First Word for October 2023
Last night a small group of brave Christ followers met to see what God might do as they purposefully set out to bless people in our city of Spring Hill. We were instructed by Paavo and team to look, listen, and love: look to find those God is leading us to; listen to the Holy Spirit for what to say; and focus on loving the person.
I can confirm there were some awkward moments—I endured a few “No thank you’s.” However, there was also evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. A lady with back trouble was prayed for, another with anxiety, still another who had just moved here, a discouraged manager at one of the stores, and on and on. A few minutes after I returned home, Michelle happened to see a social media post from a woman who was prayed for by Anna Kathryn Worstell, and I’d like you to read what she wrote:
“Dear Anna Catherine, (I think that’s what I remembered you telling me your name was)
Today has totally been a Monday! Many times today I have felt defeated in many areas of life. At one point, I found myself yelling at God, telling him if he was working around me I simply was not seeing it. All in all, it was a crap day. Tonight, while picking up a few items in Walmart, you stopped me and asked if you could pray for me. Man! If there were words to describe the rush of overwhelming feelings that I had in that moment. I want you to know you restored a little faith in me that Satan was trying to hinder. Thank you for having the courage to step up. If you only knew how badly it was needed on this day. I pray you continue to do God’s work! Today, your prayers made a difference.”
Wow! I was so encouraged to read this. God has called us to live each day on mission. He is sending us to hurting people in order that He might heal, restore, and reconcile them with Himself. We are invited to partner with God. My hope is that we "live sent" as we go throughout our city each day and that we are willing to risk a few awkward moments and possibly look a bit foolish in order that God might touch many.
- John Privett
