Things Unseen

When Pastor Mike and all my friends at Hope Church prayed over me last Sunday, one phrase leaped out at me.  He asked God to "show Whit things that he hasn't seen before."  Later that day, a friend prayed the same thing.  When someone prays something for me that really stirs my spirit, I take notice.  When it happens twice, I take notes!

So what might I see on this trip that I haven't seen before? Well, since I've never been to Malawi, the easy answer is - "almost everything"!  I've seen beautiful scenery and wildlife in Ethiopia and Kenya, but this will certainly be a different experience.  Yet I'm sure that this is not what the prayer was about.

Beautiful Lake Awassa in Ethiopia, 2012

Maybe it's about seeing new people?  Of course, the people are far more important than the scenery, and I treasure the opportunity to make new friendships like the ones that I have with my brothers and sisters from my previous trips.  But that still isn't it.

How about seeing something new about myself?  Well, every trip reveals more to me about my inner self - and sometimes it's not a pretty picture!  I've learned a lot from the mistakes I've made, and I'm sure I'll learn even more on this trip in the same way!  But throughout my preparation for this trip, God has been urging me to be less introspective, not more - to focus on others - my team, our partners, our participants, and everyone I meet - rather than on myself.

The key, I think, is in a line from Hillsong's Hosanna that, not coincidentally, we sang last Sunday.  It says, "Open up my eyes to the things unseen." In other words, the things of the spirit realm, the things of God.  I believe that these prayers are asking God to show me what He sees.  Another line from Hosanna is, "Break my heart for what breaks yours."  God is already at work in Malawi to rescue the people He loves from disease, poverty, and hopelessness.  As Mike reminded us in his message, Henry Blackaby describes "experiencing God" as seeing where He is already at work and joining him there.  And there, I believe, is the meaning of that prayer, and the message I needed to hear before I leave.  I am not going to Malawi to help people learn about sanitation and hygiene.  God has invited me to witness and join Him in His work to redeem a nation.  Can there be any greater privilege?  So, I join my friends in that prayer, and humbly request that all of you join us as well.  I promise to return and report God's answers that will be far beyond what I can hope or imagine.