Lost Causes?

 We got a thought-provoking newsletter the other day from some dear friends we worked alongside for many years in JAPAN.

They are of a more 'reformed, Calvinistic nature' than us crazy "free will" Baptists and we had some interesting and challenging repartee with them over the years. Somehow we've remained good friends, as do some of our children and theirs.  

So it was a surprise in this letter, to hear them asking for prayers for all the people they've invested so much time and effort into and who have not turned their hearts towards Christ ...... even so much as to be polite.    While reading it, I began to mourn for our own "lost causes" and believe me, there are many. We invested SO MUCH into them, and especially our own hopes and dreams, but somehow they chose to float away.  

And then I thought of how Jesus must have felt.  The Scriptures refer to Him many times as a "Man of Sorrows".  He, being God, probably not only grieved, but remembers each and every one who said, "Thanks but no thanks" to Him.  Some of these moments are even documented, like the rich young ruler".  

But as I was ruminating on this, Corinthians 3:5-9 came to mind:  

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”


Back in 1978,when we, all fresh faced and energetic, were sent out by our mission, to our mission, with trumpets blaring and flags furled, we (or at least I ) expected to 'save the world' in just hours if not days.  Looking back, I don't remember the word 'Abide' being taught, just words like 'conquer, revival, and succeed'.  

But Jesus, who must have had ALL the power to convert and succeed, gave us free will and we always have had the permission to walk away.  How that must hurt Him.

Each and every one of you must have 'lost causes' that you just keep praying about.  God DOES save.  We must be faithful, whether we believe in free will or predestination, we are to be SERVANTS and do what we do, without complaining and looking for success.  

Isn't God kind and patient with us?

Marsha



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