Krista and I spoke two nights ago over the phone, just as we had planned. She’s my cousin Jay’s wife, so we’re cousin-in-laws I suppose – but more importantly, we are also good friends. Jay and Krista live in Huntsville, Ontario, but they leave with their family mid November for a two year mission term in Papa New Guinea.
I can’t really comprehend what it would be like to do what they are doing, but I’m going to try to be a steadfast prayer partner for her while they are there, in PNG. The whole thing is mind boggling to me. It is epic. Off the charts. Unfathomable.
As we chatted about the journey they are on and shared prayer requests she said something I won’t forget. One of the things they hope to do while there is encourage the other missionaries who have been ministering in PNG for a while; many need Spiritual refreshment (and who wouldn’t?). So, they hope to “blow on the coals” and that the Holy Spirit will use them to revive the passion for Jesus in that community.
blow on the coals, she said.
When we finished, and I was in bed trying to fall sleep, I briefly thought – I sure wish someone could blow on my coals a bit. Truthfully, it has been a bit of a discouraging week and my fire is down to embers.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Jesus, I’m doing all the things I should do. But, I’m not glowing with my normal passion. I’ve been reading the book of John this week; it is my favorite and I really thought I might blow on my own coals, so to speak.
At any rate, tonight I went to children’s choir rehearsal, because that’s what I do. And can you guess what happened? I heard these precious voices singing, praising God, and it was as though my heart was massaged. Their words pressed in and the Holy Spirit used them to minister to me.
We sang together the Romans 11 Doxology, exalting the greatness of our God. Then, To You We Bring The Highest Praise, glorifying His goodness and His gracious work in our lives. There is nothing so refreshing, so revitalizing as praise coming from the mouths of children!
How incredible it is to be a part of the body of Christ where, by His providence, each one of us can be used as He sees fit! I’m so grateful for a Heavenly Father who meets my needs. Even before I ever really knew how to pray, He sent these beautiful children to “blow on my coals” tonight!
daily portion 