I remember hearing a story about an elderly missionary who spent his life planting and building up small churches in foreign countries. He worked and sacrificed, and as a result he never had many material possessions. After many years of serving, old age had finally caught up with him. He had worn himself out in his work for the Lord. So he began to make his journey back home.
As he traveled home, he reflected: “I’ve served the Lord many years. I’ve worked hard and invested my life for the gospel. After all these years of service and sacrifice, I wonder if anybody is going be there to meet me and welcome me home?”
The airplane landed, and as the old missionary stepped off he saw some of the other passengers being met by their loved ones, even some being welcomed with signs and banners. But no one was there to greet him. He stood all alone with no one welcoming him home. As he grew discouraged, he felt the assault of the darkness…
“Ha, so this is your reward for all those years of service? You see what’s happened? Nobody appreciates you and nobody really cares about you. Was it really worth it? Nobody’s even here to welcome you home! That’s what you get for all your service!”
It was truly discouraging. But just as the old missionary was about to give in and feel sorry for himself, he heard another voice. This time, it was Holy Spirit saying…
“Don’t be discouraged son. You’re not home yet. You’re not home yet.”
There is something in this story I pray we never forget—when the way seems hard and the rewards seem few, or when we’re tired and discouraged, or when we feel unappreciated by those we love, or when we find ourselves on the verge of giving up—at those seemingly hopeless moments, let us not forget: We’re not home yet; we’re not home yet.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5–6, KJV)
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