On Thursday morning, my squad got off of a ferry that took us to the Greek Island of Lesvos, where we were heading to join efforts with Euro Relief and Samaritan’s Purse to assist with the refugee crisis. Once we got off the ferry, we had an additional one hour bus ride to where we were staying. During this time, our squad was praying and listening for this season of ministry. We had no idea what we were heading into, just that we were desperately needed. I was listening to one of my favorite worship artists, The Glorious Unseen. The song ‘How Could I Withhold my Heart?’ came on, and I instantly felt challenged. For months I’ve been praying that I would learn to love well. That the love of God that’s in me pours out of me. It’s so easy in difficult, short term situations (like serving refugees) for me to build up walls to guard my heart against any hurt or pain I may feel. God challenged me to not withhold my heart from the people I will be serving. When I withhold my heart, I withhold God’s love that’s inside me. In order to save myself from some physical, earthy pain, I have been withholding the eternal love of God.
What does it look like to not withhold your heart? I don’t know. But, I’ll figure it out. I’m on day four of working with the refugees, and I fully expect to have a bruised, if not slightly cracked heart by the end of my time here in Greece. But, that’s ok. Because my Father is a healer and restorer. If His love is shown through me, then my time here was successful. I fully realize this is a lesson for life, not just Greece, but I’m taking this one step at a time and learning what it looks like to love well.
“How could I withhold my heart? Freely I will give you my love.”
