There is something in us that wants to be known and appreciated by others.  We want to be "famous," even in a limited sense.  When we do or say something  which we think is important, we want others to know about it.  We want others to know us.  We want to be sought after.  In short, we want to make names for ourselves.  In this we are no different than the people who built the Tower of Babel, for they said, "Let us make us a name." (Gen.11:4).

    Jesus taught us to pray, "Hallowed be Thy name."  Or, to say it another way, "Let Your name be important."  But before I can really pray for God's Name to be in the place of importance, I must surrender my own desire for a name.  Rather than wanting to be "famous," I must be willing to be forgotten.

    How hard it is to learn this lesson, and to come to this position in our lives.  I well remember how I felt a few years ago as we were just beginning this phase of our journey.  I wanted so much to be used by the Lord, but it seemed that no one even knew I was  alive.  I read Psalm 31:12,  "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind."  As I read those words my  heart was filled with bitterness, because they described the way I felt about my situation.  And I wept, because I wanted to be famous, not forgotten.

    But God is faithful, and in His faithfulness He comforted me and continued to lead us on the journey.  However, instead of things getting better, they got worse.  He moved us away from family and friends, far out in the country, where we not only were not known, but where it is very difficult  even to find us.

    Day after lonely day, while Pat was gone teaching school, I worked alone.  The phone seldom rang, letters rarely came, visitors were almost unheard of.  And in the quietness God continued to speak to me of His love and care.  As He did so, He wrought a curious work in my heart.  I cared less and less about being known.  I became more and more content with whatever the Lord chooses.  And one day I read that verse again, "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind."  Then there sprang to my mind the words of Jesus, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Matt. 11:26).  And there was peace within.

    Famous or forgotten, which shall we choose?  God doesn't want us to choose either one.  He wants us  simply to accept what He gives, saying, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight."