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Empty chairs

Discouragement threatened to overwhelm me. Sunday after Sunday, the empty church chairs seemed to mock us. Were there no searching hearts in this country?

This particular Saturday, I was feeling especially blue. Maybe we shouldn't even be here in Poland, I thought bitterly. I sighed. "God," I prayed, "could you please just fill our chairs tomorrow morning at church."

Is that too much to ask? I thought to myself. After all, who else would come? When was the last time our church room was full?

The next morning, sitting in church, I thought, It seems full this morning. Then I blinked my eyes in surprise. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? I looked around. All but ONE very front chair in the whole room had a person sitting on it.

"Thank you, God," I prayed. Such a small request, a small answer, but how it strengthened my faith. What a great God I serve. He even cares about our empty church chairs.
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Anonymous said…
Laura,
Don't get discouraged. I know that's easy to say, and hard to live, but God hears you. He knows your heart, and He knows the hearts of the people you are seeking to reach for Him. Remember, it is not by might, nor power, but by HIS spirit. God bless you. You will be in my prayers tonight.
Iain
9:25 PM
Anonymous said…
I believe it was William Carey that didn't have one single convert for more than 7 years ... maybe longer, plus they lost a child and his wife lost her mind. Yet, he remained faithful to what God had called him to do and left the results in God's hands.

I often wonder if my Pastor gets discouraged. We live in a little rural town of 500 and our church, on a good Sunday, may hit 40. Tonight was Wed. night service and it looked like it was just going to be the Pastor and the elders families. I prayed that Pastor would not be discouraged. After service started 5 more souls wandered in. Thank you Lord!
9:23 PM
Anonymous said…
Sometimes I think it's easy for us to forget that God doesn't look at "numbers" the way we do. That "there is more rejoicing in heaven over one man who repents...." I really liked what Georgine said about praying for her pastor not to get discouraged. Our church too is very small, and Eugene is a very difficult field to harvest. I thank God that He is there even when the pews are not filled.
Iain
7:58 AM
Anonymous said…
Wow...God cares about you and your desires and He cares about the Polish people more than what we can even imagine. May you and your family continue to be an instrument for Him. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings....

ps. When are you coming????? Soon, I would guess. c-ya
4:43 AM
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6:55 PM
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