By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (emphasis mine)
I’ve always been encouraged by faith…big faith…the kind that follows God even when the following gets difficult…that continues even when the natural reasoning would say it’s time to stop following…
Jesus said faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains. I’m glad God rejoices in small amounts of faith, but what can be done through those who, like Jesus’ disciples, give up everything to follow Him?
This week, our team in Costa Rica has be encouraged…and challenged…by the faith of two of our own… Jason and Kerby Harpst. Jason and Kerby are a precious couple, very special to Cheryl and me, who left our church this past year to begin full-time mission work in Costa Rica. Both were professionals, Jason an engineer and Kerby a teacher. They had a nice home, two nice cars, great friends, a wonderful church, the greatest pastor in the world (Okay, I threw that last part in…), but they had the “perfect” lifestyle in the United States.
This week we’ve seen first hand how much they’ve given up…at least as far as the comforts of the world. Mary (my future daughter) and I, walked Kerby through a discount store, trying desperately to convince her to let us buy some things for her that she needs. She wanted nothing….we convinced her she needed a frying pan, a knife that cuts, and a plastic container in which to keep some of her jewelry and accessories. They had been in a shoebox.
Our team also discovered Jason and Kerby are walking everywhere. They can’t afford a car and even bicycles are too expensive for them right now. Costa Rica is very expensive for items such as this. The team pooled our money together and Jason and Kerby are now proud bicycle owners!
Jason and Kerby have sacrificed much, yet I have never seen two people with more joy than these two. Jason said that in his entire career he’s never been more at peace. They know they are in the center of God’s will for them. What joy there is to be found when we obey our Creator!
Seriously, consider this question: Could God be calling you to step out by faith in an area of your life? Don’t miss an opportunity to experience all God has for you.
Thank you Jason and Kerby for that living illustration!
Whom do you know who is exhibiting that kind of faith today? Pay tribute to a modern day faith hero!
Love this post. Very encouraging as we move forward with Chicago!
Thanks Jeremy. You should make friends with Jason and Kerby Harpst on Facebook.