Each week, we present the inspirational words of one of our partners in the form of a devotional. This week’s devotional is called “Mission for Change” and was written by Cassandra Howard. Enjoy!The Word:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 (NASB).
The Story:
I was born and raised in New Orleans, the city known as the “Big Easy.” As a result of Hurricane Katrina, I relocated to Texas seven years ago during Labor Day weekend. This year, during the Labor Day weekend, I experienced my first mission trip. It was ironic yet appropriate that this mission trip brought me home to the “Big Easy.” I have evangelized on the streets of New Orleans telling people about the Lord many times, but this time, I wanted to see the city as God sees it. I longed for Him to show me the needs of people’s hearts. God wanted to change the hearts of the people, to make them a new creation inside and out. When I went back to New Orleans, God blessed me with a different outlook on the community, and how to spread my knowledge about His love. The Lord was with the Missions team throughout this entire experience, directing us to those lost souls who needed Him desperately.
The Reflection:
God allowed me to see New Orleans according to the work that He needed accomplished. What mission is God speaking to our hearts about right now? How are we working towards what the Lord is asking us to do?
The Application:
Being a Christ follower and spreading knowledge about Him is about opening our hearts to God’s directions. Stay focused on your biblical mission. This week, commit to speaking with at least one person about Jesus.
The Prayer:
Thank you God for clear vision about how we should carry out Your work. Renew our hearts and help us be the church You have called us to be. Give us new eyes that we might see the needs of your people and continue to be moved to action! Amen.
