I must confess that I'm a bit hesitant to publish what I'm about to write here. There is always the danger of a missionary coming across as a whiner if he includes in his written reports descriptions of his discouragements and difficulties. But I am willing to take that risk in this post, because I believe anyone who reads this entire article will walk away with a renewed understanding of the Good Shepherd's spiritual protection over His sheep.
For the past couple of weeks I have battled discouragement as I have attempted to spread the Gospel here in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Having been in Cambodia for over two years now, I thought that the feeling of "being out of place" would have been long gone by now. The feeling of being an outsider who has no right to speak of such things as death, hell, eternity, and salvation, it seems, should have already vanished. But recently I have found myself discouraged because those difficult feelings are still very much a part of my life here in Cambodia. I knew that being a church-planter in the Kingdom of Cambodia was going to be an intense spiritual battle- I knew it theoretically. But now I know if from experience. Today, the battle seemed especially intense. Thoughts like, "It seems like an impossible task to make any kind of difference here," kept repeating themselves in my mind. I was feeling pretty low.
About forty-five minutes ago, I opened up an email from one of our dear supporting pastors, and it brought tears of joy to my eyes. Here is the email:
Hey Chad
I just wanted to drop you a note because this morning, as I was praying for you, I "sensed" an overwhelming burden for you. I don't know if you have a particular burden or battle that you're going through but I just wanted you to know that I love you brother and I am praying for you."Be strong in the Lord......"
All at once, I knew something in my heart that I already knew in my head: I have have a Shepherd Who is watching over me. He knows what I need, and He provides what I need. I needed encouragement, and He provided it for me.
And if Jesus Christ is your Savior, He is your Shepherd as well.
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How wonderfully encouraging, Chad!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand your discouragement completely! I continually remind myself that God allows some to plant, some to water, and only He can bring the increase!!!
Real life does not take place in the fair havens of worldly success, but in the foxholes of war and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteRemember Phillip in Acts 8 who was preaching in Samaria and multitudes were coming to Christ. He was in the midst of a good ol' fashion revival. So many were getting saved and baptized that I'll bet Phillip was developing gills. But in the midst of this God does something that doesn't seem to make sense humanly speaking. God tells Phillip to leave his revival meeting, go to the desert of Gaza, a 73 mile journey. God does not tell him why, or what is plans are, only go. When he arrives at his destination then God says "go join yourself to his chariot and proclaim Christ. The Ethiopian Eunuch is saved, and takes the gospel of Christ to Ethiopia. From the masses of professions in Samaria to the desert to see a single man come to Christ. What God sees is the value of one! So, my good friend, and fellow laborer, Bro. Chad Phillips (Like deacon Phillip) Embrace the foxhole of war and sacrifice, be emboldened to reach the many, or the one Ethiopian that goes where Phillip could not go. You are exactly where the Lord has put you, and you are doing what God has told you. The Reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ is, "Well done thou good and faithful servant"
Don't measure your life and ministry by the moment, but look to the finish line of faithfulness.
Love and prayers to you all Ray Shull
Real life does not take place in the fair havens of worldly success, but in the foxholes of war and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteRemember Phillip in Acts 8 who was preaching in Samaria and multitudes were coming to Christ. He was in the midst of a good ol' fashion revival. So many were getting saved and baptized that I'll bet Phillip was developing gills. But in the midst of this God does something that doesn't seem to make sense humanly speaking. God tells Phillip to leave his revival meeting, go to the desert of Gaza, a 73 mile journey. God does not tell him why, or what is plans are, only go. When he arrives at his destination then God says "go join yourself to his chariot and proclaim Christ. The Ethiopian Eunuch is saved, and takes the gospel of Christ to Ethiopia. From the masses of professions in Samaria to the desert to see a single man come to Christ. What God sees is the value of one! So, my good friend, and fellow laborer, Bro. Chad Phillips (Like deacon Phillip) Embrace the foxhole of war and sacrifice, be emboldened to reach the many, or the one Ethiopian that goes where Phillip could not go. You are exactly where the Lord has put you, and you are doing what God has told you. The Reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ is, "Well done thou good and faithful servant"
Don't measure your life and ministry by the moment, but look to the finish line of faithfulness.
Love and prayers to you all Ray Shull
We have never met, but I just saw someone I know post something on yours, so looked you up. This post was a blessing as we all get discouraged at times but God brings that encouragement again to us at the right time when we least expect it. I know a young lady raising support to go to Cambodia named Rebekah Fruin. Her father Ron andmother are in Cambodia and she Rebekah just got back from a 2 month trip there. Ron Fruin's e mail is Ron Fruin <hisincambodia@gmail.com . you might want to get in contact with him. Baptist World Mission My name is Marge Charboneau First Baptist Church Rochelle Il. I am on the missions committee
ReplyDeleteBrother Chad, I thank the Lord for you and your family. When you share your heart in an appropriate way, it helps others to pray for you. I shared a couple of days ago with a loved one who is going through some very discouraging times in their life a verse that the Lord gave me in my daily Bible reading. It is 2 Samuel 22:19 (KJV) They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord has some very special plans for you in Cambodia. I am praying for you!
Brother Chad,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart in an appropriate way. Remember 2 Samuel 22:19 (KJV) They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
He is your stay and I am praying for you and your family.
Hey Chad, it's Liz...I was blessed by your frankness. Just keep your eyes on how wonderful He is! God is so amazing, and so worth it. Prayin' for you!
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Hang in there Chad and don't grow weary in well doing! God is using you and He will continue to use you. Remain faithful, teach the Word, preach the word, live as a godly example and leave the rest to God! Love you brother!
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