The Luck of the Irish...NOT!

Tonight we were able to have one of our missionaries at church to share about their ministry over in Ireland-Matt & Michelle Parrow.

Michelle and I first became friends through Facebook and I have been able to keep in touch and up-to-date on what has been happening in their lives. They have gone through a lot of trials over the past six years and yet have continued to serve the Lord. Michelle was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia a couple of years and had to go through a lot treatments. Matt had to change their ministry for a period of time. Michelle is now well and they have moved to the southern part of Ireland to work with another church. As I listened to a little of Matt's testimony tonight, in between squeals and yells, (I was in the nursery) he talked about Job. Job was a godly man and Satan was given permission to test Job.

Job 1:13-20

"Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped."

This was a little of what their life was like for a couple of years. Every time they turned around it seemed that something else was happening. There were times they wondered if they had done something wrong. But, once they knew that they were following the Lord's will and rested in Him, He led them through the deep waters. As they lived one day at a time, some of those days were dark and difficult. But then there were days interspersed in between where the sun shone through just a little. They are now doing well, Michelle told me that she feels good (she looks great) and they are working in a ministry where they are reaching souls for Christ in Ireland. It wasn't good or bad luck, we don't believe in it. God is in control and even as Christians we go through trials and valleys in our lives. How we react may affect not only the choices we make in our lives but also our testimony to those around us. Strive to let our testimony be like Job-

Job 23:10

"But He knows the way that I take;

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."