“Welcome to the graveyard”
These were some of the first words our ministry host spoke to us. He explained that this region of Romania is often called “the graveyard for missionaries and pastors” because of the tough religious climate. Many people say they are Christian and act nothing like it, while many others make no such claim.
People may recognize the name of Jesus, but have no urge to know Him. They may accept the prayers, but don’t want to pray for themselves. They may like the idea of a savior, but have desire to meet Him.
How many times to I act just like that?
How often to I pray to God to change my heart and make no effort to change?
Where are the areas in my own life do I try to hide away?
When did my life become a graveyard?
The first few days here were rough for me. I felt plagued by these questions and I was saddened by the answers I thought I knew. I had been feeling distant from God too lately. Like He didn’t have anything He wanted to say to me. I felt like this moment was a moment I needed Him the most and I was getting nothing but radio silence.
When we would drive out to different sites for ministry we would drive past miles and miles of sunflowers. Dead sunflowers. Have you ever seen thousands upon thousands of dead sunflowers in a field? It’s not a comforting sight. A few days ago as we were driving back after a long day of ministry, I was starring out the window at the lifeless fields and thought “You’re right, this place is a graveyard”
But God (here comes that awesome phrase again) had something He wanted to tell me. This place is a graveyard? Okay. My life can sometimes feel like a graveyard? Okay. My Jesus is more powerful than a graveyard because my Jesus overcame death itself.
“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him for the agony or death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” Acts 2:24 (emphasis added by me because come on y’all this is good stuff)
So whatever season you’re in, whether your celebrating and dancing or mourning and grieving, Jesus is right there with you. And I hope you too can find life in the graveyard.
