I didn't know the song that begins with those words, but I am learning it, and today we blasted it as Christine fearlessly led us in worship out in the middle of a somewhat chilly park, next to the River Cam, in the middle of Cambridge. I have never been one who has had the confidence or boldness to stand in a park in England and declare the praises of Jesus, but today everything changed. In obedience to the Lord's command we went to 'establish an altar', seeking to draw His presence, and trusting Him to do the rest. I felt such grace to be able to fully focus and abandon myself to God... and to give ourselves in worship as passionately and fully as we have been over the last week hidden away in the lounge of a farmhouse - yet this time outside in a public park in a city steeped in academia. It was glorious!!
The Lord arranged a meeting with three guys who work with different ministries/churches in the city - YWAM, 24-7 Prayer and the Methodist church. We were encouraged and brought encouragement - in England it is highly unusual in this day & age to find 3 young ladies with a guitar worshipping Jesus in a park - to God be all the glory! In our conversations the Lord was stirring faith to believe for the work He is going to do in this city. Tomorrow afternoon we are joining some leaders and intercessors for prayer in the city - please pray that the Lord bring about the connections and conversations and purposes He desires, to see awakening in the churches across the city.
Before we left Orlando, as we were commissioned and anointed and sent out, Pr Mark's advice and wisdom to us was 'do not try'. Wise words from a wonderful, anointed and wise leader - we have been praying this in over the last week, and many times, in the midst of conversations, I would be reminded of this by the Spirit of God, and it has been such a blessing to just turn to the Lord in those moments and renew trust, surrender effort and simply look to Him to do what we cannot do. It is liberating and sweet. We continue to be encouraged and strengthened in faith, even though our bodies feel physically very tired!
The faith of my faithful comrades in this mission has spurred me on to faith - last night the pressure felt great and faith so much contended for - as I wavered, Christine & Alyssa's prayers drew my eyes back to being fixed on the Lord. As I went to bed I happened across a little book and opened it to read: "I will trust You, O my Father; I'll believe and will not waver, till my faith is hard as steel". Amen.
Day by day we are thankful for your prayers and love. Yesterday we were seeing as we read the scriptures that there is no room for turning or shrinking back - and this evening were seeing that the mission we are on now, is not just a mission for our time in the UK, but it is to be how we live forever... the dependance and faith and trust that is building now is the beginning. Life will never be the same.
Praise God, Claire.
ReplyDeleteI too sat in a park today (In Cleveland, Ohio) and praised God, (in my car though... and by my slef)
I prayed for God to increase in your life, I prayed for Alyssa's school work, and I prayed that God would have a handle on things at home while Christine's away. I also prayed for you all periodically as you slept that God would give you peaceful, deep rest, but that even more than that, that he would speak to you and give you direction through your dreams.
To God be the Glory!
What a glorious sight you all must have been! I can imagine the angels surrounding you and joining in chorus as you praise the Name of our God Most High.
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged by the level of faith that I KNOW is being built and established in each of your hearts.
Blessings as you continue on!