Quote of the Day

Beginning today I will feature a quote to live by every Friday. These are quotes much like the proverbs in Scripture. In essence they are generally true and worth pondering. I have found them to be useful over the years for overcoming a crisis, addressing a challenge, or just helping a particular situation make sense. If you have a quote you would like me to consider, just email me at rivera93342@juno.com and I will gladly take a look at it.

Today's quote: I have done so much, with so little, for so long, that I can do the impossible with nothing."

I first learned this principle when I was in the Air Force (1972-1976). I was an aircraft mechanic. We were always short of parts for our airplanes, but needed to repair them and ready them for scheduled flights. When you are working with B-52's and you are under orders, it causes you to be creative. At times we had to borrow parts from other aircraft, fashion new parts from several other parts that had previously been replaced, scavenge from an already grounded aircraft, or rig up the existing part to make it work, at least for the one flight that was scheduled. You'd be surprised how creative you can be when you are working with limited time and resources.

There are parallels in ministry. Lack of resources is always a challenge. But the mission must be engaged. You can't afford to shut down in ministry because the enemy is very adept at securing resources to undermine the kingdom of God. Christian are called to be resourceful, creative, innovative and ultimately successful at finding a way to make sure the work of God gets done. While it is true that "God will provide," it is also true that "seek and ye shall find."

In the Air Force we weren't allowed to use excuses. Sometimes our Chief Master Sargent would bellow, "Don't tell me no, tell me how." But that's a quote for another day.