
One thing I have learned from working with various nationalities and cultures is underneath the flesh, at our hearts, we are all similar. The human heart is the human heart regardless of the package it comes wrapped in. My heart rejoices and is full of thankfulness for the opportunity to know people from different backgrounds, different countries, nationalities, and levels of privilege. The more I sit with people, the more obvious it is how, underneath, we all share similar struggles with sin, and have a huge capacity to love Jesus and others with the work of the Holy Spirit inside of us.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit with a friend who is a pastor from another country. As we were talking over coffee there was a temptation to reach into my purse, pull out of pen, and write down every word dripping with wisdom from 20+ years of ministry work! I resisted. But I remember her saying that she had noticed that often when people get free or “get what they want from the Lord”, they will leave the church. That struck me.
This reminds me of the story of the ten lepers in the Bible. All ten were healed, but only one went back to thank Jesus, the other nine just left. The bible doesn’t say if any of them told others about how Jesus healed them or if any of them brought other lepers to Jesus. But if any of them did, it was most likely the one who went back to thank Jesus.
When Jesus heals us or does anything for us, what do we do with that? Do we just hold onto it for ourselves and go on with our lives, or does it lead us to worship with thanksgiving and then a desire to let others know what Jesus did so they too can find healing and truth?
Within the ministry of Deeper Still, we have a saying:
“God doesn’t just free you from something, but to something.”
Of course we always have a choice. But a heart of praise and gratitude will want others to know and want others to have what we found. And the “from something” and “to something” looks different for everyone.
My friend said it like this, “When God does something for us, are we willing to sacrifice and lay down our lives to help others find freedom and healing as well?”
Is it just for us?
This seems to be a good question to ponder. Yes, of course, it IS for us. But what if we are missing the greater blessing by keeping it to ourselves and just going back to our lives? What if there is more? What if there is an eternal harvest waiting and your testimony is part of bringing others into freedom and healing–a unquantifiable outcome of obedience measured in lives changed?!
What more awaits? What more does He have for you?
If you haven’t stepped into healing and freedom, is now the time? How is God speaking to you today?
What might God be asking of you?
Father God, we are so thankful for the freedom and healing you have brought us. Lord, for those reading this today who need healing, would you speak to their hearts and I pray they would find healing in you. For those who have found healing, would you reveal to them what you have freed them to? We love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There are several Deeper Still retreats this Spring. If you have had an abortion and would like to know more about our free weekend healing retreats, please go to www.DeeperStill.org for more information. Healing and freedom are only a step in the right direction away.