MIKE MISLAN in the Philippines!

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. (Psa.25:21)

We've all had a bad day before.  Maybe even an entire week.  But what about three L O N G months?

These past few months - have been a time of testing for me. First, we had a decline in attendance and giving. Several members left us on bad terms, a few others backslid, our main deacon fractured his ribs while operating some rice field equipment, and he now has an UTI. One of our members was bitten by a snake (twice in two weeks), another missed church because of another snake (found in her son's bedroom), a mom and son member were in an motorcycle accident, and a few more are sick. I was also betrayed by a pastor friend I had helped, one of our teens tried to commit suicide and is seeking medical help, my mother in law died in Costa Rica, we may soon expel two seminary students for sexual immorality, and may have to break fellowship with a church we loved. I also had to have our car's engine over-hauled (and it's still burning oil and smoke), went without electric for three days, haven't had any baptisms, our largest parrot was attacked by a cat and can't be found, and I found a dried fish that had jumped out of my fish tank. 

But yesterday was Sunday. And God gave us 65, with several visitors, sweet testimonies, and people responding to the public invitation. And the SS Teachers, MC, Song Leader, and Preacher were saved, discipled, trained and matured here.  And last night, many returned and were blessed by my topic. And today our church planter in Iba will be dropping by.  And while our seminary may expel two students, we gained another five from a neighboring pastor friend. And our new Police Inspector is eager for me to continue my Bible studies with his troops. And the HS Principal where I teach Values Ed. said he liked my teachings and gave me three more classes to teach. And a member texted me: "Gud AM po. Tnk U 4 being our Pas2r. I admire Ur courage N taking such responsibility and how I've cum 2 respect u thru tym." And a teen gave me. . . CHOCOLATE!

So how did I survive this three month long wait? The answer is found in our text: "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.." Like Job, I was determined not to let circumstances cause me to do anything that I knew was wrong. But you ask, "Why does God make us suffer and wait?"  Probably, because it's His way of strengthening our integrity and getting the glory. If He rescued us prematurely, we would not give Him the glory, or develop our integrity thru trials. 

So, are YOU going through trials? Trials that seem to never end? Wait, trust, keep your integrity, and do what is right. And in time, you'll realize that these were the very things that had 'preserved" you until Divine Help arrived.  Oh, and it's not over yet. I still have some unsolved problems.  But I'm being careful to respond the right way. How about you?