If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to talk. I love getting to know people, sharing stories, and talking to people. But today, I found myself at a loss for words.
We went on a prayer walk with a local pastor to go pray for people around a neighborhood. I love to go prayer walking and I was really excited to go pray over people. We arrived at the first house, greeted the family, and the pastor said, "Ok, now give a word. Tell them about Jesus." I looked around at my five teammates and silence filled the air. We all stood there completely silent and looked at eachother as the akwardness began to rise. My heart began to race as I thought: Wait… I thought we were just praying for people and now I have to give a word? What do I say?!?!
After what felt like an hour of painfully akward silence, a few of us finally spoke up, gave some words, prayed over the family, and left. As we walked off, immediately I felt discouraged. There was a family who needed to hear something from God and I had nothing. I just stood there speechless.
From this experience, God showed me how important it is to constantly listen to Him. To submit to Him and be prepared to give a word of the Lord at any moment. I learned how important it is to be ready. Today it felt as if I went into battle without a sword or I went to play in a major league baseball game and had no glove. I was caught off guard, unprepared, and unsure. I need to always be ready and have open ears to listen to the Father speak.
I can no longer hold back. I can no longer hesitate. I must speak in confidence and authority from God. I must no longer believe the lie that I am not able to hear clearly from God.
Everyday people need to hear God's word and we are all vessels that God wants to use. That is why we were created, to bring God glory and magnify Him, which means speaking to people. God is always speaking and moving and all I have to do is open my mouth. There are too many broken people in the world for me not to.
Prayer walking in Nicaragua has been amazing. So far about 95% of the people we have prayed for are non-believers. They are people who are seeking truth and life but are still lost beause they do not know Jesus Christ. Yet every single person we have come in contact with has opened up their homes to us, invited us in, and allowed us to lay hands on them and pray.
If I tried that in America, people would slam their door in my face. They would probably assume that I am either selling something or that I am a Jehovah witness and who wants to convert them. And it is not about that at all. I am all for leading people to salvation, but I am more focused on leading people closer to God and closer to the Father's heart.
As this month continues, I am excited for redemption. I cannot wait to redeem myself, step out in boldness, lead with confidence, and give people words from the Lord.
Daddy I repent for my hesitation and for not speaking Your words into people's hearts. Use me and teach me how to hear You clearly and minister like Jesus did. May I spread Your love to the nations
John 10:14 "I am the good Shepherd, my sheep listen to my voice"
