Psalm 147:6 "The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground."

An interesting insight comes out when one reads this verse in Spanish. In place of "ground" as the final word, Spanish says, "earth". The words "ground" and "earth" are the same in Spanish, but as I read, I was struck with the thought of the devastating limitation of those that don't know Christ. All the work, all the impact, all the significance they can ever have is limited to this planet, to this life. They are cast down to the Earth, limited to the finite and passing, so that the wealthiest man, the greatest statesman, the most dynamic speaker, the most accomplished performer or sports figure can never have the fruit that the lowliest believer can have.

In Ephesians 2:10, we read that we are "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath foreordained that we should walk in them." Literally, we are His poiema (Gr.), His epic poem. When we are born again, the new life that we enjoy is life created in Christ Jesus, and there are things God desires to accomplish through us, works that He prepared beforehand and into which we enter as we walk with the Lord. These works have their beginning in God Himself and are as eternal as He is. They were planned beforehand and will continue to give God glory throughout eternity. Works that are not part of His "poem" begin with men and end with them.

We walk in these foreordained works by faith, and most of the time we don't have the privilege of knowing what God is doing until much later Ð perhaps until we are with Him. Occasionally, though, God allows us a glimpse of His glorious foreordained works. I want to share one with you.

Ben and Brendon Booher accompanied me to visit a sister in the hospital in Guadalajara. In the bustling center of this city of 4-plus-million, we decided to stop at a small taco stand. It was early, so only one other table was occupied. Spying our Bibles, a gentleman at the other table identified himself as a believer. A hispanic, he is the pastor of a Calvary Chapel in California and was in Mexico to visit his brother, who is suffering with a terminal disease. "I wanted another opportunity to talk to him about Christ," he explained.

The conversation then turned to us. Ben and Brendon told him where they were from and why they were in Mexico. He was interested, but when I told him I live and work in Atotonilco, he nearly fell off his chair! "That's the city where my brother lives!" The young man across the table identified himself as the son of the sick man and a former english student of mine at the High School in Atotonilco!

I have had two opportunities since then to visit this man, Nestor Saavedra. He is the Director of a secondary school here and has insisted in continuing with his responsibility despite his illness. The unique manner in which I met his brother has opened a door of contact. He invited the Boohers to play at his school and more recently agreed to have Misael Hernandez, a close friend of ours who works with Open Air Campaigners, do a presentation in the school. Right now, the schools are on Spring vacation, so I'm hoping to see Sr. Saavedra at his home.

• A man in Atotonilco is diagnosed with a terminal disease.
• A believer in California prays and makes a trip to Mexico.
• Two sets of men stroll into the same tiny taco stand in the middle of Mexico's second largest city.
• The King of the entire Universe allows them to see one of His foreordained works, works that have their beginning in God's eternal plan and will redound throughout history to His glory.

Pray for Nestor Saavedra, and rejoice that as believers we are not "cast down to the Earth".