Brian Ivie, a Pastor in South Korea and author of The Drop Box, was quoted saying, “I’m hoping people see a type of love that spends itself on behalf of others and doesn’t expect anything back. Because that’s what God’s love is like.” Often what people don’t realize is that spending yourself, even to the point of exhaustion, is exactly how you experience the joy of the Lord. Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians, “You became imitators of us and the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” Even in the midst of suffering, we experience the joy of the Lord.
Think about a recent time in which you were asked to serve others in need. Before that opportunity to serve, what thoughts entered your mind? It’s too hot, too early, this is going to be extremely awkward or uncomfortable. Let’s go back to what the Word of God says. “Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” – Proverbs 14:31. Could it be that the father of lies, the great deceiver causes confusion, weariness, and doubt when it comes to opportunities to help those in need? Does Satan work overtime to rob you of opportunity to honor God?
In the beginning of the school year this year our youngest son, Madden started preschool. We were introduced to his teacher Mrs. Christina, and quickly found out that she was head over heels in love with Jesus. The UnitePHX event in February was the first time Mrs. Christina was able to attend and she decided to serve with Meira House by reaching out to the poor at Hance Park next to the Phoenix Public Library. Pictured in the left column, this public school teacher brought light to those living in the park. After the event she said, “God’s plans are good, he exceeds every expectation.” I sit here beaming, knowing this is the teacher of my youngest son. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Finding yourself in the service of the King of King’s is exactly where you want to be. The grace of God abounds in these people’s lives. Don’t believe me? The next time you meet someone living on the street ask them to share their testimony and watch as you see the fingerprints of Jesus all over their lives. Brian Ivie’s prayer of hoping people see a type of love that spends itself on behalf of others is happening in Downtown Phoenix and it is all to the glory of the One who sustains us, Jesus!