What Was Poured Upon the Lord
Is Not a Waste but a Fragrance
When I was small, our home was in Kaohsiung, and with the difference in age, I had never met Brother Wu; yet from time to time I would hear my parents speak with delight of the "Big Brother Wu" whom they knew. Even though I had heard the stories countless times, each time I still listened with relish, and in my heart I could not help thinking that one day I might behold his true face.
As I grew older and began to learn to serve in the church life, I gradually came to realize how truly extraordinary the service of this elder brother of whom my parents spoke was—he had passed through three strokes without falling. I could not but be filled with reverence in my heart; to me, it was as though our family had gained another uncle.
Watching the pattern of you and the brothers ahead of us, laboring with all your might and serving without regard for your own lives, led me, in one noon prayer near the end of my second year of training, to weep and offer myself to the Lord, willing to walk the pathway of serving the Lord full-time all my life. Although I am only a little sister and very imperfect, yet I consecrate myself; when no one takes up the baton, I am willing to put out my own shoulder and walk this pathway. I said to the Lord: Unless the brothers come to fellowship with me, asking me to step down from the ranks of the full-time service…otherwise, this is the pathway I am resolved to walk. (Perhaps it may seem like youthful rashness, but by grace my attitude of striving to follow this ministry is firm.)
I never imagined that in the third year of my service, there really would be a brother who summoned me to fellowship. This brother was none other than Brother Wu himself. I had originally thought that someone as small and insignificant as I would hardly be recognized by him; I never expected that he would call me to fellowship and ask whether I was willing to serve in the book room. I was truly overwhelmed by the favor. To be able to enter the book room to learn to serve was truly the Lord's mercy and grace.
Thousands upon thousands of precious lives, beloved treasures, lofty positions, and brilliant futures have all been "wasted" upon the Lord Jesus. To these who love the Lord, He is altogether lovely…worthy of our offering up everything. What we pour upon the Lord is not a waste, but a fragrant testimony, testifying of His sweetness.
Brother Wu, you walk ahead, and we follow from afar. The Lord, caring for our weakness, has placed many witnesses around us. When we sink down, when we fall, let us recall the thousands of fragrant testimonies of those who walked before us; may we learn also to pour ourselves out upon Him, that He may be pleased. Thank you, Brother Wu.