Last week in India
Ezekiel 37: the Valley of Dry Bones. We were ministering to the children and youth here this week ...These people must have felt so hopeless and broken and that they could not be used. They may be dried up- seeking help but are dry bones. The First Step according to Chp 37, is to rebuild the Body- build up trust, build up a relationship and then give breath into them.
We should be the ones that God uses to give Breath into these lives and allow God to make them alive again
"Were the Spirit is present, people are allowed to live and be enabled to be alive. It is hope to a despairing community". We are here to give breath into dry bones.
John 11:39-44
Lazarus had been dead for 4 days and there was a foul odor. V 44- Jesus said to unwrap him so that he can be free to walk.
- We should ask the Holy Spirit what are our grave clothes?
What smells in our lives or what are the things that we are bound to so that we can give it to God and he can Free us.
Ephesians 4:1 If we have our pasts all our grave clothes on and if we are wrapped to where our arms cant reach out- we cant wrap our arms around our saviour.
This whole week I had taught one dance and we led art classes. We got to see the city and have some amazing times or devotions in the morning and night. I was able to see God begin to work in some of their lives, and completely transform other lives. One night we prayed for hours, seeking God's face, praying for healing, restoration and praying for our families. It was amazing to see these children at all ages come to the throne of God and fall in love with the Lord all over again...
When I was leaving I was really sad. I want to come back and pray that the Lord will one day send me to India again with Project Rescue. It's crazy to think about all the people we meet and never see again. What about all the lives that leave footprints in our hearts? How do people not get attached and how are they able to move on and not yearn to see them again? I began to be filled with fear... these girls melted my heart... life seemed so right here- how can I just go back and expect things to fall into place? When I went to DR- I had made small change in my life. I realized that I have a heart for missions and that it will always be part of my life (short or long term), I started to see God through people,My heart began to break for what broke His and I really began to see the NEED for missions. India was completely different... there were so many comforts that were not around- internet, phone, air conditioner, toilet paper, even food. The ministry was completely different ... both needs just as great. It was a time to really live and engage with the people. To know their situations, see where they stand in Christ, hear about what God has saved them from and to be given the opportunity to teach them about the Lord as much as you can. The need here was so great. The poverty was unbelievable. The lost was unimaginable. The hunger for a love not found was unfathomable. If you could only spend a day in their shoes .. you whole world would shake, Just imagine putting your feet in the shoes of one of these women or children- I don't think we would be able to handle it.
I was so used to living a life that was surrounded by helping from a distance but this time we all got to India and stayed up worshipping, woke up early for fellowship- left all the comforts of our homes and lives but not to lift ourselves up higher or bring attention to ourselves, but to glorify God. What we have done was nothing to what God deserves. He deserves a life totally dedicated to serving Him, either at home, in the US or across the world. However, by no means does it mean to live a normal life. It doesn't mean to have a routine life. If we go to our 9-5 jobs and mind our own business then we have not done much for His Kingdom.
What have we done lately to advance His Kingdom? Being in India just gave me such a great feeling of conviction because the ministry at home was so great as well and I havent done much. I would live day in and day out, not being a rebel for Christ. Not trying to tell everyone about Christ. My actions didnt always resemble Christ and I never cared to try harder. He loves us so much- an unimaginable amount. He pursued me, he was and is jealous for me. He chased after me even when I ran so far from Him... He still came after me and showed me Grace, love and compassion. Most importantly, he took my hurt away.
That great amazing feeling of what He did for me, is what I so desperately want everyone to feel, I want to share it with everyone.
We all have our own stories, we all have our hurts. All of our lives are different, and we all have either encountered God or we are still waiting for that moment of Truth- That moment where we will never be the same.
