When God Shows Up…

Last night we gathered together for a special evening of prayer as we marked the end of our church’s twenty-one day prayer and fasting journey. As the folks drifted in, the excitement built as we waited to hear what God had shown His people over the last few weeks and as we expected Him to heal those with spiritual, emotional or/and physical wounds.

Not quite sure how the evening was going to play out, I sat down next to the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee in my hand. Thinking back, I remember reflecting on the nature of this group….fifteen souls forged together over five long years of love, pain, hardships and joy.

Some of us were there when the church was started…others drifted in at different times along the journey. Yet, there we all sat in a cozy living room overlooking the Sweet valley ready to enter into battle for each other.

And what a battle it was!

Two hours turned into three which turned into four that slid into four and a half. God poured out His Spirit, wisdom and knowledge upon us that night…with some folks receiving the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit; others received words of encouragement that dealt with areas previously unknown to the speaker; still others received visions and prophecy of what might come.

Hearts were mended; fires stroked and passions fueled; relationships strengthened; callings confirmed.

In other words, God showed up.

Eternal Spirit, source of light,
Enlivening, consecrating fire,
Descend, and with celestial heat
Our dull, our frozen hearts inspire.
Our souls refine, our dross consume!
Come vivifying Spirit, come,
And make our hearts thy constant home!

-Samuel Davies (1759-1761)