On our last night in Namibia, the missionaries we visited led our devotional. John thanked us for all the work we did and for the love extended to the children of the school. We were so happy to be able to contribute in this important ministry.
Suzanne shared a personal word of encouragement with each student. Her comments were positive and full of God’s hope for the future. Suzanne also shared an admonition. Scripture often reveals that things are not always what they seem; God’s understanding differs vastly from ours. Though we had spent a week working with the poorest of the poor in an African city, this was the message: “Though you come from the wealthiest country in the world, it is possible for you to be the most underprivileged.”
Suzanne went on to explain: “When we have everything we need and practically everything we desire, there is little dependence on God. When we don’t depend on God, it is easy to forget how much we need Him. If we don’t think we need Him, we rarely seek Him. And if we do not seek Him, we rarely find Him. If we don’t experience God as our true Source of satisfaction; if we don’t learn to walk with Him; and if we don’t rely on Him, we are really underprivileged.”
James wrote this: “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.” (James 1:9-10) Jesus’ words were even sharper: “Blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, and blessed are those who weep. Woe to the rich, woe to the well-fed, and woe to those who now laugh.” (see Luke 6:20-26)
So what is the answer for the underprivileged? Somehow we must realize our need. Somehow we must learn to rely on God. If we are used to bringing about everything on our own, how do we depend on God? The long-time missionary in Africa gave the visitors from America some practical advice: “Get with God every day. Set aside time without your computer and without your cell phone or any other distraction to focus on God and listen to the Father. He does not simply deal with the surface, but searches and touches our innermost being. He gives wisdom and knowledge to those who long for Him. He reveals Himself to the humble and shows us who He created us to be. He is the answer for the underprivileged.”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10