Jan 24th, 2009
My team decided that we needed to do more ATL (ask the Lord) time. So, we sat down as a group in silent prayer. Well, my A.D.D usually kicks in. Especially when there are kids climbing on the tin roof above you. As I closed my eyes to listen to Him, He put a picture of a woman in my mind that we needed to go pray with. This woman was the same woman who had cooked us a meal at the church as well as many empanadas at her shop. She always has a smile on her face. When we walked into her shop, she still greeted us with her big toothy smile and cheerfulness. I was thinking to myself “Why her, God? Why would someone who smiles constantly need prayer… She must be happy” Well, God knew her heart and we were just about to find out. Amanda translated the vision that I had about her and that I felt that we needed to pray with her about something. Amanda asked her if there was anything she needed prayer for. Markay immediately broke into tears. She hesitated about telling us. She tried to compose herself before letting us know what was wrong. Markay went on to tell us that her mother was very ill, her father only had a few months to live and that she was struggling with depression. I started crying. I felt her pain. This year while I am away, I know that I will miss some funerals. My uncle is in the last stage of colon cancer and refuses chemo and my grandma is getting worse. Both of those on the same side of the family (My dads mother and brother) I tried to put myself in Markays situation. How many times do I hide my feelings behind a smile? Too many times to count. It is just easier to put on a façade than to share what is hurting us. We want to be strong. We don’t want to share and get hurt more. I am guilty of this DAILY.
Why do we do this?
Pride?
Jesus said that we are a light that is not to be hidden. If we cover that with a mask, (think of a jack-o-lantern) people can only see little bits of light. We are not at our full potential. Luke 11:33-37
Our story, our hurt, our ‘realness’ may be used to bring someone to Christ.
So, let your light SHINE!
Don’t hide behind fear, pain, hurt, sadness, etc. Jesus wants to use that. He wants to use your life story for His glory. I need to work on this all the time.
So, next time someone asks you “How are you today?” That may be your opportunity to share what is going on and how God is saving you from whatever that may be.
