Lindsey France's Blog
an account of affirmation / Apr 17, 12:03 PM
Recently, I’ve had the blessing of “facilitating” morning devotions at the Joshua Center a few times a week. The moments we spend singing a capella, reading God’s word, and praying together have been vital to my deepening relationships with the ladies. It has given me the opportunity to be vulnerable with them as they have been with me. In exposing my weaknesses, I am also able to share with them the reason I breathe, laugh, cry, and sing. But it isn’t what I share that really matters. In the last few weeks, it has been beautiful to see the women taking over devotions. Most mornings I barely get a word in! God has been working miracles in their lives and they cannot help but testify to His goodness. Morning after morning, I am brought to my knees at the throne of God by their wisdom, faith, and honesty.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how God brings people crashing together. I think if it weren’t for those violent collisions that foster relationships, we would all likely be hermits. (Maybe I’ll further develop this very vague thought in another blog someday soon…)
Friday morning, I wasn’t exactly bubbling over with encouraging thoughts or words. So, I sat down with the ladies and asked them to share what God had been teaching them throughout the week. Laura, a new guest who has a great sense of humor and a fantastic southern accent, asked to share. The day before, she talked with me about her life, struggles, and doubts. A fellow guest had spent some time studying the Bible with her on Thursday evening and they had read Matthew 5.
She shared a beautiful perspective of Matthew 5:14-16. She told us of a time when she had been beaten very badly and left at the bottom of a hill beside a road. It took two days for her to climb to the top of the hill. When she did, she saw the lights of an ambulance that was responding to another call. They saw her and took her to the hospital. She said she feels like she is still crawling to the top of the hill spiritually, Jesus at her side. And one day, she will be the light of the world, the city on the hill. (Well, I think she is already a light…but, you know.)
Ok, so, about that collision. Billie, a quiet and wise woman who has been here for some time, spent the week trying to make the decision to move to Kansas for a job or to pursue a housing opportunity here in Chicago. Friday morning, she told me that she had made the decision to move. After Laura and several others shared, we gathered around in a tight circle and prayed for Billie.
A few hours later, I was in the computer lab with some of the ladies when Billie came to me with a single piece of paper in her hand and an unmistakable light in her eyes. She had been reading a “prophecy bulletin” and the day’s encouragement read as follows:
“As spring calls forth new growth, so I am calling you to come forth in new life and strength. Quiet your soul and hear the sound of My voice and the power of My purpose will be revealed in you. You are about to emerge from the darkness of past days into the light of life and increase. Prepare your heart to truly release yourself from the past and personal history, for this is necessary prerequisite to your progression, says the Lord. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
So, again I was amazed at God’s power and faithfulness. He often uses the most unlikely people to speak words of truth and affirmation into our lives. Just listen.
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