As we departed from India to head to Nepal, I took some time to reflect on my journey. It’s bittersweet leaving a country. After working for a month with the beautiful soles of Covenant Worship and the people of India, words just seem to fall short. Tears were shed,hearts were uplifted, and prayers went up.
During the last weeks we traveled across the country by crowded trains (filled with merchants and way over capacity) and buses (with chairs that lean back until you lay into the lap of the person behind you). We went door to door and prayed for families who were hurting, grieving, and wanting. Sometimes we were called to plant seeds, while other times we were just a refreshing spirit.
Lesson 1
We need to encourage. As the outsiders, we were often encouraged to go to the forefront to pray for people. We were treated differently at times and almost put on a pedestal. But, I understood. When the guest pastor visits the Church or you hear that a speaker has come into town you want to hear what they have to say. They didn’t travel hours or days just to sit in a corner. But I also understood that God has given us all the authority to do his work. When we leave India, our Brothers and Sisters will continue to take up the cross and fulfill his calling long after we are gone. So why not echo the words of Christ and encourage them that their ministries are having an impact on their area, God has given them tools of wisdom, God will continue to fuel their spirits, and that he is overwhelmed with excitement for what is to come in India! Man, despite the heat, that sent chills down my body.
Lesson 2
We all have junk. We all have a past, and we all have a choice. You can either let the things of the past consume you or you can step into faith with the Lord, strap up your boxing gloves, and walk into the ring for a battle that’s already been won. There seems to be this overwhelming feeling that God can only use certain people to fulfill his calling. I beg to differ. I believe that we all have a different story and God uses these stories(testimonies) in order for us to minister to his people. He only gives us trials that we can conquer. We just have to be willing to leave our junk, recognize it for what it is, and avoid pointing fingers along the way.
At the same note, hurt people will hurt people and God also holds us accountable for our teachings. There’s a difference between accepting the past and moving beyond it. Knowing it’s there and embracing it fully. Sometimes you need to forgive that person that hurt you deeply, love that person that mistreated you,understand that everyone isn’t like you, and know that the process will sting at times. BUT, it is just a process, and YOU will get through it. Stay faithful, and keep your eyes on the Lord.
So I pose some questions:
1.What are my priorities? Do I invest my time into my priorities accordingly?
2. Do I believe or do I know that God can use me where I am in my life?
3. Are there any obstacles that I need to work through in order to pursue him on a deeper level?
4.How can I encourage my community (family, friends, church body, non-believers) while on this journey?
