ABIDE

Want a crazy, testimony laden, glory story filled life?

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4

Twenty years ago I was in Cape Town, South Africa on a mission trip. Things were not going as planned; my client cancelled last minute. I found myself prepped and ready but with no one to work. This is when my life changed forever.

“Dena, we are assigning you to the intercession pool.”

“Um. Ok. What’s that?” They went on to explain  “There is an onsite team of people tucked away in a back room who interceded all day, every day, during the consultation.”

I eventually found three people - a man, his wife and another woman named Sharon. They prayed, Bibles open, interceding. Sometimes they had prayer prompts, a request from one of the clients made its way to the back room, or a person would come in with a situation and want God’s wisdom, discernment, outlook. I sat amazed. I had never seen anything like this. These people KNEW God, not just His words from the Bible (although they were very familiar with that too), but His character, His personality, His outlook, His viewpoints.

I witnessed words of knowledge being given about situations they could not have known. I saw miracles of sickness and injuries healed. I beheld deliverance, restoration, and prophesy. My little Presbyterian heart was overwhelmed. I had read about this in Acts but never SEEN it in action. It was incredible. No, it was amazing!

Toward the end of the day a young man came in. He seemed edgy and unhappy. They greeted him in Afrikaans and Sean turned to me “Dena, I feel you have something.” I blurted the first thing that came to mind “Malachi 3:8”. The man turned his head toward me, his eyes huge and glaring. He stood suddenly, chair skidding back behind him. He exhaled slowly, glowering, while clenching and unclenching his fists. Then he left the room. I looked to my new friends for explanation. “We gave him that same verse six months ago and he hasn’t dealt with it yet. God was just reminding him what he needs to do.” Carla clarified.

God gave me the exact verse they had ended their last meeting with. The. Exact. Verse. WHAT!!? I knew nothing about the man, his name, his occupation, age, nothing - but God knew.

That night I was back in my room prepping for bed, chatting with God in my head about the day and how extraordinary it was and I remember thinking “How do I do this back in Seattle?”

“ABIDE.” The voice was loud, clear, distinct; like there was another person in the room. “God? Is that you?”

I aspire to “remain; continue; stay” in God’s presence, in his environment, and atmosphere all day, everyday. I am still learning, failing, progressing. I am a work in progress. I invite the Trinity to help plan, come alongside, make suggestions, and be apart of my day-to-day doings, goings, and beings. I try to stay attuned to God’s voice and allow Him to speak into my life and circumstances…and be obedient when he does.

God wants to be apart of our worlds, to live life with us, to join us in decisions, outings, events. He just needs to be invited and included. I find the hard part is slowing down and remembering to include, invite, incorporate Him into my activities. When I do he shows up and fun things happen, testimonies are created, and I am encouraged, emboldened and strengthened.

Want a crazy, testimony laden, glory story filled life? ABIDE and let the fun begin!