Captiva Island, FL 2008: It's never easily to get airborne and sustain it. But, as happened with the Russians in “Rocky IV,” Trent Ling believes that even a coliseum of Satan’s fans would be won over by the compelling story and life of his brother in Christ, Sultan. You’d have to be absolutely heartless and soulless not to root and holler for him and his family of 8++.
From Trent Ling:
Sultan, Just a couple of days ago, you shared that among other things, you had: abandoned God’s call for you to be an evangelist; shown no mercy to others; and shown contempt for God’s kindness. Though I do not like such letters from you because I think they are unfair to you, I do not want to interfere with your convictions at all…
What I want to make sure you know is that the “Defending the Fatherless” message also exists for your benefit. I see you often confessing shortcomings, weaknesses, and sins. I always appreciate your willingness to be in the light. However, I did caution you yesterday about false humility as I see you much quicker to judge against yourself than to defend yourself. My appeal was for you to slow down and understand more fully before making such quick judgments about yourself in either direction.
I must say that nobody’s situation in ministry history has been as hard-pressed as was yours at the water. I marvel at your perseverance and willingness, which have already become legendary at just 3 years into this for you. Your people have prospered greatly from your effort and work in the Lord, and they do not endure the cauldron that is your daily life in Christ. You show yourself as remarkably selfless in pulling off this feat, especially as you do so largely gladly. Even your wayward ventures were essentially selfless, highly vigorous and zealous, and retrospectively dripping with innocent willingness.
I acknowledge that over your three years in Christ, much instruction, correction, and rebuke has come down on top of your head. Everyone has had something to say to you and about you. Brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers, and everybody else have partaken in the “help Sultan” festival. You could easily think it strange that such a disproportionate amount of spiritual ammunition and attention has been relentlessly concentrated onto such a finite space (the top of your head). I’m amazed that over the years you haven’t become completely discouraged, disillusioned, and even embittered. Amen for you in not becoming those things. However, I’d like to be so bold as to call you to be ever so encouraged, understanding, and grateful. You are the walking, breathing, and living “Onto Maturity” message. God has seen fit to pour it out for you; and quite amazingly, you have been drinking enough of it to keep from washing away with the tides that would have ensued had you not been drinking in these spiritual seas. Hebrews 6:7. But, at this time:
May you have rest in that the Kingdom is yours! You have not fallen short of it! Hebrews 4:1.
May you also have rest in that the ministry is yours! We belong to you! 1 Corinthians 3:21-23.
This is the true grace of God so stand fast in it. 1 Peter 5:12. Fortunately, that means that you don’t have to set up a “stand” anywhere else ever again, ever. Whew and Phew! Put all your eggs in this Kingdom basket and rest your cares! There is no need for you to re-take the Kingdom. It is a one and done deal. There is no need for you to re-take us. We are already in the bag being held by your hand. You need only enjoy this incredible journey mapped by the Scriptures, sealed by the Spirit, led by Christ, and paid for by a prompting love with which you are already quite familiar.
Now as you abound more and more, you merely have to discern what is best. Philippians 1:9-10. This is the light and easy part. Matthew 11:30. May it be so for you. Needs change, targets move, seasons pass, and God is ever-increasingly glorified. It’s always new and exciting, and new and exciting, and new and…
For all of the advice you receive, it is clear for all to see that you are the one who has to do it! I and others should always be sheepish in approaching you because we typically send our “help” from paved roads via bird courier to the uncharted ranges in which you find yourself trudging. I am always hopeful that as your heart knows its own bitternesses, you are also comforted by having your own joys. Proverbs 14:10. Extraordinarily, the joys you share almost always concern the welfare and prosperity of your people, and have nothing to do with the ever-disappearing Sultan. Colossians 3:3. This should make even Satan’s fans root for you!
You know me. It is as I have written.
Thanks.
Love you.
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