Thursday, December 18, 2008

Answers to prayer....

"But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing. -Ezekiel 16:15

I've been to Holland and particularly Amsterdam 6 different times. God laid this city on my heart when I was a teenager serving in a youth ministry under my youth pastor. I've spent thousands of dollars, a stream of tears, a lot of prayer walking shoe leather, countless hours of conversations, teaching and praying for this city. I've always had a spiritual connection to the redemptive purposes of God for this place. I can't explain why, or even point to a lot of stories that could prove it...but when I read this article about shutting down up to maybe half of the prostitution spots in the Red-light District...I was reminded of the effective and powerful prayers of righteous people. Prayers that have added to the impact of the life and witness of those godly bleleivers hammering out the saving works of God in Amsterdam. This piece of art is in the Red light district and really represents the spirit of that spot. I remember talking to a pastor friend there who had been arrested after taking a sledge hammer to this piece...you can kind of see the dents still there. I never took a Hammer to the wickedness there; but I experienced and witnessed mighty blows of the Spirit; Jesus was a visible Savior to some, others were impacted through teaching the word and ministered life via Spirit infused conversations and worship. God is faithful to His word...and if he calls you to go...just go. I did...all by myself, when others thought I was crazy, but God is sometimes crazy....learn that and you just might end up places that you never believed you would be and see things that you never dreamed.

1 comment:

Mel said...

Pastor Eric,

I am joyfully rejoicing with you over the victories expressed in this post, and the evidence of God's sovereign plan in action.
This is so AWESOME!! It just goes to show you that the law of the harvest holds true, whether it be in 1 year, 10 years, or a 100 years. :) Woo Hoo!