“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
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OCTOBER 18, 2024
I know a man named Robert who radiates God’s glory. He experienced a tragic childhood in Uganda, living with a harsh and alcoholic father bent on keeping Robert and his siblings beyond the reach of their mother. The father sometimes took them to a remote shack, leaving 7-year old Robert alone for days to care for his little sister and brother. Robert would carry water, catch fish from a nearby pond, and gather whatever food he could to keep them alive till his dad returned, often drunk or angry Robert hadn’t done enough.
When Robert was 13, his father sold him to another man—for a bottle of beer. As a teenager, he suffered from severe headaches and felt tormented by demons. Robert contemplated murdering his father, and at age 21, he called out to Jesus to help him, to save him. The migraines didn’t immediately disappear, but his despair began to evaporate as he leaned more and more into Christ. At age 24, Robert knew God wanted Him to tell others about Jesus and become a preacher.
He later married a young woman named Sarah. Robert & Sarah started a church and a school for destitute kids in Jinja, Uganda. A local witch doctor opposed them and pronounced a curse against them. The witch doctor died, but the school flourished, and the church grew. Years later, Robert earned a graduate degree at Wheaton College and was a part of Wheaton Bible Church for 2 years.
Now back in Uganda, the Fountain of Hope school educates over 1,300 children grades K-12. Through leaders Robert has discipled, the church has multiplied into 17 churches, community development and medical ministries, and a theological school training over 200 local pastors & church planters.
God’s glory radiates through Robert because God’s glory is displayed in Christ—and Christ lives in Robert. As Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Robert does not have more of Jesus than you and I do or can. But Jesus may have more of Robert than he has of me, or maybe you. I give God the glory for what I see in Robert! Lord God, may you be honored through your Son and His Church (including me) through all generations, forever!
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
- How do you see God’s glory displayed in Robert’s story?
- In what ways might your life be prompting others to praise God?
- A goal of our MissionsFest giving project is to provide a $20,000 grant to support Robert’s training of over 200 pastors. Would you like to join your church family in supplying this and a host of other worthy grants to our missionaries and indigenous partners?
Today’s devotion was written by Bill Oberlin.
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, October 18: Daniel 3; Psalm 107
- Saturday, October 19: Daniel 4; Psalm 108-109
- Sunday, October 20: Daniel 5; Psalm 110-111