the Gospel would reach one more soul, encourage one more weary believer, and point one more person to the saving grace of our Lord.
Then yesterday something happened that left me speechless.
The blog received 104,368 views in a single day.
When I saw the number, I could hardly believe my eyes. I checked it again because I thought there must have been some mistake. Yet there it was.
All I could do was bow my head and thank the LORD.
Over the years, I have learned that God often works when we least expect Him. His ways are not our ways, and His timing is always perfect.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." — Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
This was a reminder to me that the Gospel still has power. The Word of God still reaches hearts. The Holy Spirit is still drawing people to Christ. We may plant the seed, and another may water it, but it is God who gives the increase.
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." — 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)
I want to express my sincere thanks to every person who has taken the time to read these articles. Many of you have faithfully returned day after day, offering words of encouragement, praying for this ministry, and sharing these messages with your family and friends.
Thank you.
You may never know what your simple act of sharing a message has meant to someone searching for hope. A single article can reach a discouraged Christian, answer the question of a seeker, comfort someone walking through sorrow, or point a lost soul to the cross of Jesus Christ.
If even one person comes to know Christ as Savior because a message was shared, every hour spent studying, writing, and praying has been worthwhile.
That has always been my heart's desire.
As many of you know, after many years in the ministry, I am preparing for retirement from the pastorate. Yet I believe the LORD is opening another door through writing. Age may slow these old legs, but it cannot stop the Word of God.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." — Romans 10:17 (KJV)
My prayer continues to be simple.
I pray that every Christian who reads these articles will be strengthened in their faith, challenged to walk closer with the Lord, and encouraged to remain faithful until Jesus comes.
I also pray for those who may have stumbled across these writings without knowing Christ. If that is you, I want you to know there is hope. Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. No life is too broken. No sin is too great. His mercy is still available today.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." — Romans 10:13 (KJV)
If these messages have been a blessing to you, I ask only one favor.
Please continue to share them.
You never know whose life may be changed because you took a moment to pass along the message of God's love.
I stand amazed at the faithfulness of the LORD.
He has never failed me.
He has never forsaken me.
And once again, He has reminded this old country preacher that when we faithfully sow the seed, He is able to do far more than we could ever imagine.
May all the glory be given to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing. Most of all, thank you for helping carry the Gospel to a world that desperately needs the Light of Christ.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." — Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
To God be all the glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment