I love testimonies that break down the walls formulas attempt to build around our hearts. Formulas bring turmoil and anxiety with them as we try and fit everything into neat little boxes. I went through a season in my life where I tried to depend on formulas. Sometimes they actually worked and it was great. But the times they didn’t and those were stressful times.
I think formulas are attractive because they feel like control. Many of us feel the most comfortable when we feel like we’re in control. But it’s a lie because when push comes to shove we never really feel like we’re in control, at least not for long. We live in fear as we understand that the world is just to chalk full of “wild cards” and we are constantly loosing our grip.
God does not live with this fear because He’s not worried about maintain any kind of control. He promotes free will and allows for the unpredictable nature of this world. Naturally, His approach to healing and ministry is very diverse and can’t be contained into a nice little formulated box. It’s too dynamic for that. He’s too dynamic for that.
The following is a story from a good friend of mine who had the opportunity to go to Brazil. This is in her own words:
In the first church in Recife , a tall young man stood before me patting his upper back, pointing to his arm, drawing a line down it with his finger. The translator could not translate the problem and he left us.
Since I had expected to pray that night for a person with both a shoulder and elbow injury, I assumed that he was my man. I pointed to his elbow and shoulder and questioned dor/pain? He shook his head, no. He persistently pointed to his upper back and left arm, but not his shoulder or elbow.
I had no clue. I didn't feel anything in my hands. I was hearing and seeing nothing in my spirit. I really needed God to show up. I was getting nothing - no images, no words of knowledge. I placed my hands on the part of his spine just below his neck and on his left shoulder. I prayed in tongues and kept praying - nothing.
In my spirit, I asked God how long to keep this up. How, without language, was I going to politely tell him that I needed to just go on to the next person because nothing was happening? How was I going to suggest that he get in someone else’s line? Suddenly, the man’s face lit up, and he got all smiley, wide-eyed, and huggy on me. Another translator came by and told me that the man’s arm had been numb for some time, and he had just gotten his feeling back. Now he could even open and close his hand.
Praise God! Our God is an amazing God!! It is not about me, feelings in my hands, wise words, and lofty, correctly-worded prayers. It is about God’s love. The man was healed the way he wanted to be healed even though I never had a clue about what he really desired from God.
This story makes me smile. God just wants us to love on people. Do that and He will take care of the rest. Does that sound too simple? Love people and it’s hard to go wrong. Be willing to step just beyond your comfort level and see what God can do.
Blessings,
Jesse and Kara Birkey
http://www.facebook.com/jesse.birkey
http://www.amazon.com/author/jessebirkey
Jesse and Kara Birkey are committed lovers of Jesus who seek to show others the extraordinary life of Jesus is available for everyone. They have authored two books, been featured in films and seek to serve the Lord in whatever ways they can. Follow their blog here.
Bring Jesse and Kara to your venue. Find more information here.
Life Resurrected, Extraordinary Miracles through Ordinary People has been endorsed by Sid Roth and Mark Virkler and is a collection of inspiring stories making it clear that the extraordinary life of Jesus is available to all who love Him. It’s also the testimony of Jesse’s life, the road he travelled bringing him into the arms of Jesus. Get it on Amazon here. View the trailer here.
Marriage What’s the Point? One couple finds meaning in a crazy mess is the story of their marriage—The tragedy and the restoration. They bear their hearts in an attempt to get others to bear theirs and finally receive the freedom they’ve longed for. Get it on Amazon here.
Jesse is also featured in the film DeadRaiser, a movie shining the spotlight on resurrection testimonies across the nation. Find more information here.
Add new comment