Keep that Gift Ablaze!

The Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh, is best remembered as a troubled, but highly talented post-impressionist painter. At the age of 37, confused, poverty-stricken, and sick, he took his own life with a borrowed gun.

But most people don’t know that Van Gogh felt called to be an evangelist when he was young. Vincent Van Gogh’s father was a pastor, and Van Gogh enjoyed the benefits of a Christian home. In 1878, when he was 24, he enrolled in a school for evangelism.

After graduating, he preached for a year, and then Vincent Van Gogh forsook his call, and turned his back on God. Later, he began to paint as a driven man, finishing 200 painting in two years’ time. And at age 37, Van Gogh died at his own hand.

The Apostle Paul urged young Timothy, “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.” Another translation reads, “Keep that gift ablaze!” I believe Paul was saying, “Fight the flame that fades too quickly. Use the gifts that God has given you. Cultivate carefully a passion for God, and for the souls of men.”

How easily the flame of passion fades. Through more than 60 years in ministry, I have seen so many men and women who have allowed that flame go out. They have allowed family, friends, financial obligations, and a thousand other things take priority in their lives, and their passion for God and their burden for souls have been pushed aside. “Fan into flame the gift of God. Keep that gift ablaze.”

John Henry Jowett wrote, “The gospel of a broken heart demands the ministry of bleeding hearts. As soon as we cease to bleed, we cease to bless. We can never heal the needs we do not feel. Tearless hearts can never be the messenger of His passion.”

Friend, if you have allowed your passion for God to die within you, there is still time for you to return to Him. He is the only One who can restore the joy of your salvation. If we can pray with you, please contact us. Willie Jordan, PO BOX 12345, Covina, CA 91722. Or go to our website, fjm.org, fjm.org. If the Holy Spirit is tugging at your heart, it is never too late.

Blessings,

Willie Jordan (Mrs. Fred Jordan)