Drifting, Dreaming, and Doing

(Addendum)

In our earlier articles under the titles above (Parts 1, 2, and 3), we discussed the possibility of finding the will of God in the ways described. In short, I would move to the country (perhaps with a few like-minded brothers) where we would erect a spacious house, have land for raising nutritious food, have woods and streams for walking and hiking, and enough opportunities for teaching and preaching, in submission to Mark 16:15.

In this imaginary scenario, we would raise families (perhaps large ones), along with our wives, and spend much time teaching and raising our children as well as reaching out to needy and lost men and women in the closest cities and even overseas (cf Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-17). This was the “dream” and the holy “plan” that could be ours, with God’s help and providence.

I shared with you about my reluctance in all of this. I know that there is a possibility that many things could interfere and could lead us down a lane toward defeat. These defective elements and limitations would be there and must be dealt with; but, I somehow thought that they could be overcome, by God’s grace and power.

However, on further reflection and deliberation, we must admit that not every “Christian” family can plan on this or fulfill such a “dream” that I have described, thus some other arrangements must be made. Some of the reasons why this may not work would be:

1. Not every family is saved and those who are may not be prepared for such a huge task of moving, building, buying, growing, and so forth.
2. Even if a good-hearted, sincere sister would like to do this, the husband may not at all be inclined to be involved. Or a husband may be prepared for such a move and be willing to devote the time and finances, but the wife may not be. Thus, as you can see, there would be an impasse.
3. If people would like to be involved in such an experience, they may be unmarried, or have only one or two children, or even ten children. But one or more of these children may not be inclined to become involved. In fact, they may totally reject such an experience.
4. If the husband or wife or both are willing and able to participate, we know that not all would be willing to teach and train their children at home. They may insist on sending their children to the ungodly and evil school systems of the world. This would be another “roadblock” that would be difficult to overcome. (I recall talking to one Biblically-oriented man who said that he would refuse to be part of a group unless everyone chose to fully teach their children in a godly setting.)
5. All sorts of physical issues may hinder or stop all involvement in this kind of project. What about someone who has MS? What about one who is very old or very young? What about one who is very limited financially can can’t afford anything?
6. Some families may have one, two, or more children who are rebellious. They may not only “drag their feet” to such an ambitious project but they may insist on living selfishly.
7. We must admit that some families may consist of a husband who is willing to take the lead and go all the way with God, but the wife may be willing to do this and the husband may prove to be a impediment.
8. Probably we must admit that finances could be a serious roadblock to some families. They may want to participate but their lack of any resources at all would keep them from involvement with this project.
9. Along with this, some families may be led by a man who is disabled. Or the head of the home may not have the full support of a loving and submissive wife. Or a wife/mother may want to teach and bless their children but she feels unprepared. She may have very defective reading skills and be unable to teach her children in light of this. Thus, such a family may be slow to participate.
10. We know also that some families are totally urban in their thinking, thus for them to be involved in a rural project seems to be out of the question. They would rather have police and fire protection, street repairs, and food availability.

Thus, what we have presented earlier needs to be qualified somewhat. (We might also add that what we had in mind was focused on a single family [mine] but then we began to expand our thoughts somewhat, then we expanded this a bit more.) Thus, in trying to be realistic, we did have a more “open ended” approach. There would be the scenario that I mentioned and there would be the additional factor of other people involved.

Besides these crucial elements, there would be that of other ones mentioned above plus many others. We were merely focusing on my earlier “dream” without considering the crucial but real factor of other people’s needs, desires, and limitations. Besides, to be realistic, we suppose that it is good to remember that a lot of people in this world live with very difficult—nearly impossible—circumstances. It is sad that it is like this, but we must face reality. Sadly, we are living in a fallen, broken world where so many aspects of our life ruin our situations.

Therefore, there are a dozen or even two dozen aspects that serve to limit our earlier “dream” of having a rural retreat to serve God and then reach out to this area, to the surrounding fifty or eighty miles, and even to areas overseas.

At this point in our “journey” we must add all of these additional factors, many of which may hinder our worthy project. We do want to urge people to follow the Lord wholly and completely and often this can be done. However, sometimes a complete stoppage must occur or at least a slower progress.

Personally, I realize my own limitations and I also know that I am not an eighteen, twenty-five, or a thirty year old person any more. This is a limitation that I cannot change. But we also know that if God tarries, there are other believers “out there” who want to serve the Lord and do His will, and this will enable them to continue where I have been called to cease!

With all of these thoughts in mind, we commit them to the Lord. We want to do what we can—under the present circumstances and limitations—but we must pray that God will give us the ability to do what we can do and will sustain us for His work in His way.

May God give us the ability to see and do what we can do and then commit it all to Him!