Response to “The Lord is Preparing a Deliverer” by Joseph Cheng

In his sermon on Exodus 1–2, Pastor Cheng emphasizes both God's sovereignty and human responsibility. On the one hand, we see how our God preserves the Israelites in the midst of the sufferings that a hostile government inflicted on them. On the other hand, Pastor Cheng also reminds us that we must not wrongly assess the current situation.

This is a timely message for Christians living in China. Though not suffering from slavery and genocide as the Israelites did in Egypt, the situation in China has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Many of us may hope for a change in the regime so that the persecution may be lifted. It is a decent hope; nevertheless, pastor Cheng's messages reminds us that even if no change occurs in the future or if the situation gets worse, our God is still in control.

This is not to deny or ignore the persecution. In the past few years, we have seen church buildings demolished, crosses removed, churches properties confiscated, Christian posts deleted, churches forced to be closed, Christians harassed and even imprisoned. The list goes on and on. In the midst of all these challenges, the conviction that the church belongs to Jesus Christ who reigns over the earthly powers and watches over us gives me courage and comfort.

An American brother told me that decades ago, when all the missionaries in China were kicked out and native Christians were severely persecuted, many western Christians were worried that Christianity would be completely wiped out in China. They were, however, humbled to see that Christianity never died; instead, they saw a rapid growth decades later. God indeed has preserved the churches in China in the past, and I believe He will continue to do so.

Pastor Cheng also encourages us to exercise wisdom as we enter the ministry field. "There are times when a person misjudges the situation, . . . and what he brings is a disaster," he warns. This is another point that I resonate with. A variety of ministries could be done, and we may do the same ministry in different ways. I've witnessed many great ministries in the US, but I have to ask myself constantly whether it is a good idea to start something similar in China, given the situation both inside and outside the church. We need wisdom from God to discern what is a biblical mandate, what is a cultural issue, what is being "wise as serpents," what is compromise, what is being "innocent as doves," and what is "waging war according to the flesh."

As Pastor Cheng points out, initially, Moses chose his own way to save his people. Nevertheless, that was not God's way and time. When Moses thought he was ready for ministry, God prepared him for another forty years in the wilderness. I find myself in a similar situation as Moses. I used to think that my vision for the future could not be clearer. In the past, whenever I was asked about my plan after graduating from seminary, I always told them about my plan with much confidence. Now, as I'm writing this reflection, I have to admit that that confidence has been completely shattered. I used to tell everyone that a job (and ministry) is waiting for me in China. These days, I'm facing an uncertainty I've never had in my life. Sometimes, I can't help but imagine God speaking to me: "I want you to put off your pride. Instead of running before me, you need to follow my lead. I want you to go to the place I will show you, and I want you to go at my appointed time." This has indeed been a humbling experience, and it is a good one. Completing a seminary degree does not automatically make me ready for the ministry I desired to be a part of. I still have lessons to learn.

Oh Lord, my God! I know you have called me. Make me your faithful servant. Give me spiritual wisdom so that I may discern what is your will. Once knowing your will, give me a heart of obedience so that I may follow your will with a joyful heart, even if my own plans have to be abandoned.