"CARRY THE MAT"

There are many things I’ve enjoyed about being home during this “break time” from Ethiopia…

There has been extra time to breathe and think through days behind...

There has been the modern conveniences, consistencies and comforts of my home country…so shocking and nice.   There’s been seeing the “family” decorations on and around our Ohio home that always make me smile.

There are the many choices and flavors. And old favorites … like Panera Bread’s chai lattes and favorite study areas, parks and hiking trails.

 And of course I’ve enjoyed being with my American tribe!

Connecting with many supporters and prayer partners has also been a great blessing.  To exchange stories and hugs, even tears, of the months behind. So meaningful!

Another thing I’ve enjoyed so much about being home has been being back in my home church community. Hearing worship songs and sermons in a language that I can understand has brought deep conviction and encouragement.

I wanted to share in this blog post about a sermon I heard this past weekend.  I don’t remember a sermon in recent memory that has impacted me more. It was the first sermon of a three week series called: “Can I Get A Witness.” It was given by Nick Cunningham at Ginghamsburg Church (www.ginghamsburg.org).

Nick talked about how if we are really moved by something then it’s innate in us to share it.  For example, if someone sees a you-tube video that makes him or her laugh, that person usually shares it and that’s how many videos have gone “viral.” 

Then we were challenged…are we moved enough by our connection and experience with Jesus that we want to share Him with others?  

We were led to read Luke 5:17-26. There a familiar story was read about how four guys carried their paralyzed friend on a mat and took him to Jesus. When they couldn’t get through because of the crowd, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus. There, Jesus forgave the man’s sins and healed him. AMAZING- the faith of these four friends!

Luke 5:17-26

One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.  And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him.  But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus.  Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”  But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?  But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.”  Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

It was noted that these friends had BIG HEARTS- big compassion for their friend that drove them.

They also had a BIG BELIEF IN JESUS- in His ability that without a doubt He could help their friend.

We were then asked….Do you have BIG HEART for those around you? Do you believe enough in the power of Jesus to carry your friends, neighbors, your co-workers, your family, even strangers to Him?

We were asked : who are each of you “carrying the mat” for? Who are you praying daily for? Did I know anyone who needed Jesus- His restoration, His salvation, His hope, His grace, His peace, His healing, His love?  Of course, each of us knew so MANY. So, why wasn’t I, why weren’t we, taking him or her or them to Jesus?  We’re called to “carry the mat” and take people to Jesus.

My sister and I discussed the message all the way home and we began a new prayer time right in the car that night for some people we knew needed a touch from Jesus. 

I’ve been thinking more this past week about this message. When we ourselves are struggling or hurting, we often don’t take ourselves to Jesus first. We try eating or shopping or complaining. Or maybe we ignore the problem or maybe exercise to try to reduce our stress and anxiety,  to forget or cover our weak areas or stumbles.  Yet, it’s Jesus we need. 

Sometimes too when we see others who are struggling or those who are injured, we often cross to the other side of the street or room to avoid them.  We don’t want to get involved. Or maybe we point these people’s struggles out to them or others.  When really they just need to be put on a mat and taken to Jesus!

What does “carrying the mat” look like? How do you or can you “take people to Jesus?”  I believe there are many ways. You “witness” about Him and show people Him by your testimony, your love, your compassion, your honesty, your humility, your lifestyle. Maybe you invite a person to church or study the Bible together. Maybe you provide “presence” to them when they’re in darkness or sorrow.  And one of the most powerful ways to take people to Jesus is through prayer. 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the Lion, the Lamb, the Light, the Truth, the Hope, the Peace, Our Way-Maker, Our Storm-Calmer. Our Redeemer. Our Healer.  Our Savior. We can carry people to Jesus in prayer!

May we get and stay in the presence of our King and Savior because He is what we need.

And may we “carry the mat” for others who need him as well!!!

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Onward with You!

Prayer Requests

-I’ve extended my time in the USA for another month, please pray a restful time for me with my family.

-Please pray for the staff and students at Hope University College in Addis- as many start returning back from break time, that God will begin to prepare hearts and minds for a good start to a new school year.

-Ethiopia has its new year’s celebration on September 11, please pray for this beautiful country that as the new year is celebrated- that God will bless Ethiopia in a deep and new way in the new year ahead!

-Please pray for my book, I’m still writing.

-Please pray for my way ahead, that God will make His perfect plan clear for me, where and how I can best be used.

Thank you so much for your faithful partnership!