I prepared the best I could for this experiment. But, we can't anticipate for things we haven't learned.
Part of an experiment is learning. Trying things until you find what works and doesn't work.
Celebrating when there is success. Pushing yourself to try again when you fail.
I posted on Facebook about my first night in Nashville and the ministry time I had with some great gals. We planned on getting together to catch up. I arrived at 8pm so we were all tired after a long day. But, as they shared what was going on in their lives I started to sense the Spirit of the Lord. He wanted to minister to them.
First gal received a word that there may still be unforgiveness going on in her heart. She so sweetly began to cry as I shared how God wants to bring her breakthrough. I saw the letters of the word breaking off over her head and falling to the ground. The ceiling it created before was going away. God wanted to show her He had not ignored her situation and was intimately involved in her weary state.
The second gal had some questions about things going on in relationships. We stopped and invited God into her story and asked Him to show her a safe and happy place. When God showed her other things going on she responded by communicating to God her desire to get rid of things holding her back.
Then both of them needed physical healing so we prayed for that too. I sensed God was going to heal one gals leg without us praying for it. I just kept thanking God for His presence and asking for more. Then her leg started to shake. She looked at me and said, “Do you see that?” I smiled. “Yes, I see that.” We just soaked in God's presence and enjoyed the weight of His love in the room.
I'm leaving out a lot of details because their stories are personal – they had ministry that was from God to them. I just helped by listening to God, asking questions and praying. If you've never done any kind of Sozo or Freedom ministry I highly recommend it! God loves to speak into your situation and show you His perspective. For all of you that are a little weirded out by me saying “hearing God” let me assure you … Bible verses came to mind, repentance was prayed, and fruit was evident. It's “His kindness that leads us to repentance” and “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.”
We just followed God.
What I forgot to do at the end was pray for me! They prayed for my ministry and the experiment. But, I forgot to pray for my protection after doing this. We were all exhausted and just went to bed. I had a weird feeling about sleeping upstairs. I even said leave the light on so I don't fall if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I ignored the weirdness. It was like I could tell the enemy was mad at me for what we did that night. But, I know that greater is He that is in me than is in the world. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. All those verses that speak protection. And I was tired. So I went to sleep.
But, in the morning … I fell down the stairs. I didn't miss a step or twist my ankle. I felt pushed. I fell down four steps and turned the corner and continued to fall another four steps. I didn't stop at the first landing. I remember thinking if I hit the floor this is going to be bad! I don't have health insurance and I don't want to be hurt so I can't do this experiment! I stopped when the side of my body hit the end post of the banister just before the hard wood floor. It's square and pointy so it hurt – a lot!
I immediately said Jesus. Like when you say it over and over and lose track of how many times. I couldn't breathe. I was in a lot of pain but I didn't cry. I went to my friends bedroom and she laid hands on me and prayed peace. When she stopped the pain came back so she prayed again. I started to praise God and just receive.
Advil didn't help when I had to bend over, pick up my purse, cough, laugh, sneeze, sit down or stand back up. My entire side was throbbing and it went up my back too. Putting on certain womanly garments would have been avoided if weren't necessary. I couldn't talk long without losing my breath. Blowdrying my hair was out too. That night I couldn't turn over even to my good side because the muscles from the hurt side are in charge of that. (who knew?)
But, I thanked God that I didn't turn an ankle so I could still walk and share the good news of the Kingdom. I could still use my hands to write updates. I didn't land on my tail bone so I can still drive long distances. I didn't hurt my head so I could still think, hear God and speak. I didn't need stitches, crutches or glue.
So, I did what any person would do in this situation. I went about my day to meet with people and told them not to hug me too hard. (If you know me I love hugs so that was sad.)
Later, I asked God what happened? I saw a picture of the stairs with a string across it. As if someone had set me up to fall.
I knew then God was showing me the enemy had set a trap so I'd get hurt. But what he meant for evil God used for good.
I learned:
- I need to listen to the Holy Spirit about cautions.
- I need to find time to pray more after ministry.
- I need to remember I'm taking back the land and the enemy doesn't let you just waltz in and take it.
- Praise is like medicine.
But, I'm not afraid. I'm not intimidated. I know I'm on assignment from God and He doesn't ever lose.
I'm reminded of how Paul had challenges on his journey's too. I guess I wasn't expecting something to go wrong the first night. And a day later I'm feeling better!
Today was a day of more ministry but this time to strangers. I stopped and prayed with someone and gave the Starbucks girl an encouraging word. Bringing the Kingdom is fun and a little injury isn't going to stop me.
If you want to see a picture of the bruise visit this link.
Sharing the good and the bad of what would happen if we set out like Paul and followed the instructions of Jesus – that is the experiment. Hopefully more of the good kind in the future.
If you missed my first video check it out here.
