I don't understand the chapter with that heading. There is passing reference to Howells getting married to a childhood friend who had been born again in the revivals and was one of the helpers in the mission. Even faster was the passing reference to their leading "in the opposite direction -- to give up their marriage, not knowing whether it would ever be restored to them." The very next sentence states: "Only now, three years later, did the Lord's word come that their lives should be united in His service."
If Howells spends any time in Heaven looking down here and perhaps sees the words I'm typing, he won't be pleased with what I'm about to say. Perhaps in his heavenly state he has a understanding that I don't (you think?). I don't believe that God would call their marriage to end. Surely it was a misguided thing. This is very confusing, as his previous leading was either from God or it wasn't. And surely he would recognize the voice of the Lord. How could what God joined together as one be torn apart? What's the purpose of that? Being called to sacrifice is one thing, but sacrificing your marriage? I don't get it.
Later on in the same chapter they explained how God challenged them to give up their son, Samuel, for the mission field of Africa.
"'Anyone who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me,' and now the Holy Ghost said to us, 'You must prove to Me that you love the souls of the Africans who are to live for eternity more than you love your own son.'"
His uncle and aunt took Samuel in as their own. They believed the promise that their sacrifice would yield to them 10,000 souls in Africa. After Samuel grew up he returned to his parents' side in ministry on his own accord.
Can you imagine that?
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at June 14, 2006 08:41 AM