April 19, 2021 CAC Living Water Devotional : Topic – NOT HOME YET.

MEMORISE: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

Today’s devotional meditation seeks to encourage missionaries, ministers, workers and general stalwarts of the Gospel all over the world. Most times, it looks as if you are forgotten by churches/missions that sent you to the mission field! It seems your efforts as ministers or workers are unnoticed and unappreciated. This is rarely so because, God, the overall Sender and Caller will never forget you and your labour of love *(Gal. 6:9)*. Permit me to share with you this toughing story:

There was a couple who had been in the mission field for many years. Having been fulfilled by achieving many exploits for the Lord, they decided to return to their home country. They travelled via water transportation. As they were close to the harbor, they say a great crowd gather around the Sea. They were very excited to see this scene as they had thought the mammoth crowd was waiting to give them an expected heroic welcome. However, contrarily the crowd was waiting to give their King, who had travelled for hunting adventures for months such a warm welcome! Between a couple who had gone to serve the Lord and a King who went for luxurious hunting; who is profoundly more worthwhile?.

The missionary couple’s hope was dashed as they quietly left the harbor unnoticed and without cheers. Nobody even said “welcome” or well done”. This bothered the husband for days. He could not come to terms with this. What an unfair treatment! They had gone to serve the Lord for decades and they were not even noticed or applauded. After so many days that it almost depressed him, his wife encouraged him to speak to Lord about it. The Lord settled him by simply telling him that”….but you are yet home! Wait for your truimphant welcome only when you victoriously reach home.” Dear worker, minister, missionary, Do not be upset by whatever coming across your way, Do not expect too much for people. Forget about praise of men. Be joyful that you are recognised by Lord God Who sends you. When you are eventually home.byou”ll understand.

1. God help the missionaries in their trying times.

2. Help the missionaries and ministers of the Gospel not to be moved by circumstances but with the love of God.

3. Lord, help the home church not only to raise financial support for the missionaries but passionate intercessors to keep interceding for them.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Judges 14:3 – 16:26; Luke 13:3 – 12:24.