It was the first day of ministry in Sunyani, Ghana. Our team headed out with a pastor from our partner church to the community right across the street.
The given goal was to spread the word about Elim City’s celebration service. With Sunday being the first one of the new year, the church leaders wanted to start off with a city-wide thanksgiving for all that the Lord did in 2017.
We spent about two and a half hours walking around that day inviting people to join us at church. Not surprisingly, children began following along very shortly after we arrived. By the end of our time there, our team had over 40 kiddos parading around the community with us.
These children were full of life and love, and every single one wanted to hold our hands. If our hands were already taken, they would attempt a sneak attack (quickly ripping one kid’s hand away and replacing it rapidly with their own), or they would find something else to hold whether it was a wrist, a corner of a shirt, or a water bottle. Many even made a chain, linking up with those whose hands were in ours.
It was clear to see that holding our hands meant a lot to them… But why?
As I watched the kiddos around me struggle for a chance to get close and connected, the expressions on their faces were confirmation that this was more than simply physical touch to them.
This was something emotional as well.
The look in their little eyes when they succeeded in holding our hands was one of pure delight. They clearly felt confident and special. On the other hand, the expressions of the children who had been unsuccessful in their attempts to get connected showed deep disappointment.
Typically when we have connections to someone famous or powerful we boast about it. The connection makes us feel important and valuable. It gives us heightened confidence when we are with them, and we want to show them off. It’s the “I’m with him/her” mentality.
Last night at our prayer service, I reflected on this experience. In that moment, God gave me a simple picture in my mind.
He gave me an image of His outstretched arm offering me His own hand.
If being connected to a public figure makes us feel special, how much more will we feel being connected to the Creator of the universe, the Author of our entire existence?
My next thought was one of conviction.
Am I desperately reaching to take hold of His hand or am I leaving Him hanging?
Connection with me in the middle of a dirt road may do a little for a child’s confidence, but connection and communion with the Lord transforms us and gives us a whole new identity. In Him, we have all the confidence in the world, we are royal heirs of the Kingdom, and we are our Savior’s beloved.
Am I continuously finding my identity and strength in communion with God, or am I leaving Him hanging as I try to do things on my own?
This is the question that I hope to answer with action. An action mimicking the children’s desperate reach for my hand–holding tightly with a sweaty, dirt-covered grip.
Psalm 63:7-8
“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Over and out,
Julia
