Outside the four walls of buildings, not only church buildings, is a noticeable theme since March, 2020. I am not saying our Creator caused any of this, but I do believe Jesus has plans to take advantage of our “new.”
As I was praying this morning, I found myself repenting, and asking for forgiveness. For what? When I leave my house, I tend to be fairly focused on my agenda. If I end up speaking with people, I am intentionally kind and encouraging. But I sensed Holy Spirit convicting me of the opportunities I have missed to bring light and life, eternal life.
I have spent years learning about and practicing lots of ways to pray with people. I have partnered with Abba, bringing spiritual freedom, emotional wholeness and physical healing to many. And most of that has been inside the four walls of a church or in a person’s home. The former tends to be for those who already have a relationship with Jesus. The latter is almost always invitation only.
The thing is, Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with everyone. (2 Peter 3:9) And how will everyone hear if we are not actively demonstrating Him to people outside the four walls? Jesus tells His followers to step out, and it comes with His promise to do anything we ask in his name. Special training may help, but all He asks of us is to be available. Holy Spirit does the rest.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. John 14:12-13
This week I missed at least one opportunity outside the four walls. I was in the gym doing my routine and one of the other members was clearly in pain. I knew instinctively they were there to heal. (Been there done that.) Fresh from a prayer training, I felt the nudge to go offer prayer. But no. I told myself we have masks that make it hard to hear each other over the noise in the gym. The person seems focused. And of course, the fear of what “others” might think. Besides, I was eager to get to the next thing on my “to do list.”
But what about Jesus’ list? How can God work, and be glorified, if we are not available to be obedient? The opportunities to introduce people to Jesus outside the four walls are almost endless. But I am not even looking for the opportunities. Multiple personal OUCHES from me all the way around.
Abba, thank you for your grace, your mercy, and thank you for already paying the price for my disobedience. All shame is washed away as well. May I have an opportunity to meet that person again, or please meet that person in another way. I know you love them that much.
As we flow through this Easter weekend, may we all praise You for the passion You have to be in relationship with everyone. Forgive us for not sharing that passion, in word or in deed. (I speak for myself.) May we all reexamine our priorities in light of Your love. Thank You for Your promise to be with us, and to work in, and through us when we step outside the four walls. Amen
