Going Through Fire (part 1)

Wow. My team of 12 has been in Guatemala for almost 20 days now, and I cannot believe how spiritually and emotionally intense it has been in just over two weeks. Many of us have had sleepless nights, periods of mental exhaustion, and a spiritual “slap to the face” or two. I feel like I am in an accelerated spiritual boot-camp at times.

The Lord has heavily used our leadership team to speak deep truth, and we are getting wrecked and broken in totally new ways. Our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts are being opened like never before. We’re in the Refiner’s fire where all the iniquities and imperfections are being brought to the surface, so the Lord may wipe them off and purify and sanctify our hearts (e.g., an olive oil press in the spiritual sense: intense pressure resulting in pure, anointed oil).

The Lord has us “on-hold” so to speak. There is so much in and through us that He will do here in Guatemala, but it’s not quite yet. I don’t know how long we are going to be in this “preparation phase,” but He doesn’t want to send us out full-force until the timing is perfect. We are all in an intensive and rigorous season of letting go of earthly identities, surrendering control, learning dependence on the Lord, trusting in His will, and knowing the Lord in a deep, intimate way.

For me, I am at times still operating out of what my mortal brain can understand and not walking in my spiritual giftings the way the Lord wants. My prayer is that my Spirit and my soul (mind, will, and emotion) align so I can die to my flesh daily. 

I am in awe of how much the Lord is pursuing my heart right now. It is rough and emotional, but the fruit on the other end will be absolutely beautiful and amazing.