Putting on the Character of Jesus

I am so thankful for the series called “Mosaic”. We gathered this Sunday to worship and learn with all you New Hopers and I was blessed as I was reminded that as part of the body I am never insignificant. I really thought that when we were sent over here that we would do great things for the Kingdom and many would come to know Jesus as their Savior. It has been a year and it is slow going. God is showing me that part of my purpose in China is giving Christ’s invisible character a glimpse of visibility. Let me share a victorious story with you about carrying the character of Christ in all you do.

I was thinking, “Father that I really don’t feel like running today I think I will just stay in and meditate on your word and clean house and pray, you know Father anything but go run.” My Father reminded me that my running time belonged to Him and to get out there.

It was one of those beautiful China days, you know, blue skies, puffy white clouds and a soft breeze blowing off the river. I ran down to the river about 11/2 miles and on the way said hi in mandarin to at least 5 guards and many workers and most of them did not even look up to acknowledge me. I started praying and asking my Father to help me to keep on showing love for the people even though they acted as if they never saw me. “Father this is a normal day with no one smiling and everyone ignoring me. I am really trying Father to show them I care about them and love them so please help me to not give up! Jesus help me to make it through these 9 miles because it is really hot I know I need to press toward the goal and my prize will be when one of these workers waves or smiles at me, after all Lord it had been 3 months!”

So here I am running all sweaty and tired and I saw a Chinese Lady looking at me so I quickly raised my hand and waved at her and as I passed her I said “Hi” and she waved back!! I was so excited I started jumping up and down when I knew no one was looking. So I continued my run and as I rounded the corner there she was pointing at her wrist so I assumed that she wanted to look at my watch to see what time it was. I stopped and showed her the time and held her hand (which is just not done here) and claimed her for the kingdom and went about my run.

About 2 days later I was running and I saw her from the back as she swept the leaves off the grass. I thought she did not see me and was hoping to see her when I came back around. Sure enough there she was pointing at her wrist wanting the time. I stopped and showed her the time and claimed her for the Kingdom and went about my running. I did not get 10 steps away when my Jesus said to me “give her your watch”. I was so excited that I turned right around and started running toward her all the while taking off my watch. With both hands I gave her my watch and bowed my head in respect to her however she wouldn’t take the gift. I finally just put the watch in her hands and ran off knowing I had won the prize!!!

The next day as I was running at the river I noticed that at least 5 workers waved and smiled and spoke Hello to me. As I got to the end of the path at the river I saw her sitting, waiting for me, and as I came closer to her she held up her wrist and pointed to the watch with her toothless grin she bowed her head to me. I stopped and walked up to her and as I did she gave me a big hug and said “sha sha” which means thank you. Because I never gave up loving and caring for these people and putting on the character of Jesus, I won the prize, a smile and a hug. It may not look in mans eyes like much is happening over here however with a yielding spirit, in obedience to His calling, I am becoming more like Christ which is all I want others to see in me.

I am only one small block in the body of Christ, I will remain there Victorious, I will never again feel insignificant.

His Servant,

Mary

See…I have the best Mama in the world. This is where I learned to see Christ in a new way. By watching the faithfulness of my Mother. Love ya Mom! Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! Thanks for answering the call. Blessings and peace this THANKSgiving week.

(Pic is me and my Mama baptizing someone she led to the Lord in Loudonville!)