Inside Story for Friday 14th of August 2026

The names of the author, characters, and location have been withheld.

I started my morning with a much longer prayer time than usual. After meeting many difficulties in applying for residency in a veiled country, my wife and I were told that it might be possible for us to apply that day for a six-month temporary residence card if we presented ourselves at the immigration office.

Our situation was uniquely complicated. We knew that a technicality on my wife’s passport would likely deny any request she made for residency. Our stay in the country was at risk. I didn’t know where to turn except for God’s direct intervention.

At the immigration office, we carefully filled out the paperwork and waited nervously. The woman behind the window who finally called our number was efficient. She quickly processed my request but hesitated when she picked up my wife’s passport. As we feared, none of my explanations satisfied her questions. She waved us away with a mumbled, “You go see a general.”

My heart pounding, I breathed a quick prayer. Someone showed us to an office at the end of a long hall, where a young man sat behind a large desk. He smiled and confirmed, “I am the general.” As he took our passports, he cheerfully told us he was studying English and hoping to serve soon in the United Nations. He didn’t ask why we’d been sent to him.

After a few minutes of paperwork, he stood and announced, “It’s all done. Come back tomorrow for your residence cards.” Even amid my surprise and relief, I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit. I quickly wrote down my number on a piece of paper and handed it to him, telling him that if he ever wanted to meet and practice English, I would gladly visit.

Later that day, he messaged that he had finished our residency cards early, and we could come pick them up. The relief that had replaced our frustration and worry gave way to amazement. God had smoothed the way—and so quickly! Moreover, we soon realized He had even more in mind than our problems.

The general and I have kept in touch. We talk often and have met several times. We enjoy conversations about life and the values we share. As his English improves, our friendship grows, and God’s opportunities unfold before me.

But those are small benefits next to the privilege of watching God use every circumstance to accomplish His purpose. We had approached Him with our great need because we were blocked by the challenges of doing His work, and in answering our prayer, He connected us to the very purpose of our work.

We call a country veiled when we have withheld its name to protect the lives and ministry of frontline workers serving there. To learn about Global Mission’s church-planting ministry, visit bit.ly/GMPioneers.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-07-inside-story-meeting-the-general/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-07-inside-story-meeting-the-general

Daily Lesson for Friday 14th of August 2026
Further Thought:

Read Ellen G. White, “The Need of Love,” Pages 545, 546, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 28, 1888.

Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com

“No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, Pages 318, 319.

“We have an abundance of sermonizing. What is most needed . . . is love for perishing souls, that love which comes in rich currents from the throne of God. True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part, the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet, enabling men to stand firmly where God requires them to stand, so that they will not make crooked paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning, consuming love of Christ for perishing souls is the life of the whole system of Christianity.”—Ellen G. White, Lift Him Up, p. 134.

“Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only he in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul.”—Ellen G. White, Education, p. 114.

Discussion Questions

<–Thursday

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-07-further-thought-a-portrait-of-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-07-further-thought-a-portrait-of-love