Since being back n the US, almost always after telling stories of seeing God's healing power, I am asked that question. It's really gotten me thinking about it. Normally I answer with something like, "Oh, well they have less medical care over there, so they have to depend on God more than we do…" But in all honestly, that's such a cop out answer.
Ever since God healed the blind man in Uganda, I have been wrestling with whether or not I have the spiritual gift of healing. For most of my time in Africa, and life with Jesus, I was convinced that I did NOT have it… that God couldn't wouldn't use me to heal the sick. In Kenya one night in my "2 person" tent, I was strongly convicted. How dare I limit what God Almighty could do THROUGH me!
It was then, that He gave me this task: "Go and pray for 200 people."
Why 200? No idea. He's God. So, I went with it.
Ever since then, I have been writing down God's victories, as I call them. I write down the person and what happened during our prayer time. I call them "God's victories for two reasons. 1. It's God not me, and 2. No matter what happens, prayer is ALWAYS a victory.
day 1 of my challenge in Kenya, one of my co-leaders had a terrible stomach ache. So, following through on my task, I gathered some students, and we prayed. When we said our "amens" she walked away still in pain. "See God! I knew it!" I thought in my head. Well, about 20 minutes later, she came running out of her room and said, "You guys, it's gone! I'm all good!" I could just picture God smirking at me with an "I told you" look on His face.
Tanzania was our "Ask the Lord month." Every time I asked Him what He wanted me to do, I'd get the response "200."
So, the first day of ministry, I went and prayed. 5 of us hit the streets of Iringa, Tanzania expecting to see Jesus move. Well, He did. We prayed for 3 women. 2 were healed from physical sickness. (a blog is coming about this story).
What happened the rest of Tanzania? A lot of good stuff… but, can I be very honest? Did I pray for 200 people? Did I spend my time in prayer like He asked me? No. Believe me, I did ministry. I poured my heart out, I played with orphans, taught English, loved on single moms. But did I do what He asked me? No. Why? "Ministry" got in the way. Of course, all of my work was good and brought Him glory, but I didn't respond to His voice.
On the plane ride back to the States, when I asked what He wanted from me for the next season, His response: "pray for 200, and serve."
Since being back and finally being settled, I no longer have any excuses. I have made a commitment to pray for 200. I am not writing this to show what "I am doing." No way. BUT to show what God IS DOING. HERE. IN AMERICA.
For the past two weeks, I have been trying to pray for a person a day.
My guidelines: They have to be in person, unless I am asked to pray for someone via text or phone. (otherwise I'll cop out.)
Some days I don't follow through, and some days I do. The days I do, I've gotten to see God move in incredible ways. I've seen God heal headaches instantly, rashes disappear, truth immerse a person's identity, precious tears of joy fall… the list continues.
Back to the main queston…
Why don't we SEE God move in America?
My answer: because we don't do it. We don't follow through. We rely on other things. We rely solely on Tylenol to heal headaches, ice cream for comfort, glasses for 20/20 vision, books or blogs for an encouraging word… We don't fully rely on Jesus. period.
I am not against medicine. I am not against books or blogs, friends, TV, doctors etc. etc. I just think sometimes we cop out. We WANT to see Jesus' power in action. We WANT to be living disciples who fully rely on Him, but when the moment comes, we walk to the medicine cabinet FIRST.
So, God has asked me to pray for 200 people. So, I am. And Guess what? He's brought some more of His kingdom to Earth through me, and it's legit.
I don't really know… I am just utterly convinced that God is DOING "those type of things" in America. In Toledo, OH. EVERYWHERE. It's just our choice if we want to join in…
Prayer is cool. It's amazing..it can show someone God's love and let them experience Him first hand. It's worth possible rejection, failure,or not having the right words. He's worth it.
I am left with one question..
What would yours???…
What would the world look like???
