Copies of Manley Beasley: Man of Faith, Instrument of Revival are on their way to many folks who have ordered them. While Ron and I have been busy these last several weeks with the final details of the book’s release, I have found myself reflecting on Manley’s walk of faith and his influence upon me. Because we knew Manley and ministered with him in different venues over a period of years, there were many occasions to hear him speak about faith. In looking back through some personal journal entries made several years ago, I spotted his influence especially in one entry I made. I found myself reviewing and reflecting upon what had taken place during a particular twelve month period. It had been a challenging year in many ways, and especially in terms of finances. Since many people are facing similar challenges right now, I thought I’d share some insights that helped me at that time. Here are some observations I recorded in my journal.
Principles Observed:
1st The only way to see first hand God’s ability and willingness to provide for His children is to be put in the uncomfortable situation of having no resources of your own and no way to provide for yourself. Being put in that position will either expose your deficiency or reveal your sufficiency of trusting God by the way you think and react. It is one thing to “say” that God is faithful; it is something entirely different to believe God, to rely upon Him, and to enter into the rest that faith brings.
2nd God best demonstrates His ability and willingness to give, by my obvious and large need. My lack is the best possible backdrop to display the sufficiency of His supply. My circumstances are under God’s control—He is not aloof or detached from what is going on around me. He has either designed or permitted what is happening now. My seeking Him must not be just for the supply of what I lack—but for light to perceive what He is saying to me, and for grace to trust Him with my circumstances.
That was the end of my journal entry. Now, however, I look back over years of living and marvel at the patience and kindness God has extended to me in “the school of faith”. I marvel too at the circumstances He orchestrated which exposed my need of learning to trust Him. Some verses of Scripture I memorized a long time ago are possibly familiar to you. Proverbs 3:5-6 says
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
A strong tendency in my life has been that of leaning upon my own understanding. The Lord has graciously been working to break me of that wrong thinking so that I can experience the blessedness of knowing that He is directing my path. Some of the process involved in the breaking and learning has caused me to be afraid, to get angry, to feel overwhelmed. But, oh, I am so grateful that He has not left me with just my own understanding and my own resources! Some wonderful words from the 146th Psalm sum up my final thoughts for this posting:
Blessed is he (or she) whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—the Lord, who remains faithful forever.
Dear Patricia,
Thank you for refocusing me on what it is that our Heavenly Father is teaching me and the lessons in faith that I heard from Bro. Manley years and years ago when he would come to our church (Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Mesquite,TX) each year.
After being laid off almost a year and having my resources dwindle down to nothing as I diligently looked for employment, I kept thinking that the Lord will answer my needs immediately and instantly but instead our Lord is teaching me patience, keeping me focused on Him and allowing my testimony to reach many so that those observing my “struggle” will see His mighty hand move and glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Without this hardship, I would have never realized how “comfortable” I had become. The “knowing” that I am in His ‘perfect will’ makes the struggle not as painful somehow. What once caused me to tremble when I could not figure out how God will bring something to pass now allows me rest easier in the journey, enjoy the blessings along the way and look forward to sharing the testimony with those God brings into my life.
Our Lord IS faithful and true! I praise His holy name! Thank you for sharing from your journal.
If your journal is packed full of nuggets like this one, you should continue to share these with us! May the Lord bless you abundantly above and beyond all your hopes and dreams. May He give you the desire of your heart.
In His love and joy,
Dianne
You should publish your journal in book form, it would be a blessing and help to many people both male and female.
I know when my wife was living Prov 3:5-6 was one of her many favorites and she also kept a diary/journal that was a great help to her and to others she shared it with. She has gone to heaven as of May 30,2004.
Dear Patricia and Ron,
What a cup of cool water in a desert place it is to hear from like-minded ministers after so many years! Our pastor, Dr. George Harris told me that you had written Bro. Manley’s biography and that you could be located on line. I played piano and guitar in that OLD group, The Sounds of the Spirit (back in the 70’s). We just got together for our 1st reunion in over 20 years. (We’re “still the same girls”).
My husband Jim and I now live in Ingram, TX and go to FBC Kerrville. I’m still playing the piano directing our small church orchestra. Jim just retired last year as a pilot at Continental.
I’d like to hear from you if you aren’t too busy.
Love, Renee F. Griffin
Bobbie and I are reading the book together. We met Manley Jr. at the revival conference at the First Baptist Church Jonesboro, GA. Thank you, Ron, for writing this book.
Gary Lowe
Panama City
I have just finished the book given to me by my mother-in-law, Ruth Fitzwater. I am empowered to pass on all of this knowledge and wisdom. I never met Mr. Beasley, I was a young child at the time he was preaching most of his sermons. His face is very familiar though. This book will not be passed on because of all the great reference material, but I do plan on getting one to pass to my pastor and youth pastor. I thank God for placing this story and outlook of faith in my hands. It is amazing to see God’s work and the way he does it. God is good all the time, All the time God is good!
Jana Fitzwater
Nevada, TX