tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986801166033320768.post8043259014133728344..comments2023-09-21T06:22:04.581-06:00Comments on Counting the Cost: Blog Administrator, Karen L. Brahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539707490734479755noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986801166033320768.post-58112857676012488692011-06-11T00:36:29.461-06:002011-06-11T00:36:29.461-06:00Thank you, Karen, for this encouragement. So ofte...Thank you, Karen, for this encouragement. So often I feel like that one Christian doctor in World War Two in Japan, who was somehow spared when standing on the street corner when the city was hit by the atomic bomb. The hurt, dying, and maimed lie all around him, thousands upon thousands who needed a doctor's care. He was overwhelmed. How could he ever manage such a case load? Then, he did the one thing that has been my inspiration for years: He started caring for the patient that was lying at his feet. William Wilberforce and William Carey have also come to mind while reading your article. I think Wilberforce, was involved in some 50 or more organizations, worked at every good piece of legistlation that he could that came through Parliment, and eventially saw slavery outlawed. And didn't Carey translate the Bible into some amazing number of Asian languages, start schools, found a mission agency, compile dictionaries while a missionary in India? They started their great accomplishments by working with the patient at their feet. And what is that quote about "expecting great things from God and attempting great things for God?" <br /><br />The Lord may not be calling me to start a new mission agency or become a member of Parliment, but I am expected to at "preach the Gospel, if necessary, using words." I may be the only Gospel that the Walmart cashier, or the tired road construction sign holder, or pesky neighbor sees. How I respond to my children or my husband speaks volumes to others about Christ. The "great thing" that I do for the Lord today may just be listening to a lonely elderly woman, being patient with a grumpy spouse, or doing my housework well.<br /><br />I so needed to remember how important to let the Lord use every area of my life to glorify Him, not just my "in the box" pet ministry. There are so many to pray for, so many to show the Lord to, so many opportunities for us to be godly, to encourage, to help. I am overwhelmed. How can I handle such a caseload? <br /><br />Well, frankly, I can't!! It's only through the Lord that I can do anything good at all. It's not my job to produce results, but to be obedient. Through His grace, wisdom and strength I can do what He wants me to today, this hour, this minute. I can, through Jesus, care for the patient at my feet. <br /><br />Thank you again, Karen, for reminding me not to tire of doing good things.Cory R.noreply@blogger.com