AUGUST 13 – Taste and See

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” - James 1:2. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” - James 1:12.

Robert had cerebral palsy. The disease kept him from riding a bike, or going for a walk. But it didn’t keep him from graduating from high school or attending university. Having cerebral palsy didn’t keep him from teaching at a Junior College or from venturing overseas on five mission trips. And Robert’s disease didn’t prevent him from becoming a missionary in Portugal.

He moved to Lisbon, alone. He rented a room, found a restaurant owner who fed him after the rush hour and a tutor who instructed him in the language. And daily in the park, he passed out booklets about Christ. Within six years he led seventy people to the Lord. I heard Robert speak. He could’ve asked for sympathy or pity. He did just the opposite. A Bible in his lap, he held his bent hand up in the air and boasted, “I have everything I need for joy.” So do we.

From The Applause of Heaven

Where are you, spiritually?” content to stay within small, self-imposed boundaries, afraid to go beyond? Or willing to step into the unknown, go with God, and discover what He has in store?

“What are you, asking of God?” Robert asked big things and received them – humility, love, faith, hope and passion – big blessings, big opportunities in ministry, the desire to be used up for God's purposes. He went from being a disadvantaged victim living in painful circumstances, to becoming a victor. He willingly placed his trust in a big God.

Whether we like it or not, most of us, like Robert, are born with a disadvantage. Question is, do we let that disqualify us from winning souls, or will we like Robert, trust God? Don't look at the 'what ifs' or 'whys', they'll cause you to stumble. God gives the call, and He'll provide the means to carry out the task.

Are you content to let the disadvantages of life disqualify you?

Music today is Steve Angrisano singing “Taste and See.” To listen, click on the image to the right.