If you’re in the church world, I’m quite positive you’ve heard the song “Good, Good Father” by Housefires. If not, I encourage you all to look up that song. It’s very powerful.
That song has became very profound to me this month, and I feel like I understand the words a little bit more.
In the second verse, it goes:
” Oh, and I’ve seen many searching
For answers far and wide.
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only You provide.
Because You know just what we need
Before we even say a word.”
And I echo what this verse says.
This past month, I’ve truly seen many searching for answers. People desperate for a miracle, a sign and a wonder. Wondering what “god” they should follow. I’ve seen people come up to my teammates and me asking us for answers that we can’t provide or looking for us to heal them, when it’s not our power…but God’s.
In most of the houses we have been asked to go into to pray, the family is not Christian. They believe that all gods are equal, including “our” God. So, we often feel frustrated being asked to pray for their healing, financial problems, success in marriage, and so on and so forth when they don’t even know who Jesus really is. They are DESPERATE to see any god perform what they want.
In a city we were in, so many people approached us for prayer, almost seeing our prayers more elevated than theirs. People stop us so they can take pictures with us. It’s crazy!
I just want people not just in India, but all over, to know that God is a good father, and Jesus died to set us free. All of us. There’s no one on a higher level.
God knows what people need when we don’t. God knows every heart and where they are at in life. My team mate Josh said one of the most honest prayers a couple days ago that sort of went like this:
“God, I have no idea what to pray and honestly it’s sort of frustrating. I don’t know if these people know you, Jesus, but they need your help and you know what they need.”
So even if we don’t “provide” them with what they want, we can trust that God will deposit something in their heart that they need. If that’s healing, then He will heal. If that is peace, peace. If it is salvation, salvation! He is a good father and knows how to provide.
The same God that provides for me can provide for anyone. This past Monday I was feeling AWFUL all day, and it really wore me out physically and emotionally. I was feeling super home sick, all the smells were making me nauseous and I just wanted to give family back home a huge hug. God knew all of this was going on in my heart and mind before I could even vocalize it to Him.
The next day I started feeling better and my teammates confronted me on how I needed to be more open and I’m so thankful for that. God KNEW I needed that!
And my needs are no more or no less important than the people’s here in India, or anywhere else in the world.
Just like the lady my team and I met yesterday night whose husband just died 23 days ago and son died three years ago. She needed love and support. Where she lives, she is not allowed to leave the house until 3 months are up when her father comes and gets her. Her daughter and grandchildren visit to bring food and help her. My teammates, Jen and Clare, and me do not speak a lick of Telugu, and she did not speak a lick of English, but we were able to show love and support. We had an amazing time. I know God provided what this precious lady needed and He will continue to do so.
Because He’s a good, good father…it’s who He IS! <3
I love and miss you all. Please continue to pray for the health of my squad mates and me!
Also….be thankful for all the blessings you have. Seriously.
Love,
Meraia
