Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
“Though you may not be called upon to preach, at least endeavor to set a good example, remembering that deeds often speak louder than words.”
Marcellinus of Embrun in The Lives of the Saints by Alan Butler, 1894 (Global Grey edition, 2019) 20 April reading.
When this posts Jenni and I will be somewhere between London and Denver en route home. We feel a mix of emotions from joy to sorrow and from elation to exhaustion. This post seemed fitting because I’ve recounted the steps of our journey and many have replied with encouraging messages along the way.
Let us make this statement to those who have ventured with us.
Though you may not have been called upon to preach twice in Kharkiv during air strikes, though you may not have been called upon to strengthen stewards with biblical teaching and practical tools in Lviv and Kyiv, and though you may not have been called upon to encourage workers serving refugees in Chișinău, you can do something louder.
Do good deeds that demonstrate the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Help the week, not with a handout, but a hand up. Encourage the hopeless, not with a passing word, but with the ministry of your presence. Give generously, not focusing on maintaining your comfort, but serving as a conduit of blessing. Do hard things with great love, not worrying about how your needs will be met, but trusting God to sort what you need. You’ve got this. God’s got you.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness today and praying for peace in Ukraine. With you!