"...tonight I was talking to Pastor Charles and he was saying that the problems here in Africa are much different then the problems in the West. It’s not enough to say “Jesus loves you” because those words don’t mean anything here. The need for love isn’t as great as it is in America. People here in Africa know they are loved. No one is lonely because they know and understand their need for community. It’s almost impossible to be lonely here. You can’t even really be alone, trust me I’ve tried. The people here are so incredibly social. Being loved isn’t as revolutionary an idea as it is in the West. If you’re going to walk around here and talk about Jesus and His love you need to have something more to go with it.
They need something big because they have big questions, questions that are hard to ask and even harder to answer.
Is your God big enough to feed my children?
Is your God big enough to bring the rain in this drought?
Is your God big enough to get these voices and evil spirits to quit tormenting me?
Is your God big enough to rid my body of AIDS?
I know what the answer is.
The answer is yes.....
Right?
Then why can’t I answer those questions with confidence?..."
Is your God big enough to feed my children?
Is your God big enough to bring the rain in this drought?
Is your God big enough to get these voices and evil spirits to quit tormenting me?
Is your God big enough to rid my body of AIDS?
I know what the answer is.
The answer is yes.....
Right?
Then why can’t I answer those questions with confidence?..."
We are to be dependent on the Lord. John Piper once said, "Our communication with God is not a personal intercom. It should be used as a wartime walkie-talkie!" Think about that for a moment.
When we put ourselves into the thickness of the war, then we can truly see the Lord show up. He has to! It's like skydiving. If you jump out of a plane, you are dependent that your parachute will open. Is God not more reliable than some fabric and ropes in a backpack?
Why not think about it. Leave a comment below.
What you shared on your parachute blog about Africa is very true to what we have experienced here in just the few days that we have been visiting here. Perhaps the reason they see so many more answers to prayer than we do in the West is their total need and dependence on God for EVERYTHING! Relationships are vital. We are also learning so much in our time here. Keep encouraged and may God make you a blessing to those you have the opportunity to minister with and to.
ReplyDeleteHoward & Kathy
Very well said. Couldn't be any clearer than that. I like the Walkie talkie !! Idea because it communicates not only dependence but also urgency, we need His help and we need it urgently. One pastor once was asked by a girl she rescued from forced prostitution, "if God send you, why did it take you so long to come?"
ReplyDelete