“There will be works of God exhibited through us, people will get blessed, and one or two will show gratitude while the rest will show total ingratitude, but nothing must divert us…”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) in My Utmost for His Highest (Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 2008) reading for September 23.
Three things drew me to read from my Scottish roots in my daily office this morning. Incidentally, Oswald Chambers was a Scottish evangelist and the lines of both my parents trace our ancestry to Scotland.
First, I arrived safely home from the UK at about 1:30am this morning. To welcome me home Jenni had put up many balloons, one really made me smile. It reads: “There is a Doctor in the house!”
Second, I got a thoughtful email from my brother, David, which brought me to tears. His words recollected specific sacrifices our parents made for our Christian education. Nothing diverted them. His note dripped with gratitude.
Third, many are asking: What next? In reply, please know that I have no agenda. The PhD was not a stepping stone to something else. I remain committed to encouraging Christian generosity. Just like I had no idea where the research journey would take me, I have no idea what’s next. I leave that to God to sort.
What I do know is that now the real work begins.
My task is to continue to apply what I learned in my own life and simply share it with the world. That in and of itself may consume the remaining days God grants me. May nothing divert me, for my work does not end until the Lord Jesus says: “Well done!”
And may neither fame nor difficulty, triumph or trial, divert you as well!