Icebergs are one of the most thought provoking, mind blowing structures on the earth. They are massive and come in all different shapes and sizes, yet they can be extremely difficult for ships to detect. Researchers say almost 90% of an iceberg is under water. Because of this, ships underestimate the size, depth, and root of these structures.
At first glance, those of us in ministry may only see the “tip of the iceberg” and, like ships, underestimate what is under the depths. We recognize the erratic behavior of those we are shepherding, and we forget this behavior could be contingent upon a greater issue. Like a ship’s captain we can only see the tip of a large disturbance below. From a surface level here are some examples of what we might see:
- a young girl is rebelling against her parents
- a young girl is harming herself
- a young girl is striving desperately for the attention of guys
- a young girl has dropped out of everything she is involved in
We see the obvious signs and forget there could be a deeper issue under the surface. Chipping away to the root can be an exhausting, time consuming task and it begins with prayer.
Prayer puts our girls in the hands of the One who is in control. Realizing we are not the rescuer brings us freedom. We have been put in a position to shepherd and lead, but we must understand our role is secondary to the Savior. He is their first call, not us- this must be established. When this is established, trust will be birthed, but their dependence will not ultimately be on us. Trust is vital to get to the root. A relationship needs to be built and trust earned before roots can be identified. In some situations a young girl may have recognized our integrity from a distance and built up the courage to come to us and say “I need help”. Praise God for that.
After trust and vulnerability have been achieved, hard questions will ensue. It is vital to seek wisdom and speak out of wisdom when chipping away to the true heart issue. Asking the hard questions is… well… hard. Revealing the truth hurts yet brings freedom. Without the work of the Spirit and wisdom when proclaiming truth over our girls, release and freedom will not occur.
Even after root issues have been identified, the process of restoration is just beginning. Walking with them is vital. Pouring wisdom and truth into them is what we’re called to do. I always say that scripture saved my mind and preserved my soul. We know the power of the word, yet do we believe the power it has over our girls? They are craving satisfaction and fulfillment and they will only find it through Jesus and His word. We must shepherd them to truth.
Even in the midst of their darkness and pain, each person to some extent, knows they need/want rescue. Sometimes icebergs are intimidating. But, because of the Spirit living and working in us and our girls, icebergs will be conquered, chains will be broken, and lives will be healed.
God bless you and expand your territory.