Daniel Fast - Day 2

1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

Okay, I'm almost feeling guilty. When considering what are "choice foods," do we have to include things like dates rolled in crushed almonds? How about a medley of Greek olives? I gorged myself last night for dinner on these and a fruit tray. For a minute, I didn't even miss steak. Did I mention that I'm not at home for family meals at this point? I'm at a denominational conference in Yakivegas (Yakima, for those of you outside WA State). It's already 45 degrees this morning as I type this from a Starbucks table so brightly lit by sunshine that I almost can't see my screen. (Yes, I'm being good for the fast. I'm having just a mint tea.)

Today I go to a morning session where the Yushu Project will be unveiled. "What is that?" you ask? A province of a certain N. Asian country has been our missions focus for the past four years. Our missionaries have become good friends because of the tight relationship we have built since we partnered to help send them to minister in that land. The province in which they minister was closed to outsiders since 1949, when a dictator kicked out all of the Westerners, especially the missionaries. I said "was." I meant that. Our partnership with the missionaries included a trip to a city in that province wherein we taught English to English teachers. It was such a huge blessing! What wonderful people. Apparently, the two-week conference so impressed the local school officials, that they have asked our friends to come back as full-time English teachers in the school! God is amazing.

So today, I am reflecting on humility. Yesterday was understanding. Today, humility. Apparently, I am to show a bit early to the venue in order to be taken to a front seat. As the Yushu project is unveiled, a project to support a second pastor in that province (a province over which Passion feels deep ownership), a video will be shown. That video includes many pictures of our church family during their trip to that country. Our then church of 20 sent 11 people on that trip and they are to be honored before an assembly of several hundred pastors and ministers. Wow.

Now, if you're all about yourself, that can be a heady thing. But it is the constant realization that all of these things are from God that keeps me grounded and makes this exactly the opposite experience - a very humbling one. We've endured much as a church in the way of obscurity. We've pretty much been off of the map of our district. In fact, when people talk about the AG Church in Bonney Lake, they are usually talking about the OTHER AG Church in Bonney Lake. We've been kinda stealth like that, I suppose. But this morning is our time. It is an honor to represent for such amazing people - many of whom set aside vacations and many other privileges their monies could buy in order to go to a small, not-so-tourist-friendly town in an impoverished area of N. Asia. That too, is humbling.

Yes, it is in times of honor that we must especially recognize humility. The long history of Israel, and indeed of mankind, is fraught with humble, striving populations finding the grace and provision of God, rising to places of honor, only to then believe themselves self-sufficient. In your times of humility, where you find yourself in a low estate, remember this. When your blessing comes around, remember this. God is the one who lifts us up in due time. Humility is the proper response before a God who provides all things in their season and honors those who first humble themselves.