I've had the privilege of serving in a local mission project right here on the shore this week. We've been ministering at the local migrant camps in our area by providing food, clothing, and fun activities for the children each night, as the gospel is shared in the process. I wasn't sure what God wanted me to do specifically, but just felt the call to be available- whatever that looked like. The first of the week I had hurt my back, so I was very discouraged about not being able to "play a part" in something I had anticipated so much. God redirected that discouragement to excitement when I realized that my part was prayer for those two nights. My 11 yr old daughter got to participate, and it truly impacted her to the point that she was coming home and gathering up all her Barbies and other toys to donate. She was actually in anguish over the things she saw, and that was an answered prayer for me as her mama. I also heard of the things God was doing and the souls saved which was reason to rejoice all the more!
The next two nights I had the blessing of getting out into the camp and serving. I got to share a Bible story and do games with the children. It was instant love! I was especially drawn to a little 5 yr old girl. She didn't want much to do with us at first, but as we continued playing games, she was drawn over and started to smile a little bit. Before the end of the first night, she was all smiles and enjoying every bit of it. As I shared the Bible story that night, I was talking about how Jesus is always there for us. When we are afraid, we can trust Him. She instantly piped up, "I will trust Him!!" There was no fear or hesitation in those words. Just total trust. The simple abandoned faith of a child. Last night, as this sweet little one was sitting down listening to another Bible story, she was hanging on every word we spoke. As we shared about the hope of heaven when we accept Christ, little Anita raised both arms up, lifted her head towards Heaven, closed her eyes and smiling, she exclaimed, "I will hug Him!" She continued for several seconds with her head raised up, grinning from ear to ear, eyes closed and shaking her head.... soaking in the love of her Father. It was genuine and uninhibited WORSHIP!
Once the lump in my throat cleared, I couldn't help but pray, "Oh, that I would be that abandoned to You, Lord. Arms high and lifted up, completely surrendered, no unbelief, no fears, nothing to inhibit me, focused on nothing but YOU.......just total trust to hug my Daddy's neck and enjoy His presence and believe His promises!" That was my prayer then, and that is my prayer today. I am forever changed by the worship of a 5 yr old girl to a Father Who made Himself known to her. That sweet girl ministered to me much more than I could have ever thought I would do for her.
This song of worship came to mind....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6suBrSFaiM&feature=related
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare
Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours.
(Lyrics by Joel Houston)
Thank You, Lord for teaching me through the faith of a sweet child what it means to be abandoned to You and to truly worship. I am forever changed.
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