“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10)
This paradoxical verse seems like foolishness if it isn’t understood with the wisdom of God.
We are back in Livingstone, so the houses we visit are homes of people more connected with the modern world than the villages we lived in last week. They have access to internet, to television, to the tourists who come to this city to see Victoria Falls. Their connection with life outside of their city has made them aware of some differences between their culture and other cultures. One of those in particular is The United States.
Yesterday our teams went out for house to house evangelism once again. I met a man who was quick to approach us three, obviously white, obviously foreign young women and point out the fact that we were outsiders. In his mind, the color of our skin determined whether our lives were prosperous and happy or spent in poverty and despair. Perhaps had he not been under the influence of so much alcohol, he would not have been so blunt in expressing his view of me, judged entirely on the basis of my white skin. But in spite of his judgment and his intoxication, I felt a compassion for him. His words were quiet and full of grief and hopelessness. His bloodshot eyes looked straight back into mine as if he were trying to determine if the look in my eyes was judging him for his skin color the same way he judged me for mine. And when I reached out to encourage him with a handshake or touch on the shoulder, he reached back, seemingly desperate for that demonstration of friendly affection.
I listened to him tell me about how hard his life is for quite awhile. He would chuckle under his breath as he went on, a hint of disbelief of all his misfortunes mixed with an attempt to cover up his shame. I tried to interject messages of hope and encouragement. There is always hope in Christ. God has plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future. Jesus loves you. I responded to false things he said with gentle, but firm corrections calling him to repentance. Jesus came to die for you to bring you out of this darkness. He wants better for you and if you will turn to him you can have it. The truth will set you free. My words didn’t seem to sink in. If you’ve never done it, trying to talk to a drunk man about his salvation is not an easy task.
Finally, I just told the man I wanted to pray for him. I spoke life into my prayer before beginning by telling him Matthew 21:22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”, and I began to pray. I knew this man wanted me to pray for money for him and plenty of food and a safe home and all his physical needs. I included those things, while acknowledging that God is our Provider and Sustainer and we can trust Him in whatever circumstances. But mostly, I prayed that God would soften this man’s heart and draw him closer. I prayed against the lies of satan that had taken hold in his life, and the spirit of hopelessness he was captive to. I prayed that He would acknowledge the Truth and the Truth would set him free.
My prayer wasn’t anything super special in my own mind. I hadn’t felt some great supernatural leading in my prayers. I just prayed what I believed this man ultimately needed. And when I opened my eyes, I saw tears pouring down the man’s face. He looked at me like his soul had just been touched by the Spirit, and I believe it had been. I squeezed his hand and told him God desired good things for him, he just had to believe it and accept it. He nodded, asked me my name, and thanked me and walked away quietly.
I know that it was not me who impacted that man. But “the prayers of a righteous person are strong and effective.” I prayed in faith to the Lord, knowing that all the things I spoke to that man were truths from the Father, and I believe the Father responded to that prayer.
When you don’t feel you are being effective with your words and actions, pray. It is God your Father who is capable of the work.
