To Suffer in Hope

Dr. Lindsay Robinson pointed out in his sermon “Bad Things to Good People” on October 30 that after Good Friday, humanity began to suffer in hope. The story of Peter and the other Apostles in Act 12: 1-25 is a vivid illustration of the power behind to suffer in hope. Despite apparent barriers and trials, God’s word continued to increase and spread.

In his book Man's search for Meaning, Victor Frankl argued that the "loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man." As a result of his experiences in a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl contended that when a man no longer possesses a motive for living, no future to look toward to, he curls up in a corner and dies. When I was first told about Joanne's mishap in Shenzhen on October 30, I was a bit worried then. I asked in my heart: Why did it happen? I didn't have a full answer then nor do I have it now. Fortunately, we prayed together to bring Joanne back safely as soon as possible and God took heed of our prayer - Joanne returned home in the evening of the same day. Praise the Lord!

As you know, Joanne was doing evangelism with a group of Christians from our Chinese chapel. They were fighting a spiritual warfare. Obviously, Satan was unhappy. Joanne's incident did not frighten her. It should not frighten us either. I rather felt that God was speaking to us through the incident –He will not let us down though bad things could happen when we are doing His will. More importantly, our church is at a juncture to wander out of our comfort zone by practicing the Great Commission. I do believe that it will bring about a revival to us. Yes, a revival which is due. There is no reason to retreat and give up such a precious chance of putting our faith into deeds. Besides, we are cooperating with our Chinese chapel to further the Kingdom of our Lord and to enhance the brotherly tie between our chapels. We have every reason to move ahead unless we are forbidden by the Holy Spirit. So, let's pray together for a confirmation of such a vision and for a sustainable mission to expand the Kingdom of God so that our church will actively partake in the fulfillment of the Great Commission as well as the underlying blessings.