Further Study, Mickey's Mission

FRIDAY
December 14
Further Study:

Read Ellen G. White, "The Anointing of David," pp. 637-642; "David and Goliath," pp. 643-648; "David a Fugitive," pp. 649-659; "The Magnanimity of David," pp. 660-674; "The Death of Saul," pp. 675-682, in Patriarchs and Prophets.

God's plan for us may require that we do a lot of waiting, and this really can feel like a crucible. Learning patience during this time can be developed as we focus on the person of God and trust that He is acting for us. There are many reasons for waiting, but all are concerned with the fulfillment of God's plans for us and His kingdom. Much can be lost if we rush ahead of God, but much can be gained by maintaining an attitude of trust and delight in Him.
"Every trial is weighed and measured by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is not beyond man's ability to endure through the grace given unto him."—Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 81.

"I cannot read the purpose of God in my affliction, but He knows what is best, and I will commit my soul, body, and spirit to Him as unto my faithful Creator. Tor I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day' (2 Tim. 1:12). If we educated and trained our souls to have more faith, more love, greater patience, and a more perfect trust in our heavenly Father, I know we would have more peace and happiness day by day as we pass through the conflicts of this life.

"The Lord is not pleased to have us fret and worry ourselves out of the arms of Jesus. More is needed of the quiet waiting and watching combined. We think unless we have feeling that we are not in the right track, and we keep looking within for some sign befitting the occasion; but the reckoning is not of feeling but of faith."—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 2, p. 242.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean that every trial is "weighed and measured" by Jesus? How can knowing this help us while we wait?

Have people in class give personal testimonies to what patient waiting is all about. What were their fears, their joys? How did they cope? What did they learn? What promises did they cling to?

What can you do as a church, or a class, to help others who are in the crucible as they await God's timing for something?

What is the role of prayer in the development of patience? Are there others you can pray for so the Spirit will develop patience in their lives?


I N S I D E Story

Mickey's Mission
by HOMER TRECARTIN
My wife and I were visiting a small country church in rural Virginia, U.S.A. The little church looked sleepy, but we soon learned that it was alive and active in mission. Mickey greeted us at the door with a memorable phrase, "If ya really want ta find somethin', ya will!" Seeing our interest in his statement, he continued. "Some folk think Ah was vaccinated with a phonograph needle, but really, Ah just want to find people Ah can tell 'bout Jesus," Mickey said in his country drawl. "Even out here in the country, if ya want ta find people ta tell 'bout Jesus, just look for 'em. They're all around ya. Why, a few days ago Ah met a man who had read the book 'bout Desmond T. Doss, and now he wants ta find the book so his girl can read it. Ah went home and ordered one fer him and sent it direct ta his house. Later Ah'll go see him with other literature." Mickey related that two days earlier he had met an Amish man. When Mickey started talking to the man about Jesus, the man said he didn't have time to talk. Mickey's smile dimmed as he said softly, "I reckon I won't ever have no time ta talk 'bout Jesus." The man stopped working, looked at Mickey, and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't really mean that. It's just, well, somethin's been botherin me lately." "What's that?" Mickey asked, the sparkle returning to his eyes as he relived the story. "Well, someone gave me a book on the Ten Commandments," the man said, "and I've been reading it. But I just don't know what to think. Do you think I will be lost if I don't keep Saturday as the Sabbath?" Mickey rubbed his chin and answered slowly, "I reckon I'm not the judge of those things. But I do remember Jesus said once, 'If ya love Me, keep My commandments.' " The service was about to start, but just as I stood to join the elders on the platform, Mickey whispered, "I'm a goin' back ta see him this week." Later I learned that Mickey has a barrel half full of arrowheads at his house. When people ask where he found them all, he smiles and tells them, "Same way Ah find people to tell 'bout Jesus. Ah look for 'em wherever Ah is! If ya really want ta find somethin', ya will!"

HOMER TRECARTIN is director for planning in the Office of Adventist Mission at the General Conference. Mickey shares his faith in Carter; Virginia.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org