I woke up Tuesday morning feeling remarkably refreshed after four hours of sleep, went out for an earlier-than-usual prayer walk, and began marking off the last few things on my “little list”: computer AND power cord, iPhone AND charging cord, etc., etc. …
The storm certainly added some excitement this morning! Those of you in Southwest Louisiana know just what I am talking about. We didn’t get the ice and snow Oklahoma was blanketed in, but thunderstorms and a tornado warning will do! I love rain, really; I like to consider it a sign of God’s blessing — and I actually enjoy storms as well. This morning, though, I couldn’t help thinking about the storm’s symbolic nature: as a picture of the spiritual conflicts going on in our world. Hot and cold fronts collide, as do forces of good and evil — in our nation, in India where the gospel will confront darkness, and even in in my own heart, as I wrestle with my own apprehensions & weaknesses, and a sense of the weight of the mission we are embarking on today.
Mike Viator (one of our church members at FBCMB) once told me when we were making an intentional witnessing visit together that I “had my game face on” — I was quiet, pensive, and focused on the task at hand. I think Mike would say that I’ve got that “game face” on again this morning — and I am afraid I am not very good company for our group!
I do have a joy, however, in the anticipation of sharing the gospel in evangelistic services with folks who do not know Jesus; to preaching in the newborn Indian churches; and the incredible opportunity of speaking to almost 200 pastors and church leaders in the seminar next Tuesday. I’m grateful this morning to Bro. James for organizing this trip, for the prayers and support of our whole church family, my wife Cheryl for sending me off with my favorite homemade breakfast sandwich on my tummy, and Gerald Allardyce, whom the Lord used to drive us through that inclement weather to Houston. Customs cleared, “game face” on … we’re off!