Back To Reality
Returning to the United States and Facing Reality
Returning to the United States, also brought the cares of the world front and center. It was back to reality. Catching up with people, with the workload and coming face to face with an impending court date.
I recalled God’s word to me that I would be in the house in October, but court was April 15. My faith was increasing. I believed in what I couldn’t see. But I also knew that I had to walk the walk and I didn’t know what that meant or what was expected of me.
I prayed and fasted seeking God for the next step.
God’s Timing and Court Dates During the Pandemic
It was my sister that called me. She knows I don’t actually watch the news and keeps me informed of the things she thinks I need to know.
As I picked up the phone, she informed me that all federal courts were closing due to the pandemic. What does that even mean, I wondered.
As I wrapped my head around the news and began investigating how it affected me, I was surprised. God was not, but I was. All federal courts closed April 12th just three days before my next scheduled appearance. When they reopened, I would be notified of my new date to appear.
My court date was cancelled until further notice. October was beginning to be seen in the natural; not just in my faith.
Now what, I asked the Lord?
Use the house for ministry, He replied.
Ministry at Home: Prayer, Worship, and Bible Studies
And so I did. Pandemic or not. Hosting prayer groups both in person and via zoom. There were four a week. Hosting Bible Studies for ladies so they could stay connected. Hosting Prayer and Worship sessions for those willing to venture out. Hosting Easter dinner with the neighbors (with all the doors and windows open). Even hosting some on-line school classes for elementary children to help working moms with small children and no daycare or school.
With changing times came the opportunity for some creative thinking. Smaller groups of people praying. Invitations to corporate fasting. Encouragement in ways other than hugs and face to face communication. God moved deeply in people’s hearts inviting them into closer intimacy with him.
The Power of Fasting and Spiritual Community
Spiritually this was a rich time as I was personally challenged by the Lord and got to be an intergral part of what he was doing in the lives of others. Especially the many who said yes. Those who prayed. Who fasted. Who repented. Who surrendered. Who said Yes to God and what he was doing.
There were twelve invited to a twelve day fast. On the twelfth day, we would all gather and spend twelve hours in prayer, worship and fellowship. At 7pm, we would break fast together first with communion and then with dinner.
Fellowship and sharing was an integral and transparent time. We each shared what God had spoken to us, how he challenged us, and where we were in the process. The group would then pray and prophesy over us accordingly. It was a special time to be prayed for and to be one of the ones praying.
One man, then 80 years old, participated in that fast. He based his fast on the command in scripture to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He asked the Lord to break it down and show him exactly what this meant.
An engineer by trade, he wrote a ten-page paper based on the revelation God had given him in each of those areas. I love the fact that at 81 years old, he was still chasing God and trying to understand the word more fully and be a true image bearer. He was a blessing and a friend. Less than three months later, he was home with Jesus. He finished his race well.
Learning to Receive God’s Love Daily
God was speaking to me about love. It was then that I asked God to give me all the love he had for me. He told me that it would overwhelm me and I couldn’t handle it. I began praying in earnest that he would teach me how to receive a little more each day.
He began to give me tangible steps that would allow me to receive more of that love. These steps would help to identify lies passed onto me from my family, culture and church. As I identified the lies, I could begin replacing them with Biblical truth.
It was a time of fasting, prayer, reading of the Word and learning to believe the Word in a new way. It took faith and perseverance all of which he supplied. It took repentance and humbling which he made a way for and softened my heart posture. I have sinced learn to love myself more, love others more, and understand His love for others with more clarity. This is still an on-going process, this is sanctification.
While the world was living in fear, there was a remnant that was living in His presence. Pressing in. Seeking. Discovering & Grateful.