Weary? God Is Still at Work
Today's Scriptures: John 14:1-6
Christmas Day started early at the Kediri Baptist Hospital, as at 5 a.m., I went caroling through the halls with some of the nurses. Then there was the usual Christmas worship service at my church. I rushed home to get ready for the missionaries in our station to have Christmas dinner at my house.
Miriam Misner is a retired Southern Baptist Convention Foreign (now International) Mission Board missionary to Indonesia.
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That evening I had been asked to play the little pump organ for a special Christmas program at a mission point about 20 kilometers from my house. I loaded the organ and drove to the home where the church met. They had even taken the front of the bamboo house down so there would be more room for people.
Christmas always comes in the rainy season in Indonesia, and about a half hour before the announced program time, the rain started and came down in sheets. I said to the hostess at the house, “It is so late, surely no one will come. She said, “Oh yes, they will be here.” About 8:30 p.m., after the rains slowed, they began to come and filled the house.
The church people presented a drama telling the full Christmas story, complete with live goats and a manger. As the time grew late, I thought to myself: “Surely, the pastor will not preach at this late hour.” But he preached a full sermon. Again, I thought: “Surely he will not give an invitation.” But he gave an invitation. I was so frustrated and weary.
But, guess what? As the organ played and the people sang, five adults came forward and made a profession of faith. I felt the Holy Spirit convicting me, reminding me that when hearts are ready, God reveals he is the Way, the Truth and the Life, in spite of any weariness or discomfort I may feel.
