I wrote a blog earlier this year while in Haiti about Poor in Spirit. You can read it here: http://bennyv.theworldrace.org/?filename=haiti-5-poor-in-spirit . I spent last night with a group of 6 girls being “houseless” (I’ve decided I like this term better than homeless) on the streets of Atlanta. These girls are going to India within a week and will be spending the next three months out of their comfort zones trying to get to know God. He’s inevitably going to put them through a number of situations that will stretch, encourage and challenge them to draw nearer. These girls are risking a lot and are about to have the opportunity of risking a lot more in the near future. The truth is that we all ALWAYS have this type of opportunity to risk a lot with nothing but the hope that He will come through in the clutch after we’ve given up control. Thankfully, He’s a God of abundance and wants to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Also, I’m thankful that these girls will be with a couple leaders that I trust highly that I’m sure will create an environment condusive to vulnerability and authenticity. My prayer is that this will be a growth spurt for the girls that goes far beyond a 3 month trip and eventually translates into a lifestyle spent in step with Him. Anyway, I’d love for you to follow and pray for these girls (Real Life: India)
back to my original blog:
The main point of my Poor In Spirit blog is that someone who is actually poor in spirit will understand that we’re no different than any other human without God. It’s almost ingrained in us to be judgmental of others. This includes both bad and good judgments. If we were honest we’d realize that much of our lives is based on constant comparison. Comparing ourselves to those ahead of us, those behind us, those in the same classes, same jobs, same city, same church or of course different jobs, cities, professions, etc… There’s also another level of comparison that happens when we compare ourselves to who we were, who we perceive we are, who we want to be, who others think we are and the expectations/obligations that come from all of that mess.
Last night as I walked through the streets of Atlanta I met a number of guys who don’t have a home. Each has a unique story and most desire telling you about it. I’ve been in this situation before and I remember the awkward feelings as my comfort zone was wrecked and my mind and heart both raced in different directions as to what I was supposed to do and comparing it to “what would Jesus do?” Time has come and time has passed and I still don’t have it all down. I see clearer now than I did before. I’ve come to a point where I know that I only need to have one answer and that it’s Jesus that has the answers. Most of the guys we ran into last night were legitamately hungry, cold, tired and alone. We could meet their practical needs but really when you start looking through His eyes you see that what they’re craving for is someone to talk to, someone who will listen, someone who will accept them and a place where they belong. I could spend the night with some of those men with absolutely no answers but if I was willing to just listen to their story, I might give them the strength and hope to fight another day.
More thoughts to come about this 🙂
