Several weeks ago we had mini-debrief in Jaco, Costa Rica. As I mentioned in my previous blog, the purpose of this debrief was to go through team changes and training for our new squad leaders and team leaders. It was a fun and empowering week, but I want to share about a particular evening we did worship on the beach.
There was another squad joining us for worship night, so there were approximately 35-40 people praising the Lord together—both in Spanish and English—during the sunset. It was beautiful. It was powerful. It was The World Race.
About halfway through worship, a man sat outside of our circle and started watching us. He clearly was not in his right mind, given his mannerisms and blood-shot eyes. He was goofy and made us laugh as he shouted in Spanish and waved his hands around.
I was watching and laughing from inside the circle when the Spirit spoke.
Go sit next to him.
I wanted to ignore Him. I wanted to continue worshipping in my safe circle with my people that made me comfortable.
Comfortable.
A life with Jesus is anything but comfortable. I should’ve known better than to think God wouldn’t push me, especially when an opportunity to spread His love presented itself.
My heart started pounding, and He repeated himself in my head.
Go sit next to him.
At this point I knew He wouldn’t back down, so I finally decided to obey. I left my comfort zone and sat next to this stranger on the outside of our circle. He smiled a great big smile and took my hand, while I pieced together what little Spanish I know and introduced myself. I understood little of his response, but honestly, it didn’t phase me. Helping this man feel seen brought me joy, even if I couldn’t understand him.
After a minute or two, I noticed dozens of scars up and down his arms. I can’t be positive, but it seemed that he was self harming… a lot. Thoughts flooded my head:
“Is this why God pushed me to make him feel seen?”
“He’s probably using substances to mask his pain”
“What impact am I having by simply sitting with him?”
Maybe I planted a seed and started something in this man’s life.
Maybe I didn’t.
But you see, who knows what God was able to do in that man’s life because I said yes (even though it took me a minute).
And we don’t ever know the full story, but God does!
I thought He was asking me to sit next to a crazy local, but really He was asking me to love a broken and hurting man.
One of the coolest parts of this story is that I experienced joy because of my obedience!
Does God want our obedience so that He can further His kingdom?
Of course!
But He also wants us to be obedient for our own sake!
Our obedience to God will bear so much fruit in our own lives!
God offers us everything He is: peace, joy, love, and so much more.
All we have to do is ACCEPT it, and we do that through our obedience!!!!
