The setting for this inspirational story takes place on 68 acres in the Ozark mountains. My husband, Willis Hinkson, and I had moved there believing that it was God’s will to develop a campground and conference center that would be useful in working with small membership churches. Through our years of ministry, we came to the realization that smaller congregations had needs different than those of large megachurches. Our hope was that this campground would be used by pastors for leadership training, quiet time, or opportunities for camps and retreats.
Without much income, but a belief that this was a direction God wanted our ministry energy focused, we moved to this land without water or electricity. A borrowed camper and a couple of donated army surplus tents soon became home.
It seemed like life at the Higher Ground facility got harder instead of easier. But there was a peace as God supplied strength when my energy failed. I just want to say that in 40 years of serving the Lord, He never failed or let me down; He is faithful. Through this and other experiences, the Holy Spirit helped me see the interesting ways in which God was giving me “a breath of fresh air” when the tasks were overwhelming.
One Sunday, I was preparing breakfast (no easy task) and trying to get dressed (no easy task), all while standing on the muddy tent floor. Suddenly it all became overwhelming! Willis was to preach at Rupert Baptist Church, a small rural church in the mountains about 35 winding miles away. This was our first visit to that particular church.
I was sitting on the church pew by myself, not knowing anyone, and feeling very alone. Actually, I felt more depressed and overwhelmed than anything. Special music was presented that day by a trio of beautiful mountain girls. Their father led the congregational music at this church and I later learned that their family sang together at other church gatherings and venues such as the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View. But, on this one song, it was just the girls. As they sang a song entitled “Little David,” I began to cry. The words, “the battle’s not mine, cried little David. Lord, it’s in your hands” penetrated to my very soul. I did indeed understand God’s message to me that day. The difficult tasks and responsibilities are not ours to bear alone. God will get in the yoke with us to direct and carry the load. That was a “breath of fresh air.”
On another occasion, that same song ministered to my aching heart. It was just before I was scheduled to have surgery for cancer. The girls came to the apartment of my mother where I was about to leave for the hospital. They came to sing that song to me. It seems that now that song has become the trumpet battle cry for me. I am reminded to shift the focus off of me and onto God every time I hear it. Once again God provided an overwhelming “breath of fresh air.”
Those three girls and their father, Larry, The Nelson Family Singers came through on many occasions at Higher Ground whenever we had a large gathering, they provided music for our worship time. Once during a gospel singing at the amphitheater, the weather was ugly and threatening. None of the musicians scheduled to sing would take their instruments on stage for fear of damage from the dampness. The Nelson Family Singers had anticipated the weather and had brought an extra set of instruments, not their regular ones, and volunteered to start. The first song they sang was, “I know the Maker of the Wind and the Rain.” God was honored above everything as the attention of everyone was placed on God and not on the circumstances. Is it any surprise that the clouds lifted and the night became pleasant? The gospel singing continued as planned. That was again a “breath of fresh air!”
“Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Little David
Written by Rachel Phillips
Little David, oh so small, Goliath, oh so tall
All seem too high for Little David
So, he shook off all of his load
With the battle of God, he was clothed
He said, “The battles not mine I give to You, Lord, it’s thine”
The Battles not mine said Little David
Lord it’s thine I’m in your favor
I’m giving it all to you, I know not what to do
I’m so glad you let me see that you’re really all that I need
Oh the battles not mine I give it to you Lord, it’s thine.
Little David unafraid before Goliath he stood that day,
It seemed to be the end for Little David,
Just like the lion and bear he slew that big old giant would come down too,
He said the battles not mine, I give it to you, Lord, it’s thine.
The battles not mine, said little David
Lord its thine I’m in you favor
I’m giving it all to you, I know not what to do
I’m so glad you let me see that you’re really all that I need
Oh, the battles not mine I give it to you Lord, it’s thine.
Little David stood so tall; Goliath seemed so small
Sweet victory had been for little David
For he gave his problems to one who had the record for getting things done,
He said the battle’s not mine, I give it to you Lord, it’s thine,chorus
The battles not mine said little David
Lord it’s thine, I’m in your favor
I’m giving it all to you, I know not what to do
I’m so glad you let me see that you’re really all that I need
Oh, the battles not mine I give it to you Lord, it’s thine.