Human nature has a propensity to forget. Scripture constantly reminds us to remember the power and purpose of God’s word and work.
- Remember WHO we are because of what Jesus did for us – personally. He saves us. He fills us. He empowers us. (Philippians 1:6) What God starts, He finishes.
- Remember WHY we are doing what we are doing at Open Eyes. (The great commission is our commission.)
Men don’t start ministries. In John 3:27, John reminds his disciples:
“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.”
God invites us to participate in ministry by “going and making disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Looking Back
Looking back helps us clarify our focus for the way forward.
Open Eyes was given to us by Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus
Remember WHO God used to start this ministry. He picked a young, wandering, wayward, young man named James. Jesus does not require perfection. He perfects His children. It’s a process, a journey.
James was IN Christ when he went to Africa in 2005. But in Africa James encountered the person of Jesus Christ that changed him for the rest of his life. He met the overwhelming grace of God expressed through God’s people – Sosthen, Simon, Agnes, and many others. Through them:
- Loved flowed
- Grace flowed
- Forgiveness flowed
- Hope flowed
- Patience flowed
- Kindness flowed
- Wisdom flowed
- Holy Spirit life and likeness flowed
The Clarity of Focus
While many would say South Sudan, was a desperate environment, I think James saw it as one of the most beautiful places on earth. He was well acquainted with comfort and ease. James was hardwired by God with an acute tenderness toward those in need. He sought out the overlooked and unappreciated. It is as he lived on the same frequency as others who struggled with inadequacy. From the wellspring of amazing grace, compassion poured from his broken heart into the pain and suffering of others.
God is the God of individuals. Each one, made in His image is of inestimable worth to Him. He leaves the ninety-nine, go get one and Heaven rejoices over the one sinner who repents.
The world has little appreciation for one. But I wonder if the young shepherd David caught God’s attention, because of his careful, watchful, courageous attention to care for everyone in his father’s flock? Jesus said:
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large things.”
Luke 16:10
God’s kingdom built through individuals – one man, one woman, one person at a time. He is personal and seeks individuals. He knows not to rely on the multitudes and so should we.
Moving Forward
Here, my friends is the power of ONE :
- Jesus died for me. One perfect, sinless life, Jesus died in the place of one wretch like me. Thank you, Jesus.
- One man, Simon moved down the bench during devotions at an SP compound in South Sudan to meet one new American kid. Pastor Simon, is the laborer in James’ life I had prayed for. I thank God for Simon.
- One young man, James, called home and said, “Dad we have to help these people.” He wasn’t trying to start a ministry, build a name, or do something important. He just wanted to help people.
- One man, Frank, took his son seriously and partnered with him. Thank you, Frank.
God built WOE on the power of one. God led us one step, one person, one Mobile Messenger, one church plant, one community, one village, & one country at a time. We remember where we started and we are better able to focus on where we are going. We serve one person at a time, making disciples by lifting up the One Name. Jesus: He sets captives free, saves forever, brings healing, peace, hope, and life eternal to a lost and dying world.
Never underestimate the power of one partnering with God to build His kingdom here on earth.