Lessons from Losses

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." (James 1:2-4, NLT)

During the Great Depression, Wallace Johnson, a dynamic Christian, was fired from his job at a saw mill. To Wallace and his wife this was a devastating loss. So what did Wallace do? He mortgaged his house and went into the building business. Within five years he was a multi-millionaire and was the founder of Holiday Inn.

Wallace said, "If I could locate the man who fired me I would sincerely thank him for what he did. At the time it happened, I didn't understand why I was fired. Later I saw that it was God's unerring and wondrous plan to get me into the ways of his choosing."

God has a way of turning our disappointments into His appointment. He can bring blessing out of the most dismal situations.

From the book, DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas available from Amazon.com

TRUE RELIGION

While attending a university in London, Mahatma Gandhi became almost convinced that the Christian religion was the one true, supernatural religion in the world. Upon graduation, and still seeking evidence that would make him a committed Christian, young Gandhi accepted employment in East Africa and for seven months lived in the home of a family who were members of an evangelical Christian church. As soon as he discovered that fact, he decided that this would be the place to find the evidence he sought.

But as the months passed and he saw the casualness of their attitude toward the cause of God, heard them complain when they were called upon to make a sacrifice for the   kingdom of God, and sensed their general religious apathy, Gandhi's interest turned to disappointment. He said in his heart, 'No, this is not the one true, supernatural religion I had hoped to find. A good religion, but just one more of the many religions in the world.''

Jesus said, "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16, NLT) and “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NLT)

GIVING HONOUR TO BUDDHA

When U Thant retired as Secretary-General of the United Nations, a dinner was given in his honor. Attended by the President of the USA and many top-leaders from across the United States. He was toasted and praised. When it came for him to respond, he said (in effect); "If any of the things said about me are true, I would like to give the honor to my lord...Buddha. I believe Buddha was the greatest religious teacher and every day I examine my life to see if I've been worthy to be called a disciple of Buddha."

I suppose that nine-tenths of those at the dinner were at least nominal Christians. How many of them, I wonder, if they had been in U Thant's place would have said, "I give all the honor to my Lord Jesus Christ! I believe He is not only a great teacher but the Savior of the world. Every day I examine my life to see if I've been worthy to be called a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Billy Graham