Training Camp: Part 3
“What would you like Jesus to do for you today?”
I never thought that question could be so powerful. While we were at training camp we were given the opportunity to pray over our brothers and sisters for whatever they wanted or needed. The pastor who was speaking was telling a story about a time he was praying over someone. He simply asked the person, “What would you like Jesus to do for you today?”
Our squad knew about a girl who has had back issues for quite some time, so we wanted to pray for her. In almost a joking/mimicking way, I asked her, “So, Ashli, what would you like Jesus to do for you today?”
Before she could even speak another word, her face went from joy and promise to heartbreak and anguish. I could not feel her pain, but I could see it in her face.
Then I put my hand on her shoulder, and almost immediately, I did feel her pain. Not her physical pain, but her emotional pain. I could probably never explain to you how this worked, other than I believe it was the work of the Holy Spirit.
“Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:7
It was crazy. One second I was asking her a question, and the next I was balling my eyes out with her. My heart was breaking with hers (and I’m usually not an emotional guy). I felt her frustration, her helplessness in not knowing what was wrong, and her begging spirit of asking God to heal her. There were a few of us that felt this pain.
So we all circled around her, put our hands on her, and prayed for healing. I believe in a God who heals, and I believe if He wants to, He will. For some reason, while healing others during the week, God did not heal Ash that day. Perhaps He is going to use this thorn in her side ultimately for more good than if He immediately healed her. I really do believe that after we prayed, Ashli was completely ok with this. She felt comforted. We all felt comforted knowing we can “share in our sufferings.”
God did some amazing things in and through our squad in just one week. We laughed, cried, sang, and shouted for joy with each other. But the thing I love the most about I-Squad, is that we are learning how to share life with each other. Whether it is good or bad, no pain or concern is left un-prayed for.
“…for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.”
That verse became so real to me that week, and I can’t wait to see how I-Squad continues to grow together as one family.
September 5th!
