I've canvassed three streets already with an acceptable reaction from the people...for my first three hours of actual canvassing, at least. Though, I do have little to go off of....
So who am I to judge?
The whole while, I'm praying for divine appointments... Squashing thoughts of discouragement on every square of sidewalk with whispers that begin with "Heavenly Father please...", and reviving my smile over and again. Luckily, that last bit comes most naturally.
Have you ever noticed the sidewalks are narrower where few are welcome and the doorbell is broken where the heart is hidden away? We have. Our bags are heavy, though, not so much as we are just starting out. We've been told they'll bulk up along with our people reading skills.
After a divine appointment, and I know it was so, trust me, I prayed with the woman and she willingly with me, but then proceeded to warn me harshly about the next house.
"Skip it. He is incessantly mean and you'll get no response other than that." (This was after she had taken one of the harder books to canvas to strangers: The Great Controversy; it was also after she had told me not to be discouraged by any door). Ironic, I know.
Her warning was most interesting to me because I had already had a bad feeling upon my first glance at the house, the owner(s) playing basketball loudly in the drive. I thought about skipping it. I did. I even walked just shy of passed. But then I was stopped. Dead. In. My. Tracks.
Remember....
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,"
Yeah, I stopped.
And so did they, both sides intrigued.
I walked away with one word on my tongue. Mercy.
It turned out to be my favorite house of the night. They were more than generous and the conversation lasted a good while.
"See...?"
When God enlightens, it's never an I told you so.
Yes, I see.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither (to that place) but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:3, 8-11)
Okay~ powerful. And just what I needed for what I've signed up to do all summer. He always knows what I need....Without fail. So how do I always manage to find room in my canvassing bag for doubt and worry?
Because the enemy on the field is self.
And battling him on my own is futile.
Good thing I'm not alone. We're, not alone.
Because the enemy on the field is self.
And battling him on my own is futile.
Good thing I'm not alone. We're, not alone.
It's funny, I just checked my bible app and I do not believe it a coincidence that today's bible verses of the day are
Colossians 4:5-6.
Colossians 4:5-6.
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Sounds a little like mission work, no?
Give God your availability, and He will provide you with the ability. Those who actively seek with their whole heart never lack.
And friends, don't think this doesn't apply to the home front mission field as well. You are sent wherever you go, (or remain).
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.