The Sunday Sermonette –  A Successful Transition.

    Remember this old story? At the dawn of the last century, a weary missionary made his way home after decades spent in Africa. He poured his heart into sharing Jesus’ love, offering comfort and mercy wherever he could, and telling others about the plan of salvation. Yet, after forty years, not a single soul had embraced his message. He yearned for a sign of success but was greeted only by disappointment. Now, financially insecure, with failing health and little hope ahead, his future seemed shrouded in shadow.

     When the missionary’s ship finally sailed into New York harbor, throngs of people had gathered in anticipation. President Teddy Roosevelt was among the passengers, returning from his grand African safari. As he strode down the gangplank, the crowd erupted in cheers, cameras flashed, and reporters jostled for a word. Soon, the excitement faded, and the crowd began to melt away.

     Lingering by the gangplank, the old missionary searched the crowd for a familiar face but saw no one he knew. Tears welled in his weary eyes. “I return home, and no one notices,” he thought. Shoulders heavy with sorrow, he stepped into the chilly rain, alone.

     Entering a nearby church to escape the downpour, the old missionary sat quietly in the solitude of a musty-smelling back pew, surrounded by the serenity of the vaulted sanctuary and the echo of rain on stained glass. He silently prayed, saying, “Father God, forgive me for my feelings of bitterness and failure. The President returns and receives a jubilant homecoming, while I return and find no one to welcome me home.” He pulled his tattered overcoat around him for warmth and sat, continuing to pray. Some moments later, he thought he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and then heard a gentle, heavenly voice whisper, “But remember…you’re not Home yet.”

     We often measure success by the trophies of life: wealth, status, influence, and power. The so-called successful bask in comfort, surrounded by admirers and the rewards of their efforts. They set trends, shape opinions, and walk confidently toward their ambitions, certain of their place in the world.

    By worldly standards, our missionary friend was unsuccessful. He spent forty years serving Father God without visible results and no financial reward. Yet, in God’s eyes, success meant remaining faithful and obedient. The missionary’s true achievement was steadfastly proclaiming God’s promises, despite seeing no response. His story reminds us that our lasting success is defined by faithfulness, not the world’s applause. True success is hearing  the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

    Let the missionary’s journey remind you to faithfully pray for those who know Jesus and are constantly drawn to Him, and to also faithfully pray for those who do not.  Continually live out your faith with courage. Success in God’s eyes comes from faithful obedience, not public adulation. Remember: never give in, never give up—because you’re not Home yet.

    Ponder this and go forth.