When God Comes Down

COVER LETTER

Dearly Beloved:

“…SUCH AS I HAVE, I GIVE TO YOU” (see Acts 3:6).

Peter and John went to the temple to pray. Near the gate called “Beautiful,” they came upon a crippled beggar who asked for a handout. This man had been crippled since birth, and daily he was carried to that spot to beg for alms. Peter and John fixed their gazes on him and said, “Look on us. Silver and gold have we none, but such as we have, we give to you. Rise up and walk.” The man was instantly healed, jumping up and dancing into the temple.

I ask you: What did Peter and John have to give? They had no coins, no “silver or gold.” They had faith — and they gave this poor man a prayer of faith. They also gave him compassion. In their own need, they focused on someone who was even more needy.

The point is this: No matter how poor or needy a believer may be, it is important to keep giving to those who are in even greater need. Paul writes of the great faith of believers in Macedonia who were deeply impoverished. These Christians had heard of a famine coming to Israel, and Paul told them of the need to send offerings to help the church in Jerusalem. The apostle describes the Macedonians’ response:

“In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality…. I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves [to give]… And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:2–5).

I am not making an appeal for funds for our ministry. Those who read my messages know I do not plead for finances. I am telling you what God is speaking to my own heart. We are a giving ministry, but our giving must go far beyond money. Yes, we give to the poorest of the poor worldwide, but first and foremost we must give of ourselves — a mandate for every believer. Each of us must ask the Holy Spirit how we can minister to hurting people — with a phone call, a letter of encouragement, a prayer of faith. If you ask the Holy Spirit, he will make an opportunity for you to encourage a downcast person.

I receive letters and e-mails from multitudes of Christians who are hurting, enduring harsh afflictions that overwhelm them. In our own afflictions Gwen and I have been learning to reach out to others in their difficulties. In doing so, we find that others are far more afflicted, carrying burdens so much heavier than ours.

Beloved children of God, you can help others, even in your own poverty or horrendous affliction. Start by no longer dumping your hurts on family and friends. Try speaking of God's goodness. Speak hope out of your pain. Speak faith even when you feel helpless. Try laying on Jesus all your cares, your wounds, your sorrows. Giving of ourselves to others begins in our own homes, with those entrusted to our care. We can either complain and become bitter, speaking unkind, hurtful words — or, we can choose to be Christ-like, tender and kind.

Ministries such as ours, as well as many others, cannot be the hands of Christ to the poorest of the poor without financial gifts. But even more important is how we face the coming days of fear and distress. This is not a time to withdraw in fear, but a time to give out of our own need. Please visit our website at www.worldchallenge.org and click on “Missions” for an update. God is with you in the coming storm. Be of good cheer: Jesus is near.

In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 12.31.69