We have only one generation to save a generation. To be called by God costs nothing, as God does the calling: but to birth the call is another matter entirely! I was a hard-working missionary in Lesotho; but the vivid vision of a blood-washed Africa haunted me.
Divine pressure always accompanies vision. An all-consuming desire drove me to make my first ventures towards mass-evangelism. Still I was hesitant: the members of my mission board disapproved.
They were good, spiritual men, but they lacked vision. “Normal missionary work is the fruitful approach to the salvation of Africa, not mass evangelism. If this is God’s way, why are other men not doing it?”
While missionaries were content with the mission tradition, I was in turmoil. Divine pressure on my spirit grew stronger. Fellow evangelists shared a common experience of official discouragement.
They had the burning fire of the Spirit within, the challenge of vast possibilities around: but criticism from without. I spent hours in prayer to keep my poise and peace.
“How long would it take to bring about a blood-washed Africa without aggressive evangelistic crusades? We have only one generation to save a generation.” I reached a crisis point, and locked myself in a hotel room, determined not to let go of God until I had a clear word from Him. I boldly put before the Lord exactly how I felt: was this really His will for me, this constant impulse to campaign?
God made matters absolutely clear to me:
“If you drop the vision that I have given you, I will look for another man who will accept it, and do what I want.” I repented of my hesitations immediately, making my decision forever. God then began to smile upon me, sending divine encouragement. I have never looked back, learning how to handle critics and criticisms by letting God Himself become my defender.Taken from Daily Fire Devotional: 365 Days in God’s Word by Reinhard Bonnke. Copyright © 2016 by Reinhard Bonnke. Use by permission of Whitaker House. www.whitakerhouse.com
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