Progress
of Another Pilgrim
Sometime in 1980
The Singer (on "Family Ministry"):
B. dear,
There’s too much on this
subject to be able to “hit it all”. I’ll just share the bits and
pieces needed to “focus”. Thou art indeed correct when you
say that tho' you are the trumpet, thou art also the student! Through
my family, more so than through any other way, I have come to see
that there are not instant solutions to a myriad of difficulties—particularly
the "weak" personality traits of each individual. And I have learned
[through the family] more about God and His Nature and Character through
the months and years than I could have ever learned otherwise.
I learned:
a. His 'awareness' of all [everyone's]
traits and yet His Love for all.
b. His 'ability to permit each
one to be who they are yet continue to love.
c. His 'ability' to “overlook”.
d. His patience in waiting
for the person to recognize his or her own "weaknesses", and to desire,
of their own volition, to change: free will! It is awesome.
e. He has desired me to go
on and on and on—ad infinitum—without dealing with the "weaknesses" that
I learn how deep, how wide, how high, how limitless His patience, grace,
loyalty—that though others may see, HE overlooks.
(This, of course, does not
negate His specific leadings, understand.)
But, when He hasn’t spoken
directly, I have learned not even to intercede nor to CARE! Hallelujah!
I have learned—and it is absolute within me!—He is in control, He knows
all, He is at work in myriad unseen ways!
I have learned that,
tho’ other things can be “done with” instantaneously—the personality of
an individual—EVEN with fullest co-operation, will and submission—takes
seemingly endless time to alter or slay. Repentance predicated upon
full knowledge and recognition of one’s condition is paramount over all
other ways. It is slow, tedious and far more exacting in price upon
the one who is aware and watching than upon the perpetrator.
You will be sufferer
in this far more than the "little one"! “He bore our sins and carried
our sorrows.” In other words, there is no one set answer, but a process
that is wholly and specifically, specially designed for each in a moment-to-moment,
up-to-date plan. It calls not for the Logos but an immediate Rhema.
Much of this your communication
has already touched upon. It is the way!….
Oftimes, the most deceitful
are the ones who need “covering” the most—their inward fears are so painful
that they cannot yet bear or risk exposure. In this regard, a Scripture
keeps coming (although I don’t know that I’ve looked at it in this way
before—or perhaps it’s all one and the same!) “do not wake my love until
He please”????
Do not fear if time continues
to pass and it appears (or seems) you should be doing something!
Even refraining IS doing something! It’s choosing to “accept one
as is”, building a bridge that will be there when the "little one" needs
someone in whom he/she has confidence that no rejection will be met with.
Also, Ruth Carter Stapleton has a new book out “In His Footsteps—the Healing
Ministry of Jesus—Then and Now”. Just bought it and it’s marvelous.
His Love must EVER be learned about! It is always different and richer
and deeper than can be comprehended mentally. It can’t be systematized
or “taught”. In all honesty, it must flow.
Again, I feel to reiterate
what your letter said: “How does He win that which must be freely
given?” Don’t know all the particulars, but this I do know:
He Does [win, "win over"]. And He does it by revealing Himself.
Then, if (and when) we love Him enough, we want to please Him. Teach
them to love Him. Please Him. Desire Him. Obey Him.
I know no man to whom I would give all that I have given to follow Him
and that’s not because of myself personally but because I had seen Him
personally FIRST, then my own lack and need! Seek to reveal Him.
He desires and needs in each home someone through whom He can reveal Himself
to the others individually—for each needs a totally different manifestation
(even circumstances) where one gets a no while another gets a yes and you
appear hypocritical or as favoring one over another but you know it’s only
His personal prescription.
End of thoughts for today
(smile!).
F.
The Singer (on "Contentment"):
His Word for thee, beloved,
is thus:
“….for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Content to think not
past this moment….content to know He holds tomorrow for He IS Tomorrow….content
to hope not, nor to expect (for even that may be “me” planning my way)….content
to expect (as to time—day, hour) naught but to accept from His Hand….giving
up even the hope of emerging from “the tomb”, knowing that whether I feel
it or not, desire it or not—yet at this moment I am in the center of His
Will. It is He Who brought me here and here I remain ‘til He sees
fit to do otherwise for I seek not even to attain—but to make His Will
my own!
I rest—for at every moment
His Will is Perfect. I rest.
F.
