Guys…we serve such a loving God. He is so good, and so kind, and so gracious to us. You know those times when He just overwhelms you with His grace? Those times when you heart is so overjoyed from the love of God that tears actually begin to well up in your eyes? Well that happened to me the other night.
I know I won’t be able to really convey the true nature and magnitude of the night, so I hope you have all experienced a night like this and can relate with me. If not, then I do pray that God might be so gracious as to give you a glimpse of what true community in Christ can do. Anyway….here’s what happened.
The night was winding down and Christian’s friends (Kelly and Chris) decided that he wanted to share some words for Christian on his birthday celebration. And for the next ten minutes they began to speak so much truth into Christians life. But the words they spoke were not their own, they were clearly words from God speaking love and power into Christian’s life. I sat by their side as they poured life into him, calling him up to a place he has never been before. They spoke not as to how we see Christian or how Christian sees himself, but as to how God SEES Christian. How God has uniquely created him to glorify the kingdom, to bring salvation to those he interacts with, to be a peacemaker with all men. They casted a vision for his life that was a worthy endeavor…they displayed an intimate side of God’s love I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. To see two men unconditionally love their brother, and to look not on the surface but to the heart, and build someone up through the power and might of Christ truly was an inspiring thing to behold. I was in awe of the immeasurable love displayed. It truly was a holy moment.
And then they turned to me, and Chris asked if they could pray over me. And as Christian and these two men I’ve never met, laid hands on me and prayed…power came. They spoke so much truth into my life. They spoke into the man I am in Christ, and they spoke over the man I am to become in Christ. They declared God’s love, and grace, and favor over me. They began speaking about my ministry in the SAE house and they declared the truth of the Word of God that a workman’s labor never comes back void. They powerfully proclaimed that my words would have weight and that when I preach the gospel that many will come to know Christ. The ministered power and might and victory over all of the powers of darkness. They declared our house a holy place, a house where the Spirit resides. That as soon as someone were to walk on our front porch that they might experience Christ Jesus. As their words flowed over me I felt the loving embrace of the Father. I felt at home in the Father’s arms. My heart was overjoyed that tears streamed down my face as I was laughing and crying at the same time. And I had a confidence that the Lord is moving. He hears our voices crying out for salvation for our friends and those dear to us. And He is answering. Keep praying my friends. For our Father hears our voices and is coming to the rescue.
We ended up taking turns praying for one another and as God gave us utterance. And with words to say and truths to proclaim, we all rested in His presence. It truly was one of those holy moments that bring us to a place of worship. Because we do have a God that is worthy of all our worship. We do have a God who cares for us, even the little things. That He might smile down on His children as they glory in His majesty and might.
I pray that this might encourage you. That God might grant you a special time with Him that overwhelms you with His love. That if you have some close friends that you would pray for one another and let the power of the Holy Spirit administer healing and affirmation to each other. Our God is so good…if only we let Him show us more often.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
