GROWTH.
What if we started growing in God and sharing it with all those around us?
Well I have an example of how God has been growing me this last month! I have been challenged lately to step out in faith either in bringing up Jesus, praying for others, or challenging the people around me. When I was praying about where to go to pursue people around me a local coffee shop came to mind. The last three Wednesdays I have gone to the coffee shop and was never able to push though my fears to pray for anyone even though God showed me opportunity’s to do so. However this Wednesday I just went into the coffee shop to have, a much needed, date day with Jesus. I had three hours and if any opportunity came around cool, if not I would just keep having my date with Jesus!
Well I walked in, ordered my chai, found a nice seat, got settled in, and looked around to see who else was at the coffee shop. I felt like I needed to pray for a high school girl sitting in the corner reading by herself. I started trying to prepare myself to actually get up and go pray for her, about 5 minutes later she got up and left. I sat back feeling discouraged asking God, “Why did I let another opportunity pass by me?” as I watched her leave. He spoke back simply, “Emmy lets see how you have grown.” He continued, “The first Wednesday you came in focused on the barista and was crippled with fear. Second Wednesday you came in focused on the barista feeling ready to push through yet you felt distant from Me. You were ready in your mind but your heart was wandering. Now today the third Wednesday your mind and heart are at complete peace with me and you are looking all around at who you may pray for. Be happy with how much you have grown so far and get ready for what is ahead.” I asked again Why I couldn’t? God replied back “You still need growth, you are lacking the sense of urgency but we will work on it for the next time.”
Two hours later while I was having quality time with Jesus three older women sat close to me at the coffee shop. Right away I knew I needed to pray for these women. After 15 minutes of me hesitating and the Holy Spirit repeatedly telling me “Just go.” I got up and said to the three women “this may sound weird but I feel like I should pray for you”. The next hour I sat with those women as the Holy Spirit moved in incredible ways (another story for later :).
As one of the ladies told me “We shouldn’t be afraid of making a mistake but we should be afraid of never being able to experience the incredible opportunity’s God has in store for us.”
We do not get up one day full of courage and confidence; however, as we start stepping out in faith to share Jesus we will begin to grow in our courage of God!
I challenged myself to grow. I asked the Holy Spirit to give me challenges. To allow myself grace when I did not accomplished it and relied more on God so I could grow for the next time.
I want to challenge you to say to God “Challenge me Holy Spirit. Grow me in your will. Grow me in a way that I can share about Jesus with anyone. Help me stay consistent in your growth so I can grow past my fears.”
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self disciple.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Thank you for reading! If you want to join us as we go to Costa Rica, South Africa, Thailand, and Myanmar click the “Donate” button on this screen. Also keep us in your prayers as we prepare to leave!
I am so EXCITED!
