Sometimes to understand what God is doing, you have to get outside of the situation to gain a big perspective.
Our coaches and leaders from the U.S. flew to Tirana, Albania to check in on how our first month went. It was a time of reflection and rest.
To be completely honest, our team struggled the first month. Everyone’s childhood issues, pains, past traumas, and personality flaws began surfacing and conflicting with each other. At the time, I knew the situation was not good. However, I was not too concerned about it because I just thought everything would work out and be okay. No need to be that concerned.
At debrief during our first team meeting, I was confronted with the fact that actually our situation was quite toxic. My heart was broken, and I began to cry for my team members. I could see their pain, and I wanted to help. But how? I had tried talking, listening, being the peace maker, staying positive, doing my best to instill hope. It wasn’t working.
Then it hit me. Of course. The answer is prayer. Why hadn’t I been battling for my team in prayer? That is my greatest weapon and best offensive move. It wasn’t because I didn’t care for them or because I don’t understand the power of prayer. So why?
I had been lured to sleep by the enemy. He had very subtly put me to sleep spiritually. When I needed to be fighting for my team in prayer, I was physically sleeping. “You are tired and need the rest.”Or busy doing something else. The last two weeks of the month, when things began to escalate, I had gotten sick with bronchitis. He had convinced me everything would all be alright as a means to keep me from praying.
It’s easy to point fingers when there is a bad situation occurring, to place all the blame on someone else. In many instances, even if we are not part of the direct conflict, we are contributing in some way to the issue. Or we are not being a part of the solution when we can be.
Take a close examination of your current situation. Is there a part you are playing in contributing to the problem? Is there something you can do to help resolve it? Are you intentionally praying about it? Take these questions to the Lord and examine your heart. Take ownership of your part, and do what you can. Trust God to take care of the rest.
