For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (I Corinthians 1:25 NIV).
After the Holy Spirit had confirmed our Macedonian (missionary) call, I had another question for our Father that evening. “Why Japan, God?” I had always felt drawn to African American children, but had never felt any particular attraction to Japanese people. My answer was in that day’s devotional from “My Utmost For His Highest.” It said we are not to be led by our own affinities in Christian work because Jesus Christ is interested in all people.
Still unconvinced, I outlined the reasons that going to Japan didn’t make sense: our age (I would celebrate my fiftieth birthday in a few months and Donn was older), the language, my poor health, the food! But God was unimpressed. Reluctantly, I recognized that He was very serious about Japan, but what would my husband say to all this?
As I read from Oswald Chambers again that night, one devotional reminded me that God’s words to Samuel in the night were not good news for Eli. Samuel had to decide–would he tell Eli what God had said? Chambers said that if we do not tell our “Eli” what God is saying, it will become a stumbling block between us and God.
Just then Donn walked into the room,* and I knew the time had come. When I began to tell him what I thought God was saying, his reaction was even more negative than I had feared because he so dislikes change. But through a process of yielding to the Lordship of Christ, the Holy Spirit began to soften his heart.
Father, help us to trust that even what seems to us to be your foolishness is far wiser than our wisdom. Amen.
(*When I told my precious African American friend this story, she said, “And here come Eli!”)
(Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or e-book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)