We are taught many lessons in life by our parents. One of the lessons I learned as a young child by my mother was "Do as you are told." It was a tough lesson for me to learn and many times I questioned the wisdom of my parents as I was admonished to "do as you are told." Many times I could not see the wisdom in the instruction of my father and I would rebel and sometimes refuse. When I refused to follow instructions to "clean my room," "take out the trash," "get ready to go to church," usually there were consequences to be paid; sometimes a belt and pain were the result of disobeying my parents.
As we work with people in poverty it has become clear that many whom we work have never had the discipline of a parent. Many who come to us for help have never learned through trial and error with instruction from parents how to make that decision. Thus, they find themselves victims of poor decisions. Unfortunately, the discipline is not there and now those who have not learned about discipline are themselves parenting. And they come to us for assistance. It is our job today to teach and help those who desire our help. Help them to catch up to lessons that many of us learned as five-year olds.
In my study of the Holy Scriptures this week, the Lord spoke to me about our work together at Union Mission. Yesterday as I read three scriptures the following message came forth like a command from God: "Do as you are told."
§ Joshua 2:1-21; Rahab was a prostitute who found her family in danger. She realized that helping some spies escape would provide a better life for she and her family. If she would follow their instruction their lives would be spared in the coming assault on her homeland. If she would but follow simple instructions to hang a red colored rope out the window at a certain time giving a signal to her new found friends, secondly to keep her entire family inside the dwelling, they would not perish. Simple instructions that took a bit of courage. It worked and she and her family's lives were spared.
§ Luke 10:17-24; 70 people were sent out by Christ to heal, teach, and give witness to the power of God. They were commanded in this scripture to do certain things, like "eat what you are served, " "be polite to those you visit, " "don't waste your time where you are not welcomed" as they went about healing the sick and preaching God's message for the time they were assigned. They did exactly as they were told and all went well for them and everything succeeded.
§ Ezekiel 37:1-14; Ezekiel was commanded by the Lord to preach to bones out in the desert. No skin on these carcasses; just bones. Ezekiel did as the Lord commanded and these bones became alive beings again. Ezekiel did as he was told.
I believe that God is giving me a message for our work together helping those who cannot help themselves. I also believe He is giving us a message concerning the challenges we are experiencing during these days as we work for Him in this ministry. "Do As You Are Told."
It is hard to move on faith, without any proof that what you are doing will be successful. It is something I have spent the better part of my life exploring and have seen successful conclusions every time I have exercised that faith in God. Someone has defined faith as "Stepping to the edge and then taking one more step." It is never comfortable but once we have experienced it we are reminded of who is actually in charge. God never fails; especially when we are about His business.
Only at Union Mission have I experienced this more often than any other place I have served. There are reasons why I didn't experience it in the churches I served, as often. and that would be for another discussion at another time. The reason I have experienced God's provision, basically everyday, is because I believe this is a God-called and God-centered ministry committed to serving the poor and needy of the region of the Roanoke Valley. We are doing God's work here! It is His work and we are His hands and feet to the hurting people who come through our doors.
So what is God telling us? And what should we do?
1. Pray - We cannot do what we are told unless we pray.
2. Listen - Don't move ahead of God with our action.
3. Act - only when we are all in agreement as we pray and listen to what God wants us to do.
Example: We all agree that meeting the needs of women and children in the Roanoke Valley is a calling of God upon our work at Union Mission. We have been meeting together for prayer each week for several weeks now and that is being confirmed. Soon we will approve the concept and continue to listen.
Isn't it interesting, that since we have been praying, Faith House has resurfaced as a concern on our hearts and the leadership of Faith House has once again enlisted our help? We agreed a year ago to help Faith House. Now the timing is right and we are acting upon what God is telling us. Praying, Listening, and Acting.
I am thinking we are on the verge of something outstanding in our 61 years of ministry. Something that will take us to the next level. I am thinking of the Brickell Family Life Center, and I am thinking about our languishing finances. The answer is simple to me: "Do as you are told (by God)," Act only when God instructs.
This has become my basic management style. Is it easy? A resounding NO I say to you. I am learning to "wait upon the Lord....How Blessed are they who wait upon Him." Most of the time I am secure and most of the time I believe what I have just written to you. My goal is to move to total rest in what He commands me and us to do. Only until I reach Heaven will I achieve perfection in waiting and resting in Him.
Like a child risking disobedience, I learn from my Heavenly Father. I am growing in my faith in Him and life is much less stressful than before.
-LaCount Anderson
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