The Family of God

Recently I had the blessed privilege of being part of  a small anointing service for a dear friend and sister who was struggling with an illness.  ( James 5:13-16)

As a small group of close friends and fellow missionaries gathered around the sick bed it just struck my heart how miraculous it was that such an unlikely group of people all the way from Canada and across the US would end up together like this, close like a family. All of us with different backgrounds, different personalities, each of us with our own strengths and weaknesses but all of us adopted into the family of God! Just as parents delegate responsibilities to their children so our Father God has called each one of us to this spot on the earth at this time and season of our lives to fulfill the work he has for us. On this common ground we stand each one us doing our small parts to make up a bigger part.

It was a precious and beautiful time, gathering in the cool, airy room just as the evening shades fell closing another day. We began with a time of singing, opening our hearts in worship to Jesus. The spirit of God was present as the healing oil was applied. We gathered around the bed knitting our hearts together in unity lifting up our dear sister to the great Lover and Physician who alone can bring deliverance and healing and comfort to the brokenhearted and the wounded and give joy to the oppressed! A tight circle of heads bowing low, healing hands reaching out to minister.

Afterwards there were songs again and blessings! Our hearts bound together like a family with God our Father and Jesus our brother!

Thanksgiving for grace flowing down rich and free to clean, open hearts. Thanksgiving for times of testing and trials that draw us closer to each other and closer to God; that make us more homesick for heaven, that help us put things in perspective. We are the body of Christ and this is why I wouldn’t trade my life for anything in the world!