Recently, I viewed several programs where unruly teenagers are encouraged by others who had grown up in much less privileged situations—some had endured poverty or constant physical threat, with no family-home-security. These youths go back to their former chaotic lives and belligerent no-care attitudes determined not to let go of the opportunities handed them.
Thousands would give their right arm to own Bibles. What am I doing with mine? How many would die to live in a house with cement walls, carpeting, running water (hot showers?!) electricity, refrigeration, cooking flame, air conditioning and heating, a lock and doorbell. Am I grateful—really? What am I doing to share it? (Okay; it’s rented; not really “mine” so there are limitations. Lame excuse.) Do I have any idea what can be done on a laptop? What percentage of it am I doing with it? How many would cry to have siblings, spouses, children who knew the Lord? Who said they had to be perfect—indeed, even God declares they will not be this side of glorification—but what am I doing with them? “And June, some people do not have the brains, body parts, senses, that you possess;” I seemed to hear. “What are you doing with those opportunities?”
Oh God—stop! No more!
Just one more, June. After the churches in Okinawa, your parents were led to Inter-City, a fellowship who would not throw away missionaries on the field even if they had questionable stands but lovingly waited to talk with them on furlo. During college, God showed you Mt. Calvary, a small (then) Bible-loving assembly. Back to Japan, you were involved with the vibrant young people at Megumi, those mature strong warriors at Koriyama, then the zealous witnesses at Bethel. Now the earnest cornucopia of MCC is what your Father is handing you.
These opportunities June, your Father has painstakingly chosen for you. I hope you realize that you are loved and worth it. Those teens often couldn’t hold back tears of blessed resolve either. June, are you going to just criticize those who are rebellious and you think you are better than, or are you going to be grateful for what you have been given and make the most of them in living for Me?
I found I couldn’t speak a word—but I knew God knew what my answer was.
