Well, it's been awhile since I wrote on my blog because I got swept away, not so much in classes but in awe of how much God was moving around me and teaching me through every person I came in contact with. Before I was uniquely made in my mothers womb, God supernaturally designed what I would be doing on this very day and He never ceases to amaze me. Two days ago, He brought me home for the
holidays and last night I was reunited with two of my dear friends. I laughed so much that I had to remind myself to breath. Before the night was over I already had plans for this morning with one of them again. If you were to ask me beforehand, I would have only suspected for it to be a morning jog with great company and the chance to catch up on our daily lives. It didn't take long for me to realize God had so much more in mind.
I opened my eyes this morning to a dark sky with many clouds. Now, anyone who knows me would know that it made me even more excited to go running. The sound of the rain hitting the sidewalks is so soothing to me and every rain drop reminds me that God is in control. He knows everything about everything. He knows where each rain drop will fall and the effects it will have on the plants, trees, animals, and people everywhere. It reminds me to slow down. We are always rushing to get from point A to point B and then repeat the process all over again the next day. But what does that really accomplish?
What we do in this life will decide where we go after we die. "What are you working towards that the grave can't destroy?" (Reality) So take a moment to reevaluate your motives and appreciate all the things you're taking for granted. If I were to thank God for everything He has blessed me with, (let's just narrow it down to one specific day) I would be thanking Him until my final breath.
Okay, moving on...
Just like I anticipated, my friend and I were able to catch up on our last semester while running around the block. The talk about classes were quick and to the point, but what I really cherished is how we were able to connect about what really makes us who we are; The interests we have and the people we've met and how they've changed our lives for better or worse. Every person you meet teaches you something. As it became more obvious to me how out of shape I've become, we started heading back to my house.
Before I knew it we were reading Bible passages and in a deep conversation about the Lord's Word. Where two or more people are joined, God is with them. Oh, let me just say He was surely with us. We watched a movie called, "Father of Lights" and I highly recommended it for believers and non believers. The power and creative design that God has in everything He does was so clearly shown as I watched this two hour film. It taught me that we need to be brave and step out with faith.
God calls each and every one of us to heal the sick. So, what's stopping us? We don't need to have some fancy prayer in order to heal a broken back or take away a sickening disease. We have the Power of Jesus Christ. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside us. And the God of the universe commands that we lay a hand on the place that needs healing and to say a prayer. It can be as simple as, "In this name of Jesus Christ I command the pain to leave. Get out." Because you know what...that may be simple to say, but it's effects are are so much more. Anytime you say the name "Jesus Christ" the gates of Hell shake and the demons shiver down to their very core. If you have God, then you have power to heal.
I was personally convicted by this and I was reminded of all the times I said, "I will pray for you" or "what can I be praying about for you?" Seven times out of ten, (if you're like me) you'll forget or fall asleep before you even remember asking that question.
My challenge for you, and this goes for me too, is stop saying you'll pray for them and just do it. That is when they need it and that is when they asked for it. Don't be afraid of being awkward or having people stare because if you're feeling weird and out of place, then good. That means you're doing your job. Jesus Christ never went with the crowd, He was the leader of it. And more times than not people found Him weird and a bit crazy. You'll get comfortable with the idea of proclaiming His name in all places of the world and the idea of praying out loud. God will surely bless you.
Also, don't let the non believer scary you from praying over them either because they are the ones that need it most. Ask if you can pray for them and with there approval, lay a hand on there shoulder and ask the Lord to reveal Himself.
Above all, LOVE.
In this entire movie of incredible healing and remarkable life changing choices, the servants of God displayed Jesus Christ by simply loving others. We don't need to try and convict other religions into our own or judge those that say they are Christian, but are being un-biblical. Because every person-- this includes gangs, liars, cheaters, murders,...yes, even them is a child of God. Therefore, He wants you to love each and every one of them. God doesn't love our choices, but He still deeply loves our hearts.
