A Call to Anguish

The past couple weeks, I have been challenged by this video. It's an excerpt from a sermon by David Wilkerson, the founder of Teen Challenge and author of The Cross and the Switchblade.

 



As I look on Christians who had a powerful impact throughout history, I see that they have all anguished over something. Here are just a few examples:

• Hudson Taylor- he spent countless hours wrestling in prayer for the people of China. Even through trials and doors that continued to close, he refused to stop until the way was paved to preach the Gospel to inland China.
• William Wilberforce- he anguished over slaves and would not rest until he saw them freed. He fought and he prayed, and he was able to see the Slavery Abolition Act of 1883 promised to come into effect just 3 days before he died.
• Nehemiah- Nehemiah had a burden on his heart to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He defied all the opposition from enemies in Judah and rebuilt the wall in 52 days.
• Paul- Paul anguished over those who didn't know Christ. In Philippians 3:18, he wrote, "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ." Paul spent countless hours praying and preaching, even if that brought persecution and suffering, so that others would know Christ.

Not to mention Jackie Pullinger, Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward, George Muller, and countless others. Over and over again God has used ordinary people, put a specific burden on their heart, and done amazing things through them and through the power of prayer.

All of this has made me wonder, what do I anguish over? Do I anguish over the things that breaks God's heart? Is it simply concern... a passing, fleeting feeling, or is it anguish... something that drives me to my knees in prayer time and time again? I want my heart to break for what breaks God's heart, to wrestle in prayer for those things, and to rest in the peace of knowing that God will accomplish His purposes.

Food for thought.

Highlights of the week:

• On my run the other night, I saw a couple boys playing soccer on the street, and I couldn't resist. I asked if I could play. So fun! Pretty soon, about 25 of the village kids just came out of the woodworks to play and laugh at the "mzungu" playing soccer. (for some reason, the kids always laugh at the way I run! I don't know why, but they think it's really funny.)

• One of my students the other day told me that my class was his favorite because he felt safe and comfortable in my class. Classroom environment goal=accomplished.
• Guess what I found at the grocery store?? A DR. PEPPER. Reunited at last. It was $4 for the can, but I savored every cent of it... totally worth it in my book.

• Every week, I get an entire pineapple for a total of 65 cents. Love being in a tropical country!
• It's the beginning of rainy season here in Rwanda. Sometimes, the rain gets a little old, but a mini dance session in the rain always makes it better :)

You can't really tell here, but it really was poring.

• A part of my daily life is riding on the motos. You can't help but love life every time you're on one.

• While I heard there were some snow flurries in some parts of Minnesota, I spent some time reading the Word and lesson planning poolside. Perks of living near the equator!

Tomorrow, I will go to Pastor Esron's church! I'm so excited to meet this pastor and his wife as I've heard much about them from the people at Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church. More updates on that to come...

I hope you have a wonderful week. God bless!