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Fall 2024

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. — 2 Corinthians 4:17

This past year has been a challenging one for me. Over the course of eight months I have had three medical procedures that included hospitalizations, plus COVID. The first two procedures involved my heart. The third one was for a hip replacement that went well until aggressive physical therapy resulted in a pulled groin muscle that rendered me almost crippled, just as I faced a busy fall schedule. How crazy was this? It all seemed to be too much, which made me suspicious. Was this an enemy assault? As I prayed and talked with the Lord about it, He seemed to reveal that I am on a divinely assigned journey…

I was in the book of Acts for my daily devotions, which was where the Spirit began whispering to me…a conversation that carried over many days. He brought to my attention that the Apostle Paul was converted in Acts 9 but began his itinerate ministry in Acts 13 when he was set apart by the church in Antioch to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. That assignment led to three missionary journeys over many years that are covered in Acts 13 through Acts 21—seven chapters. In chapter 21 Paul went home to Jerusalem. A man who recognized him from one of his mission trips stirred up a mob to attack him in the temple, which led to his arrest by the Romans. Thus began what I would describe as Paul’s fourth missionary journey that also is covered by seven chapters, Acts 21 through 28. During this journey he was repeatedly threatened, falsely accused, imprisoned, shipwrecked and placed under house arrest, yet he seized incredible opportunities to share the Gospel along the journey. He powerfully, boldly spoke before the Sanhedrin, Governor Felix, the governor’s successor Festus, King Agrippa and his wife Bernice, the Roman centurion overseeing his voyage to Rome, and ultimately to those in Caesar’s own household when he was incarcerated in Rome. Isn’t it interesting that almost an equal amount of Scripture is given to this fourth missionary journey as was given to the first three missionary journeys combined?

As my own health issues dragged on, I was struck by the multiple references in Acts 21-28 to the passage of time that included not only days, but months and years. Surely Paul’s fourth journey stretched him almost to the breaking point, as it would have tempted him to feel it would never end. I understood.

Paul’s hope of release was dashed again and again to the point he was tempted to discouragement (28:15) But during those dark days he could reflect on God’s promise to him the night when he was first arrested. God had drawn near to him, telling him to Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome. (23:11) Surely God’s word gave Paul a sense that he was on an assignment…a journey…that would lead to Rome. That assignment was confirmed many months later during the shipwreck when an angel stood beside him and said, Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar…(27:4-5) In other words, there was a divine purpose that was driving this fourth journey. As hard as it was, it was taking him to where God wanted him to be.

So during my difficult journey, I am claiming Acts 21-28 as God’s promise that He is not finished with me yet. He has a purpose for me on this fourth journey. While I have not had the open doors Paul had, I have sought to open my eyes to those around me…to take His light into the darkness…to encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weak, share hope with the hopeless, speak peace to the fearful, refresh the weary…and most of all, to testify about Jesus wherever I find myself.

Are you also on a fourth journey of pain, suffering, isolation, restraint, confinement, estrangement, grief, persecution, weakness, weariness, or illness that seems to stretch beyond your ability to endure? Could it be that there is a divine purpose to your journey? Is God using whatever it is to get you where He wants you to be? Ask God to give you a sense of purpose and a promise that He will see you through. As we look towards this Christmas season, join me as together we fix our eyes on Jesus, who also in one sense was on a “fourth journey” when He left Heaven’s throne and came to earth for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) One day our journey will also end in that same Place…the throne of God! Until then, let’s be faithful to testify of Him as we travel this journey and stay focused on our ultimate destination…His glory and His heavenly Kingdom!

For His Glory, Anne Graham Lotz

Bible Study: The Journey

Read Psalm 23 with Acts 22-28

Trace the Psalmist’s progression of his life’s journey in Psalm 23:1-6.
How did his journey begin? Psalm 23:1-3
What pain, persecution and problems are alluded to in Psalm 23:4-5?

Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.

While recovering from hip replacement surgery, I had the joy of having Pastor Deevaniah of India in my home. He is a traveling, itinerant evangelist ministering in India as well as to his compatriots in the US. His testimony and passion for sharing the Gospel were thrilling as well as inspiring. Before he left, I had the privilege of praying over him.

Rachel-Ruth was incredibly blessed by the leadership, staff, and friends of Operation Mobilization during their Presidential Briefing Weekend in Asheville, NC. She greatly encouraged them as she delivered two messages. This amazing organization travels to the most remote communities with help, hope and the love of Jesus. She is pictured above with Seelan Govender, the CEO of OM Ships.

For the first time since Mother’s Day, after having had a heart ablation in May, then a hip replacement seven weeks before traveling to First Baptist Church in Houston, TX, I gave two messages on the greatness of Jesus to their women’s conference. Then Pastor Gregg Matte invited me to speak at both Sunday morning services, the first time in their 183 year history that a woman had been given the pulpit. Before I spoke his wife, Kelly, prayed for me. God poured out His blessing as I underscored how to have peace in a troubled world.

In September, my executive assistant for over 40 years (seated at the front), Helen George, celebrated a significant birthday milestone with many of our staff and their families. She truly has been a Spirit-filled, anointed companion and coworker!

Order Today!

Why?

In this volume, Anne shares her heart and God’s teachings on the universal problem of suffering, using the familiar story of Lazarus. This small book presents a simple, powerful message that is sure to bring comfort and new meaning to all who are suffering themselves or know others who need a special touch from God. It will help you understand and deal with suffering by leading you to the One Who knows your needs, shares your grief, sheds your tears and promises glory to come! Based on John 11. Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada. Click here to order.