Uncountable

Whenever I travel God has a special opportunity to educate me! I just returned from a three week trip to Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. I was struck by many things.

First, upon our arrival in Singapore I learned of the terrorist plot to blow up nine passenger planes over the Atlantic. Airport security was immediately tightened. I was profoundly reminded that this world is an uncertain, dangerous, complicated place. The news abounds with disaster, crises and constant speculation about future crises. It can be bewildering.

Then I read Psalm 40. Two verses stood out: Verse 12 says: “For innumerable evils have surrounded me . . .” I thought, “That’s for sure!” Everywhere I turn there are more evils. They are innumerable. But then I also noticed verse 5: “Many, O Lord, are your wonderful works which You have done; and your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak them they are more than can be numbered.” What a wonderful truth! The evil that surrounds me is innumerable, but so also are God’s thoughts toward me!

While I was in Singapore and Malaysia, the truth that almighty God has countless thoughts toward me greatly impacted me. Whenever I see the masses of Asia I am overwhelmed by the number of people. As someone who has lived in western Canada most of my life, I am used to space! Yet as I looked upon the crowds of people at every street corner in Asia I am amazed that God has countless thoughts toward every person. That truly is beyond my capacity to comprehend. If I listen to the negative news on television I can quickly become discouraged. But if I seek to know the thoughts God has toward me I cannot help but be encouraged and have hope.

I was struck by this truth while I was in Singapore. The first night I was there I was to speak on “Hearing God’s Voice.” News had just been released on the terrorists’ plot. That night the 1,000 seat auditorium quickly filled. They added as many extra chairs as they could. Those filled. Finally the church leaders closed the door and posted an usher outside to inform all those who were still arriving at the church that no one else could be admitted into the building. I saw then that people are desperate to hear God’s thoughts toward them!

In Malaysia I was struck by the contrast among world religions. On the same street as the First Baptist Church was an ornate Buddhist temple. Nearby was a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Each place of worship was claiming people’s allegiance. Again, as I considered the Christian message of the Gospel I realized how compelling and positive it is. I was reminded that there are millions of people who are regularly indoctrinated with messages that are filled with uncertainty, hatred and fear. How precious are God’s thoughts!

Australia and New Zealand reminded me that where Christians are free to worship God, we often tend to quickly depart from Him. It is easy for us to take almighty God for granted. I was so glad to meet many sincere Christians who are seeking God’s agenda for reaching their nation for Christ

Reading

I have read a couple of books lately that have been helpful:

John Beckett’s new book, Mastering Monday: A Guide to Integrating Faith and Work is a great encouragement to people seeking to know how their walk with God can impact their work life. He also authored Loving Monday.

I also read Reggie McNeal’s new book, Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders. It offers practical tips on being healthy leaders.

Finally I read Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan. This is a secular business book but I found it helpful and challenging. It looks at why some businesses succeed and others fail. They argue it is based on whether leaders understand how to accomplish their goals. We hear a lot today about vision. But the bottom line is not your vision but what you are actually accomplishing. For Christian leaders it is not enough to talk about what God can do. The question is: what is He doing? As someone who wants his life to count for the maximum, I have to ask myself, what is God accomplishing through me?

Finally, I was pleased to see the Blackaby Study Bible released in stores. My father and brothers and I wrote it and we pray it will encourage many as they encounter God through His word.

I appreciate your prayers as this Fall is extremely full. I also pray you are experiencing the wonder of God’s precious thoughts toward you as you effectively and joyfully serve Him each day.

Posted by Richard Blackaby at 8:34 pm