Eagle Talk

If someone had told me five years ago that I would be doing the work I am doing for Jesus Christ, I would not have believed him or her. I had no problems admiring others that accepted the challenge to go "against the norm" and obey God’s command, but it was never anything that I saw myself doing. I have learned in a very personal way that nothing is impossible when you are empowered by God to do His work.

The most influential person in my life has been my mother. She raised four children all alone, and willingly sacrificed to make sure our needs were met. I now realize that it was by God’s mercy that she found the resources to keep us alive and together. We never did have any needs that went unmet. Before she retired, she built a reputation on quality work and positive attitude. Even today, I continue to draw strength and encouragement through her example of tireless faithfulness and support. She has taught me to be a fighter, and to press on regardless of the odds.

I have experienced a lot in my lifetime. One thing I have learned is that God and His Word never changes. He keeps His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem to us. He never gets so busy that he doesn’t have time to bless us, and He never gets so fed up with us that He cast us away. And because of God’s faithfulness on our behalf, I am determined to do use my time to share His Word with as many as I can.

Becoming the president of a ministry was not something that I sought after. Through years of negative experiences, I can look back and see that God was preparing me. You see, I was always the type of person who believed what people told me. If someone told me that they were saved, I felt in my heart that they truly were. If someone asked me for forgiveness, I did not question their sincerity, I just forgave and forgot. As a result I have been hurt and disappointed countless times. But I now understand that it was a part of the process of becoming a leader. So let me share with you a few things I have learned.

My mother taught a message where she talked about chickens and eagles. Her point was that God’s people are eagles, and should soar to incredible heights instead of spending time scratching and clucking around a stinking old chicken yard. I made up my mind that I wanted to soar with the eagles, to make my nest high up in the mountains far above the average and ordinary. It is hard sometimes to free yourself of distractions, but you must do it in order to run with patience the race set before you (see Hebrews 12:1-2).

Whether you are a pastor, a teacher, a mother, a daddy, or simply someone who has the opportunity to touch one life, you must show God’s love, and be understanding and patient. Learn from your success and failures as well as the successes and failures of others’. But be sure not to get sidetracked listening to the endless clucking of chickens that have nothing to lose or contribute. Listen to, learn from, and hang out with the eagles.

I have also learned that obstacles will surely come. If you understand this, you can use them as a stepping stone to go higher. Many times the enemy has tried to use words to hurt us, but those words witnessed to our faithfulness instead. No matter what obstacles you face, you can win with Jesus Christ. Though the odds may not be in your favor, with God on your side, you still have the advantage. That’s why the bible tells us "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" 1 John 4:4. The enemy wants us to focus on the obstacles and give up, but the reality is that there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it". (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Finally, remember that every pathway that God directs you into is purposeful. God does not haphazardly direct you; He ordained you and choose you before the foundations of the world. He has a great reward for you if you can just walk in His will.

Lindia and I are so grateful for the prayers and support that you give us in this ministry. You are a part of every resource we have in place, every word that goes out on the web, every heart that is strengthened and encouraged and every ministry that receives support from us. The impact that we are having is far beyond all you can imagine; yet there is so much more to be done. With God’s help and yours, we will all succeed.

God’s Grace be with you,

Edmund and Lindia Brown