On the first full day in India- still at our cultural orientation, not even at our ministry sites yet, this statement was spoken to our squad:
“Your words are so powerful”.
I had to zone out for a second, and let that truly sink in. My words are powerful. They make a difference- a good one or a bad one, depending on what I say. To me, knowing that is terrifyingly important.
On one hand, I can use my words to be an advocate. To be life giving and renewing. To extend encouragement and God’s love to others. To ask big things of my Father. Hebrews 10:19 tells me, that as a believer, I have authority to approach the throne room and be bold, and to ask Him to work His wonders. Through Jesus, I have the power to command spirits to leave the oppressed, to ask for miraculous healing, and to command the fulfillment of promises.
On the other hand, my words can also lead to destruction. What I say can alienate me from relationships and from people understanding me. It can cloud my intentions, and the heart of God inside of me. My words can even lead to the persecution of myself and fellow Christians by people who dont believe (Especially here in India, where radical Hindu and Muslim groups are outspokenly against the church and pose a threat to the movement of the Spirit here).
But “nevertheless she persisted”:
Against a culture that doesnt allow women to look men in the eyes, or show their ankles, or speak up for themselves. Against a culture where speaking the name of the Lord can lead to deportation or death. Against a culture where power and freedom belongs to few- the males of the high classes.
Being here is a test of faith and boldness. It feels easy to slip into the crowd here, to cast my eyes down as I walk because I am used to being cast down. However, God has been proving to me that He is in control here. He placed me in India to walk in boldness, to look up and acknowledge women and children on the street. To give them the respect and honor they deserve, but so rarely get.
I learned a song in one of the Indian languages that goes like this:
“bhayapadaka saageda nee rakshana chucchedaa” //
“I won’t be afraid. I will press on, because I see my salvation that you have prepared for me”.
So I won’t be afraid of persecution or of belittlement. The Lord has made me strong and powerful in His name. I wait upon and believe in the One who is:
way maker
miracle worker
promise keeper
light in the darkness
My God, that is who you are!
And just as a fun addition so you can get to know me better; lately, I’ve been reading:
Numbers
Dueteronomy
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
