I had been looking forward to seeing the Fortunes for several months - since we book them to come to OBC. As the days got closer, I got more excited about what God was going to do!! I had heard so many people talk about this magnificent family - about how the Lord worked through them to minister to so many! I myself had practically worn out a CD or two of theirs.
But during the last few weeks I have had some back problems. It had progressively gotten worse and worse, to the point that this afternoon I could barely walk. I found out a while back that I have two ruptured disks in my back. This evening I could feel that this was definitely true! I began to focus on "Myke Harbuck", and how bad I felt. I began to complain and feel sorry for myself. I even contemplated not going to hear the Fortunes tonight - but then I remembered, "Your the Pastor, dummy. You've gotta be there".
Through my pain, I began to think of David Ring when he preached at our church a while back. One of his favorite verses is "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11). I thought, "You know, there are a whole lot of people who have it worse than me". The Lord spoke to me and assured me it would be alright, and I was comforted and encouraged to go and hear the Fortunes.
When I got there and met them, somehow or another, David Ring's name came up in the conversation. In that moment, the Lord confirmed to me what he previously said to me:
"I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11)"
No matter what state we are in, financially, physically, or whatever, we must be content. We are content because God has already handled it. Christ has already paid the price. Christ has already done the suffering. These light and momentary afflictions that we face here on earth are just that - momentary. And on top of that, they work something greater in our lives - something we may not always see!
So the moral of the story is this -- no matter how bad your back hurts, get up and go see the Fortune Family :-)! Like me, you'll be glad you did!! I was so blessed by their ministry, their love for God, and their pure desire to serve!
You can hear the Fortunes at http://www.thefortunes.org/.
God bless!
Myke Harbuck
You can meet my family by clicking here: www.theharbucks.com
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