The Soul Anchor [Hebrews 6:19] - January 1, 2024
This month I am going to share a story with you that I have heard from multiple sources and as we contemplate a new year and any spiritual goals, we may have for 2024 it is a good reminder of how important it is to know God our Father. This year we looked at the country of Nepal on the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and this is, "The Story Of A Nepali Farmer.”
A Nepali farmer had 3 sons. He worked hard, saved his money, and rather than wasting it on immediate needs invested it in small businesses he heard about. Those businesses grew and some prospered greatly. One day, one of those businesses he had invested in sold and paid off all the shareholders. He received a huge payout of about $75,000. This was a lot of money in the village! His years of careful investing had paid off. “I want to share this money with my sons”, he thought. “But I don’t want to spoil them. What should I do?” The Nepali farmer decided to call his sons and tell them that he had received some extra money and that if they had any needs, they should come to him and let him know. He would see what he could do about those needs.
The oldest son was grown, married, and had a child in elementary school. He went home and thought about what his father had said. “My father is a good man,” he thought. “But he is just a simple farmer.” He wondered to himself about how much money a simple and not very well-educated man could have. He decided to ask his father for money to pay for his son’s schoolbooks for the year - for about $15.00. He went to his father and presented his request. Lovingly, his father replied, “I’m happy to do that son.” He went to his bedroom, came out and gave him the money. The elder son left happy!
The second son was working in the capital city, Kathmandu. He had a job working for a travel agency there. Every day he had to go by bus or a shared auto into the city. “If I had a bicycle, I could save money and get there faster too,” he thought. He wondered about how much money his father had received. “My father is a good man and a great farmer. But he is just a simple guy. I don’t think he has that much money to give, and my other brothers will also be asking him.” He decided to ask his father for money to buy a bicycle that cost about $50.00. When he asked his father, he received the same loving response. He got his $50.00 rupees and left happy!
The third son was still living at home in the village. He worked closely with his father on the farm each day. He too thought about what his father had said, but his thoughts were a bit different. “My father is the smartest man I know! He isn’t that educated, but he is incredibly wise. I’ve watched his life and how he uses money. I bet he has a huge amount of money saved,” he thought. “I am going to ask him for money to purchase a Tata truck. Maybe I can start my own business to take vegetables from our village to the city for sale.” That was what he did. He went to his father and asked for a Tata truck. The cost would be about $35,000.
When his father heard his request, his response was the same as with the other sons. “Sure son, I’d be happy to do that for you.” His father went to the bank, got the money and they purchased the truck. When the other two brothers saw that their son was starting a business and driving a new truck, they were incredulous! “How did you get the money for a truck?” they asked. “I got it from Dad,” he replied. Angry, they stormed into their father’s room that night. “Why didn’t you give us a truck, too???” they exclaimed. “We have much greater needs than our younger brother does!” The father calmly replied to his sons, “My beloved sons, didn’t I tell you to ask me for what you needed? And didn’t I give you what you asked for?” He then told them to stop complaining and be happy as they had been before. “I gave you exactly what you asked. You have no reason to be upset, with me or with your brother.”
Is what you ask of God limited by what you believe about God as a loving Father? The Bible says that we have not because we ask not.
If 2023 brought a tear to your eye remember that you are in good company.
God bless,
Pastor Frank
