I’m standing in a tent type structure in front of about twelve Ethiopian men and women. These men and women are leaders, pastors, and deacons of this church. I start by thanking them for allowing us to be here, to share our hearts. I explain how much I’ve already loved my time here, as well how much I adore their food-it’s the best-I don’t know how I’ll go back to America without it. They all laughed (thankfully I had an amazing translator). Then I began to share a message God had put on my heart the night before; it was all about small “yeses”.
After a few more songs and testimonies, those in the church began to share how our stories blessed them, what they learned, how they were encouraged by our words and what God said through us. They then asked to pray for those of us who shared so that God might bless us and keep strengthening us to continue to share these stories. They began to pray in Ahmeric, I stood with open hands receiving the beautiful words that I couldn’t comprehend. It didn’t matter that we speak two different languages. The presence of God was so evident in that space, all around us. The Holy Spirit was upon us and I was overcome in that moment—How the heck did I even get HERE?
Right then God brought me back to the life I was living four years ago. I was a hot mess and living life out of selfishness and brokenness. All my decisions were made to fill the void I had inside which ultimately left me even emptier than before. The “other” life I had lived before I found a true and lasting relationship with Jesus was such a drastic difference to the life I’ve been living the last three and a half years. Sometimes I am still shocked how I even got here. I’m not the same woman I was and yet I’ll never be the same again.
During those few moments of prayer, visions and thoughts continued to flash through my mind. I saw the girl I used to be: she felt alone, isolated, heart broken; she was unsure, a past that was irredeemable, seeking love from those who were just as broken. And then I saw the woman I am today: she knows she is never alone, she seeks others out and brings them in to her life, she is sure of the path God has for her, her past was already redeemed before she ever called Jesus friend, she never has to look for love again because she is loved with the greatest love that has ever existed and is worthy because God calls her daughter.
I’m in AFRICA. I’m sharing God’s love and His words with those around me. How did I get here? It all started with one little “yes” to Jesus. That one little “yes” I whispered through all the tears and pain was the start to an avalanche. I didn’t know what that first “yes” to Jesus would start in my life and I definitely didn’t ever think that three and a half years later I would be in Africa sharing with leaders of a small Ethiopian church. I didn’t know…but God knew.
God doesn’t need or want big flashy things from you to begin again or to start life with Him. He just wants one small “yes”. Eventually those “yeses” will multiply and before you even know it your life will be turned upside down and you’ll be living out dreams you never even knew you had. You might wake up one day in total awe of how you ever got to where you are, and when you do—take it in. Take in all the beauty of grace and love that changed your life forever and then share it every chance you get.
