Oh, India…
You have challenged me in more ways than I could have imagined – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the heat, the people, and the religious atmosphere. This has definitely been a month that I will never forget!
And I’ll be honest, there have been moments when I have asked myself these questions:
“How are we making a difference in this culture?”
“How do we minister to people who do not speak our language?”
“How do we present the gospel to a people group steeped in Hinduism and family tradition?”
Hard questions, right?! I have wrestled with them all month. My biggest fear is looking back at this month and thinking we didn’t do enough and we could have accomplished more! But God (conviction moment) has reminded me that the most effective “tool” and “influence” we can have in any culture is prayer.
Yes, prayer! The Word is full of reminders that God longs to hear us pray and for us to intercede for those around us.
II Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Isaiah 56:7b
“For my house shall be called a house of prayer, for all peoples.”
Matthew 9:36-38
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer!”
Revelation 5:8-10
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, ’Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’”
Oh, Lord, if what I see in India cuts me deeply, I know You must desire reconciliation with this beautiful, diverse culture. Your beautiful, diverse creation! Your love is not hindered by race, language, or generations of religious traditions. For “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (II Peter 3:9).
Thank you – my family, friends, and supporters – for your prayers! The Lord is using you to encourage me and to encourage the nations. God hears! He is not slow to fulfill His promise.
And thank you, India, for reminding me of the importance of prayer. I will not forget you!
Namaste and much love!
Melissa
