This quote pretty much sums up the life of any missionary or pastor…and OH so much more when you live in a developing country.
While I’m talking about Bonhoeffer, there’s an unfortunate phenomenon where people whose work IS the Bible (Missionaries and Pastors) end up serving so much that they spend less time actually reading the Bible. My [Matthew’s] recent Facebook post about intimacy with God hints at the fact that I’m coming out of a busy time where I was pushing forward out of stubborn determination to accomplish and wearing myself out.
“I’m where God wants me, and yesterday proves that, but not intimate enough with God to hear all the little lessons that lead to even greater joy.”
There’s an old quote attributed to Martin Luther that: “I’ve got so much to do today, I’d better spend three hours in prayer this morning instead of two.” I’ve been taking time (though admittedly not 3 hours) in the mornings and doing a relatively interactive devotional I found here https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/40-day-journey-dietrich-bonhoeffer/ and (contrary to the wisdom of the world) IT WORKS!, I’ve been way more effective and joyful during the day!
Thank you Lord for being The Vine, and supporting us with life-sustaining energy. Help us to bear more fruit in each season, and never to forget where our hope and strength comes from. Amen!
Matthew and Teresa's Blog 