Jan 2009
Filling our Lamps with Oil
January/21/09 Filed in: Intercession
“Lord, you have brought light into my life; you light up my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
Next month, we return to Japan. As I (Alice) think about the work set before us there for this new year, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. “Oh, Lord, there is so much to do! So many people still don’t believe in You! Where do we start?!”
My eyes are reading the signs of the times, my ears are hearing the catch phrase often repeated in Christian circles: “Time is short!” I believe this word, but when I hear it, I think of all the Japanese who still don’t know our Savior, and my flesh wants to dive into “work mode” and solve all Japan’s problems in my own little head. That can get very tiring! It feels as if my oil is running out in my lamp… otherwise known as “burn-out.”
Filling our “Lamps”
Recently, a friend challenged me with Matthew 25, the Story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. It interests me that all the virgins carried their lamps as they went to meet the Bridegroom. What if these “lamps” symbolize a ministry that God has called us to, as God has called our family to Japan? Five of the virgins grabbed their “lamps” but no oil. Reading this passage, I think about how many times as a missionary I have held on to my work without letting the Holy Spirit be my source of fuel, feeling as the foolish virgins must have felt, helpless in my own strength.
“Extra Oil”
Five of the virgins were wise enough to take extra oil. Their lamps were full, and they were prepared when the Bridegroom returned. “Lord, what does this mean for us in our own lives and ministry?”
This year, more than ever before, my heart desires to let the power of God move through our ministry in Japan instead of trying to carry a half-empty lamp. I have come close to feeling that my lamp was “burning out.” Thank you, God, that we can learn from our mistakes!
May we be filled every day anew with the fuel of your Holy Spirit before we attempt to pick up our ministries and go out to meet you. Teach us to be prepared so that we can be alert and confidently wait for your return.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He . . . who will sustain you…. I will carry you: I will sustain you and . . . rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
photo: What a heritage! Two couples in Alice’s family served in Asia as career missionaries. Pictured: Alice’s Grandmother (left) and retired missionaries, Dr. Paul and Vera Johnson.
Next month, we return to Japan. As I (Alice) think about the work set before us there for this new year, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. “Oh, Lord, there is so much to do! So many people still don’t believe in You! Where do we start?!”
My eyes are reading the signs of the times, my ears are hearing the catch phrase often repeated in Christian circles: “Time is short!” I believe this word, but when I hear it, I think of all the Japanese who still don’t know our Savior, and my flesh wants to dive into “work mode” and solve all Japan’s problems in my own little head. That can get very tiring! It feels as if my oil is running out in my lamp… otherwise known as “burn-out.”
Filling our “Lamps”
Recently, a friend challenged me with Matthew 25, the Story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. It interests me that all the virgins carried their lamps as they went to meet the Bridegroom. What if these “lamps” symbolize a ministry that God has called us to, as God has called our family to Japan? Five of the virgins grabbed their “lamps” but no oil. Reading this passage, I think about how many times as a missionary I have held on to my work without letting the Holy Spirit be my source of fuel, feeling as the foolish virgins must have felt, helpless in my own strength.
“Extra Oil”
Five of the virgins were wise enough to take extra oil. Their lamps were full, and they were prepared when the Bridegroom returned. “Lord, what does this mean for us in our own lives and ministry?”
This year, more than ever before, my heart desires to let the power of God move through our ministry in Japan instead of trying to carry a half-empty lamp. I have come close to feeling that my lamp was “burning out.” Thank you, God, that we can learn from our mistakes!
May we be filled every day anew with the fuel of your Holy Spirit before we attempt to pick up our ministries and go out to meet you. Teach us to be prepared so that we can be alert and confidently wait for your return.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He . . . who will sustain you…. I will carry you: I will sustain you and . . . rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
photo: What a heritage! Two couples in Alice’s family served in Asia as career missionaries. Pictured: Alice’s Grandmother (left) and retired missionaries, Dr. Paul and Vera Johnson.
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