I’ll commence with a story…
[begin]
I challenged Him:
“If you confirm right now, what I seem to be discerning from You all day, then that’s it. No more arguments.”
It was coming up on 6pm. Two verses had already struck me that day. In the morning I had read,
“Certainly I will be with thee.”
Exodus 3:12
And then moments earlier, my mum had requested that I read Spurgeon’s Checkbook of the Bank of Faith for that day. She knew nothing of what was going on, but when I looked it up, the verse was,
“The LORD shall guide thee continually.”
Isaiah 58:11
It was reading that verse which caused me to throw the challenge; throw out ‘the fleece’ as it were.
I went upstairs, straight to the Daily Verse box. A box with hundreds of cards, each with a verse on one side, and a prayer on the other.
I lifted one out.
I had to hold back the tears. What if He should confirm it, what’s going to happen? (I was somewhat fearful).
It read,
“Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9
That was it. After a number of weeks of struggling, and weeping, and confusion, the answer was clear. No matter what man would say, my heart was convinced that in a matter of months, I would be in Australia. I was never so sure about anything in my whole life.
[end]
I could go on and on telling you about the various experiences I had, all of them dove-tailing together to confirm that I should go to Australia. It would take a long time.
However, the above is the climax. It was at that point I knew. I knew I would be sent to Australia. But, why am I writing about this? Why did I relay this snippet of the events leading me to Australia?
Well, it has come to my attention, that some people believe I shouldn’t be here. Their reasons? I’m not sure. I can tell you what they’re saying, but I’m not sure if it’s the same thing they’re thinking.
Whatever the case, I thought I’d just remind everyone about how sure I am that I was meant to be here.
- Did I have a desire to be here? Nope!
- Did I ask God to bring me here? Nope!
- Do I fully understand why I was sent here? Nope!
I understand why some would think I’m too young. I had just turned 24 when I arrived.
I understand why some could consider me inexperienced. I came here with little pulpit ministry experience, and no pastoral experience, and no training in either.
In fact, when you look at things as a whole, it was a rather foolish decision all around for me to come to Australia.
But, God often does things in ways which don’t make sense. i.e.
- Used a teenager to kill a giant warrior.
- Used ravens to feed a prophet.
- Turned a murderer into the greatest Christian ever.
- And of course, used a failing, weak young man to spiritually feed three small congregations on the other side of the world.
I doubt anyone reading this would be so arrogant, to think you know better than God. But, if you ever hear anyone talking like they know better than God on any matter, don’t be afraid to bring them back to earth.
To paraphrase what W.P. Nicholson said one time; particularly watch out for grey haired old men who haven’t done anything for God in years. Those which tend to know more than God, usually fall into this category.
People — don’t play God.
“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:1
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Added Commentary
By Stephen
on 13.05.08
Well said Armen! I don’t understand why some people always think they know best…
By kristarella
on 13.05.08
What was it apart from these verses steered you towards Australia? Did someone tell you about South Australia?
I live in Sydney. I suspect the evangelical Christian movement is not as strong in SA, but I don’t really know. Would you count yourself in that (evangelical Christian) bracket?
I suppose it’s people’s hearts that God judges and where possible we might try to do that same when assessing their actions. If I had known you in England and you said you were going to Australia to preach I would have been concerned. I think that God’s primary guidance is through his word and that the main question we have to ask ourselves is, “Will this choice be the best way to glorify God.” In my opinion, cases of direct guidance through bible flicking or “wetting the fleece” is a bit rarer and sometimes to be wary of. That said, God is sovereign and does use us for his work, even the weak to shame the strong.
The point of that little rant was, I’m sure some will frown on your choice out of genuine concern, either for you or for the glory of God; others will just be haughty and they can be the ones you direct to Job, Romans 9, wherever else: who are you to question God?
p.s. Found your blog via robinmilau.com, where they’re using one of your themes - I like your use of space.
By Armen
on 13.05.08
Stephen,
btw, I got your question. Next time you’re on IM, I’ll get that email address to you.
kristarella,
Small world! I was on your site on Friday or Saturday. Not sure how I found you, but I loved your “Expressive Words”.
Getting to your question:
The church I belong to in Northern Ireland, is part of a wider church which also has a few stations in Australia (and other countries). Two in S.A., one in W.A. and one in Tasmania.
For a long time, the churches in S.A. have been without ordained ministers, and they’ve been getting men sent to them from Northern Ireland, and they stay for around 2 years at a time.
When the time came for a new pair of preachers to go to Australia about 3 years ago, I heard about the need for someone to go — no one had come forward, and if anyone had been asked, they didn’t accept.
I really can’t get into all the details here, but after a few weeks, without anyone mentioning it to me, it became a matter of prayer with me. After a long and difficult struggle, I submitted to the fact that God was leading me to step forward. The main part of the ’story’ is highlighted in the post.
I don’t believe in Bible flicking, and I only throw out a fleece to God when I’m very serious about something.
Basically, me arriving in Australia came about this way,
1. Heard of the need, and never thought much about it.
2. A couple weeks later, I began to pray about the need.
3. Wrestled in prayer with a few texts which seemed to be enforcing the dreaded reality (these texts weren’t plucked from the sky, but straight out of my structured reading of the scriptures).
4. Told a member of the Mission Board and my pastor about what I was struggling with. Was advised to seek confirmation from God.
5. Three days later, the events chronicled in the post occurred.
As for the evangelical Christian witness in S.A.? I’d be inclined to place more emphasis on the ‘geli’ (read, ‘jelly’). I wouldn’t claim to part of any such group, as people perceive ‘evangelical’ in different ways. Let’s just say, I believe the Bible is God’s word to man, and would be more likely to prefer the conservative approach to things, but not necessarily the ‘traditional’ approach.
By Peter
on 13.05.08
Funny how most of us have had the “I know better than God” experience. How we come out the other side of that does have a lot more to do with God’s grace and patience than any of our own smarts in figuring out where we got it wrong…
Still, nothing God does in our lives seems to make much sense before the event, but somehow the pieces usually come together eventually (though for some of us quite a few large pieces of the jigsaw are still in the box!)
Those who feel you shouldn’t be or shouldn’t have come to SA, obviously aren’t making an informed judgement in my humble opinion. I’ll leave it at that
By Peter
on 13.05.08
err, small correction. “..shouldn’t be or” to “..shouldn’t be in or…”
While some may feel you shouldn’t be in SA, it’d be a tad harsh if they also felt you shouldn’t be!
By kristarella
on 13.05.08
Haha, thanks. Can be a very small world.
Wow, that’s a good story - I heard a similar one recently from a woman working in Northern Territory. The people that were there before her were retiring and she prayed that someone would fill the position, not knowing how God would use her prayer!
Hope your time in SA has been fruitful for you and the congregation!
I guess my definition of evangelical Christian is a) bible believing (as in not excluding or twisting bits, of which there is far too much of around here - of course if one was doing that they probably wouldn’t think they were…) and b) concerned for the salvation of others. From what you’ve said I’ll count you in this group
By Armen
on 13.05.08
Peter,
Yeah, and I’m sure we’ve been guilty on occasion, of committing the ‘crime’ ourselves. Therefore, do as I say, not as I do, I suppose.
If our purpose in coming here was solely to get to meet people like yourself, and all the brethren on the E.P., then it would be worth it. I have a feeling though, that is more of an added blessing, rather than the primary purpose.
kristarella,
You can duplicate that story over here — but, the details of that I’ll leave for another day.
My time here in S.A. has been primarily focused on feeding the flock. In that regard, I believe the Lord has helped me. I’m hoping the guy who’s arriving here after me, has a more focused evangelical drive in his ministry.
I would fall into your definition of what an evangelical Christian is, just so you know.
By Peter
on 13.05.08
I’m not sure which side of the fence the added blessings are on though - a few seem to have fallen on our side of the fence so rest assured you didn’t get them all!
As for the primary purpose of you being here, my sneaking suspicion is that it’s all about God’s glory, just a hunch….
By Brian Purkiss
on 14.05.08
I have only recently ‘met’ you through this blog.
I don’t know the circumstances or any of the situations that have led you to Australia.
Nor do I know any of the people that do not think you should be in Australia.
However.
If you are certain that God wants you to be in Australia for what ever reason - then that’s where you should be - no matter what anyone else says.
“Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.” -Isaiah 26:4
By Matthew.
on 14.05.08
Over the moon that youve had this confirmation of Gods will for your life, it must come as a relief to you and to those who have been praying for you! I must admit im a bit gutted that us ones in N.I cant keep you here for a while but at the end of the day God knows best and im sure he has better plans for your life than any man could ever have.
In regards to those who think they know more than God…if they knew HIM at all they would not be thinking of your inexperiance, age or anything of the sort. I Cor 1:27
Phil 4:13 ‘ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’
By Taleen
on 14.05.08
I think anyone who was around you at the time this was all going on would know of it’s certainty.
Anyone who knows you knows that you would never take upon yourself such a mammoth task without knowing that it was the certain will of God and, thus, only possible because it was so.
Anyone who knows you can see your sincerity, zeal and almost incomprehensible knowledge of the character of the One who has lead you there (I speak in relation to the length of time you have been saved).
Anyone who knows you knows that you would never leave your sister unless God had instructed it
Anyone who knows the Bible knows that God rarely chose ‘obvious’ characters for the duty they had been assigned (all in the promotion of His glory).
Lastly, it doesn’t matter about ANYONE else, regardless of who they are…YOU know and GOD knows and you have the sovereign right, given by God to follow His will when he reveals it to YOU….He doesn’t need to reveal to someone else what His will is for you life.
May God rebuke when His people think such a thing.
This post enlightened, blessed and grieved me. Why I felt the latter is obvious, however, I was blessed through your assirtiveness in God’s name to rebuke these comments and also by your unfaltering certainty, even when your flights are booked to return over a year later, that this was God’s path for you. Finally, I am enlightened to see that I am not the only person who experiences people seemingly knowing more about my life, testimony and walk with God that I or God knows… even a mighty young guy like you can receive the same pointing finger.
God continue bless you Armen…like He always does.
See you soon…
I’ll be quiet now…
By Andrew Parker
on 15.05.08
I would have to agree wholeheartdly with your comments Taleen.
I know the Lord will continue to bless and guide you Armen and Melanie in future days.
God has used you in a mighty way and brother I know he will continue to use you in a mighty way.
I will miss you and Melanie very much but we can rejoice in knowing that we will meet again whether it be here on earth or heaven.
By Jermayn
on 15.05.08
It reminds me of the problems I had when I moved cities to study and henced moved church. What I learnt was that even though my own family were against the move and thought I was moving from Gods will.
God will always validate your testimony and the move if it was indeed Gods will.
This has happened to me a few times and it usually was when I moved churches. A good example of God moving someone to minister elsewhere was Phillip to witness to the Enuch in the book of Acts.
By Armen
on 15.05.08
Peter,
For God’s glory? That’s a pretty accurate hunch, in my humble opinion.
Amen!
Brian,
Good to hear from you, my friend. I haven’t been speaking to you in a while. I’ll have to catch up with your blog.
I would be a bit lost if I didn’t have the assurance of God’s word, and I think the only reason (outside God and His grace) I have kept going, is because I’ve known this is the place where God wants me to be for this time.
Matthew,
I have a hunch that your first paragraph is referring to something outside the subject of this post. Am I right?
That text in 1 Cor 1 is one of the reasons I’m here. When I was arguing with God a little, praying over the matter that it just couldn’t be me, I read that text and it really hit me.
Taleen,
Your sentiments, however exaggerated, are greatly appreciated.
And you’re right, there’s no way I’d move further away from my sister than what’s necessary. She’s just way too cool!
Andrew,
Not so sure about “a mighty way”, but I’m just glad He’s been pleased to use me in any way!!
We’re going to have to quit this chatting like we’re leaving tomorrow or something. I’m still here for a few weeks yet.
Jermayn,
“God will always validate your testimony…”
Wise words, my friend. Wise words indeed.
If God’s ‘in it’ (so-to-speak) it’ll work out, and most will eventually recognise it.
By Matthew.
on 17.05.08
yep your hunch could be right….or i just read your blog totaly wrong!! lol i thought it sounded a bit familiar!
By Deborah
on 26.05.08
I know exactly what you are going through and how extremely hurtful it is, however one day when you are old like me
you will be glad that you had this experience. Among other things, it will serve to make you are less judgmental and more compassionate person. Everything has a purpose.
God bless you both and safe trip home.
Deborah
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