When it comes to this ministry, one of the things that Colin and I are most grateful for is the Lord’s timing in how this has come about and how it is being exposed and shared with others, like yourselves.
For almost four years, we were under the radar. No one knew what we were doing. We weren’t hiding it, but we also didn’t advertise it. We asked the Lord to bring us who He wanted to bring us and put us where He wanted to put us. For four years, He had us under this covering where we were learning and growing all while mercifully being kept from any spotlight.
While we were honestly a bit frustrated and impatient at times being under that covering, we knew not to push ourselves forward outside of God’s timing. And now, as word is getting out and testimonies are spreading, there is fruit, glorious fruit from that time. I believe the Lord gave us that time while He grew that fruit so that now, especially as this ministry might push outside of some comfort zones in our evangelical community, now there is evidence that God is in the midst of this.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn-bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit… Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.”
Matthew 7:15-20
So let’s say, hypothetically, that someone in our community hears that there are these people who are engaging in this type of experiential prayer ministry and spiritual warfare, casting out demons. They also right alongside that hear the stories coming out of this ministry of people who were at one time walking in captivity and are now free and healed and thriving. People whose lives were a mess and on fire are now peaceful, strong, oaks of righteousness. There is fruit. Good fruit.
Colin and I have been members of our church for nearly 15 years. They have seen us grow and struggle and change. This wasn’t a situation of some new people at the church that they don’t know who are coming in with some strange things. No, they knew us, they knew our hearts, they knew our history, and they knew that quite frankly, we were just as shocked by what we felt the Lord was drawing us into, but we wanted to be obedient and follow Him. We have witnessed and been the recipient of immense kindness and support throughout this journey.
So, I share all of this with the hope of encouraging you…
If you are struggling with what you feel like the Lord is growing in you and how that’s not jiving with your church, your community, or your family at the moment, we encourage you to pray, be patient, and go low. I believe that is an important word for us right now. Go low. Don’t leave for greener pastures, unless God tells you to. Don’t throw a fit. Don’t become cynical. Don’t feed into disunity. God may be getting ready to do a great work and is preparing you to be a part of it. Ask God what He is doing, to give you eyes to see, walk in humility, go low, and let the fruit of your lives and the lives you minister to grow and be evident.
The second piece of encouragement is for those of you who may be challenged right now with some new things, things outside of your comfort zone, or things that you would normally brush off as weird or strange or too charismatic. Ask the Lord, “God, if any of this is true and of You, please show me.” And remember to look at the fruit. The tree may look different from your tree, but is it bearing good fruit?
Be encouraged, friend. Peace and blessings to you.
