Speaking Personally: Tears before it's over #wa2011

I shouldn't cry as much as I do.  There have been tears everyday of IFES World Assembly, more than once a day sometimes.

I've cried as I've heard God's Word read.  Tears have soaked my face, and my nose has run with snot, as I've listened to stories of brothers and sisters hindered and spurred on by oppression. Tears have leaked out as I've been moved by the beauty and power of the visual image. I've fought back tears listening to people speak of their joy in Jesus.  I've cried in grief, joy, pride, brokenness, anger, love and in humility.  I've cried more in the last week than I have in the last year: I think.

I feel like a weakling, a fool.

I've cried a lot today - sure tiredness is kicking in, but it is also because God is at work in my heart and life.  I'm about to go into the final session of congress.

Part of the response of tears is acknowledging that I am not up to the task that God has called me to.  I am weak.  I am foolish.

I spoke with a good friend over lunch - he has poured out several years of his life in a tough European context.  I shared coffee with another good friend just after lunch - also pouring out his life in yet another tough European context.  These cities are where tourists long to go and missionaries fear to tread.

Thinking of their love for God and his people, for the selfless choices and their faithfulness under all sorts of external and internal pressures is precisely the stuff that moves me and makes my face leek.  They make me love Jesus more because they love Him so well.  They remind me of His strength for the weak and grace to the sinful - to me, to you.

Jesus is Lord of the Universe and Lord of the university.  This gathering of faithful brothers and sisters from around the world has been profoundly challenging and moving... and now it is time for the final session.  No doubt, there will be tears before it's over.