Meeting Needs

I recently sat in on a church meeting to discuss an upcoming mission trip that I was going to be a part of. It was being co-chaired and led by our mission's pastor and a retired pastor that has been involved with the ministry for many years that we were going to support. It was the third such meeting that we had. After the mission's pastor opened the meeting with some brief remarks, he then turned it over to the older pastor to speak. Then it happened. For the third time I heard the words "I don't know" when referring to what activities of support we may be involved in while there in the field.

He then went on to speak of a myriad of topics already covered in previous meetings. Not to mention that this went on for an hour and fifteen minutes. I sat there confused and flustered.

I prayed much about my feelings, including fasting for the following week. I contemplated putting on a strong facade, burying my feelings and canceling my involvement but there was a heavy hand upon me to face the situation.

I was moved to schedule to meet the Mission's pastor at a local coffee shop the next day. I began to unburden myself with my concerns with the meetings and the trips direction. With my contemplating burying the whole thing and pulling out. I was assured that a new direction was needed and that his hope was that I would remain a part of the trip, even with my hesitations. In my obedience my peace, with still some slight reluctance, returned. Christ's dealing with my heart with what I was to be showed was not over.

I began to read the book of Job in my daily devotions. Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? My soul refuses to touch them.

They are as loathsome food to me. (Job 6 vs 6-7) and also My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, Like the streams of the brooks that pass away, Which are dark because of the ice, and into which the snow vanishes. When it is warm, they cease to flow;

When it is hot, they vanish from their place. The paths of their way turn aside; they go nowhere and perish. The caravans of Tema look, The travelers of Sheba hope for them. They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused. (Job 6 vs 15-20) I began to think of the retired pastor that I had become confused and flustered with.

Christ was speaking to my heart that even in obedience to Him, strive to remain palatable and like a refreshing drink of cool water after a long journey. Loving Christ and loving our neighbor is what the law and the prophets hangs upon. Meet people's needs where they are.