Dead: deprived of life: no longer alive
Alive: having life: not dead or inanimate
I just spent an 11 months serving the Lord overseas, seeing God’s heart and acting upon it. This was the most worthwhile experience that I ever took in my entire life. Now my job is to encourage the body of Christ to take a risk and do something about the injustice of this world. Not just the injustice of this world, but to bring hope and restoration through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is a statistic right now, that in 10 years the gospel will be preached throughout the nations. 10 years! Jesus said, He would not be returning until…
I once read that if the North American church gathered our resources together and truly became ONE that poverty will no longer exist.
So, what is stopping you from applying to the world race or preaching the gospel just where you are? What is stopping you from giving some extra money to the homeless man and beginning a conversation with him? What is stopping you from tithing on Sunday and knowing that your money is making a difference? What is stopping you?
I have been just where you are. I had the job, the comfortable living, but still there was something missing. I wanted more, more of God and more of His living power in me.
I was challenged by Mark 16:15-18 which says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on the sick people, and they will get well.”
I have seen miracles upon miracles while I was away and here now, while I have been home. God never stops chasing our hearts and He shows up at the most ridiculous times. He proves that He alone is God through these wondrous acts to wake us up and to fill us up with joy that is unceasing. He gives us fresh power through the Holy Spirit and we have all authority in Jesus name to drive out the enemy and proclaim freedom for the captive.
I am going to be real here. Lately, I have been in the desert. My body and soul has been weak and weary. My joy was dwindling. My flesh came out with full vengeance and the battle was too much. I was carrying a sword that was too heavy and I walked away. I could not read the word and receive nourishment. I could not pray and when I did it was venting, with angry words to the King of Kings. Only tears would fall, which I know the Lord understood.
How desperately I wanted to be back on the mission field and my heart was burden because home is where He has called me. (This is what re-entry looks like)
On Saturday night I picked up a book called, “The unseen world of the Holy Spirit” by Frank Bailey. This book was on my nightstand for weeks. However, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to read and could not put the book down. My heart and soul was overwhelmed as the read the pages about returning to your first love. I heard the Lord gently speak to me and He said, “Sometimes you think it is easier to be dead, then alive, however this is not true. My grace is sufficient for you and I will bring you through this season.”
On Sunday while at church, there was a prayer time. I immediately got up from my seat and went to the front and wept. I was helplessly under the power of the Holy Spirit and there the Lord renewed me and I found strength again to fight.
1 Peter 1:8 says, ” Though you have not seen him, you love him: and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Psalm 30: 11-12 says, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”
My encouragement to you my friends is to return to your first love and let Him change your life forever. Though we go through these seasons, know it does not last long. The Lord is with you. He is your shield and rampart.
