Is Your Head On a Swivel
Friday, March 31, 2023
“The Christian disgraces his profession more often in prosperity than in adversity.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Being a full-time missionary has had its ups and downs. Since Deanna and I “took the plunge” on January 1, 1994, we have been blessed beyond measure to see God’s hand at work in our lives, our family, and our various ministries. By necessity, we have also lived paycheck to paycheck for the past 29 years, never knowing if our monthly salary would be paid on time or if our housing allowance would bounce if we tried to cash it.
As frustrating as that financial uncertainty can be at times, it also has an unforeseen benefit. Simply put, when you have very few financial reserves, you are forced to depend on God for your “daily bread”… and for a host of other expenses, too, such as mortgage and car payments.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change much about that momentous decision to embark on a faith-based ministry career. However, I must admit that there have been times when we looked around at the prosperity our friends and relatives were enjoying and coveted their sense of financial security. Of course, once we remembered to focus on God instead of our circumstances, we soon realized that we were safe and secure in the palm of His Hand.
I guess the lesson we learned – and the message I’d like to convey to my readers today – is that instead of looking back or looking around, we should look up… first, foremost, and always.
“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:28-31 (NKJV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
