Before I begin, I'd just like to thank everyone for their support. These last few months have been just a tremendous time of trusting the Lord and seeing support come through in the most marvelous ways. Now that I have finally reached my support goal, I am preparing myself yfor half a summer of Australian evangelism. I only call it that for now, because I actually have very little idea of any details. But, either way, I'm excited no matter what.
I'm sure many of you have already heard of William Borden but for those of you who haven't (or maybe have forgotten) here is a link: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/regret.htm
For a long time after hearing this story, I was confused, and not even with William. I was confused with God. Although it's hard, I actually can understand the passion William had. Even to the point of giving up his inheritance. His heart longed for so much more in this world than what most people desire. Yet, I bet when most people read his story, they see him in a different light. They probably see him as someone who traded wealth and prosperity for death.
But as I was saying, I desired to understand why God would let someone with a heart and passion like this to die before he had any chance to reach Asia. It just didn't seem right.
Well, I've definitely learned a few things since my initial reactions to this story.
1. God doesn't thrive off of us giving up our time, resources, or even our lives. It is for our (human kind) benefit, and our benefit alone.
Psalm 103 paints a beautiful picture of this
2. Our actions don't change God's plans.
"I know you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
- Job 42:2
3. If our work here on Earth is not for His glory, we our glorifying ourselves and/or each other. I'll never know all of Borden's thoughts throughout his ministry, but from what I read, his actions definitely represent a man who is directing the glory towards the Lord.
4. God exalts the humble. Again, only God truly knows his heart and deepest thoughts, but usually the act of giving up a large inheritance and social status to live and minister with the poor and needy is one of humility.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
- 1 Peter 5:6
Borden's humility is most definitely honored in many ways. One of the more obvious ways being that his story is known and has inspired many others, myself included.
In God's plan, there is no failure
Only obedience and the fruit that it bears
We may not see this fruit initially
Often times we will never see it through its entirety
I have prepared myself for all of these possibilities.
May I always trust in the Lord through Australia and the rest of my life.
No Reserves.
No Retreats.
No Regrets.
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