Lessons learned from the other side of the world

Yesterday I woke up further from home than I had ever been before. God hadĀ graciously provided for me the opportunity to teach for a week at a Bible School in South Korea. Jeju island is located off the coast of South Korea. The highest point of the islandĀ  is mount Halla, an extinct volcano that sits precisely in the center of the island.

Here are a few lessons I am learning on the other side of the world.

God was and is at work here. While I know that theoretically, it was great to be reminded experientally. When I attended the local church on Sunday, people worshipped God passionately.Ā  They were friendly and extended their fellowship to me, even though I was a stranger to them. When I taught the Word they listened attentively, and took notes, just like they do back home.

I heard miraculous stories aboutĀ how God had worked on their behalf to provide the Bible school that is located here. Just like he had worked on our behalf to grow a church in New Jersey.

That’s because God is at work on the other side of the world.

God is at work long before I get up. I’m now 13 hours ahead of most of my friends who are residing on the east coast of the United States. While they sleep, I’m awake. While I sleep, they’re a wake. Not so with God. He never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3, 4).

In fact, in a most interesting ordering of words Genesis records that “there was evening and there was morning the first day (Gen. 1:5). I always thought the day started with the morning, but God has it starting with the evening. Maybe that is to remind us that when we get up in the morning, God has already pulledĀ a night shift.

I shouldn’t assume thatĀ the day started with me. It started with God half way around the world from me. He graciously invites me to join him in his work.Ā  He is not dependent upon me to get the work done; rather, I am dependent on him.

If only IĀ  can keep that truthĀ in mind when I return home. . .or when I finally wake up.

0 Comments on “Lessons learned from the other side of the world”

  1. Thank you for your blog today. You are so close to Jamie in Japan! She is 13 hours difference also. It is amazing and exciting to see how God is being worshipped and praised all over the world! Praying for you Pastor Phil.

  2. Thank you for your encouraging words of faith and God’s sovereignty. Keeping you in prayer as you serve our Lord. Luke 17: 7-10

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