Listening to the Spirit

By Peggy Lester –

In the beginning of my missionary travels, I went to Mexico many times to the remote hill villages. Some of the projects were building churches, different stages in the building projects, i.e., from foundations to painting and/or reconstruction projects. Children’s ministry was usually a part of every trip as well.

One of my spiritual fathers had left the pastorate here in the States to go to the mission field and become a teacher in a seminary in Monterrey, Mexico. We hated to lose him as a pastor but it opened up a whole new area of mission work for our church. And for that, we who loved mission work were very excited for these possibilities.

With our former pastor now on staff at this seminary, our church would make numerous mission trips to Monterrey, Mexico with him being our host and resident missionary. Our teams over the years grew to love the students and staff of the seminary.

On one occasion when we were there, we had come out on the street to walk to another location for some reason. Most of us knew very little Spanish. We couldn’t converse with the people on the street, we just smiled and said “Dios de Bendigo”, (God bless you) when we got the opportunity. As we passed by a store front, a couple sat on the steps. The mother was holding an infant around a year old. The mom was crying and the father looked very upset, as well. The little child seemed to be asleep.

Our host stopped to converse in Spanish with the couple. He then reiterated their story to us in English. The team upon receiving the translation began pulling money from our pockets. The couple had just come from the doctor’s office where they had spent their last few pesos getting the diagnosis of their sick child.  They had the prescription for the medicine in hand but no money to get it filled.  Our hearts went out to the couple.  We gave them the money and took a few minutes to pray for them.  We all were overjoyed to see the looks of appreciation the couple displayed.  Their “gracias” (thank you) was so heartfelt and sincere.

We made our way on down the street.  As “gringos” walking the streets in Monterrey, Mexico, we got all kinds of reactions…some good and some not so good.  We were handing out Christian tracks and greeting people as we went in Jesus’ Name.

We rounded a corner and two young men approached us and started asking for pesos (money).  Our host conversed with them and they became hostile and speaking Spanish is a very ugly tone.  I think at that point our team was glad we couldn’t understand Spanish.  As they were talking to us, we couldn’t help but smell the scent of alcohol on them.  In a few minutes they were on their way hollering at us as they traveled down the street calling us gringos and whatever else I am not sure!

Our host turned to us and shared this vital spiritual lesson.  In ministry you must learn to discern when “to give” and when “not to give”.  Sometimes giving can thwart someone’s destiny God has planned for them.  He might be trying to teach them a lesson, change their direction or bring them back to Himself through discipline.  If you rescue them, then the Lord only has to bring another test to them.

Discernment is needed in fulfilling your destiny and also the ability for you to be used in the fulfilling of someone else’s destiny.  Ask God for discernment! God says we have not because we ask not; but, be sure to ask for the right reasons.  Learn when to help and when not to help by asking for wisdom from God. He has our and their best interest at heart. He will give you guidance.

Peggy W. Lester is the founder of Spreading His Fragrance Near and Far, Inc. Her desire is to take the Gospel to those who haven’t heard, to disciple those desiring to grow in their faith and to share the healing balm of Jesus to those who have been wounded in life. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian counseling and is ordained through FCFI located in Indiana. She lives with husband, Don, about 35 miles West of Atlanta, Georgia. Website: http://www.peggywlester.com/.