This article was originally published at Thirsty No More, an online community created by women and for women in pursuit of Christ’s Living water. You can read more posts like this one here!
Nine years ago, I met an inspiring girl during one my first experiences of working with a different culture from my own. I was a camp counselor for girls that were children of refugees from Africa. The entire week of camp was an amazing picture of God’s Word coming to life. We were not able to speak or share verbally of our Savior’s love, but His name was glorified and made known in powerful ways simply by the body of Christ’s love for one another. It’s astounding how far an act of love can go. And even more amazing the depth of power the Holy Spirit has over one’s heart.
Almost an entire decade later, and I still remember this sweet girl like it was yesterday. Her peers were so full of energy, and she too would join in on the fun, yet carried herself with such grace and maturity. The quietest one, so full of love for her family and friends as she tenderly kept an eye on them. She gave the best hugs, had the sweetest giggle, and a smile that would light up a room! She may never know all the ways she has blessed me, or how God used her to spark the roaring flame within to live sent, and love God’s people across the globe.
How amazing is it that the body of Christ consists of multiple nationalities worldwide…You may have a sister in India, and a brother in Germany! Lord willing, one day I’ll get to see her again, and share these things with her. I pray I see that contagious smile in heaven, and find myself singing praises at the feet of Jesus, alongside my forever sister.
God is more than able to make His love a reality in her life, despite my not being able to share a single word. He works in mysterious ways, ways that may not make sense to us, but bring Him the most glory. Ways that cause us to come running after Him, having been reminded of the goodness of our God. Moved by His almighty hand to a place of awe, and worship.
Whether you find yourself in a situation unable to speak about God’s love, or maybe you’re heartbroken over someone you care about, and they simply aren’t interested in what you have to say. In both cases, God is God. He does not need us and our words to open the eyes of the sinner, and bring them to the feet Jesus. He does not need our actions to bring someone spiritual understanding or revelation of who He is. God does not need us. YET. He wants to use us! He has graciously made us His hands and feet that others may know of His goodness, and in doing so we are sanctified, shaped, molded into who He has created us to be for His names sake. I could live a thousand years, and still be left in awe of my Savior and His perfect works.
It can be so easy to become overwhelmed in defeat when someone refuses to listen, to understand the good news you long to share with them. Especially when that someone is very dear to you. When words seem to be getting you no where, useless in reaching a lost soul you pray is found in Jesus. Know that God can still use the love you have for that person to reveal the the perfect, limitless, and endless love He has for them.
If they are his chosen child, in His perfect timing He will make known His grace and mercy in their lives. You may never get to see it; I may never see the tears of joy in that precious girl’s face as the Lord reveals the power of the Cross to her broken heart. But that should not keep you from loving someone during a season they are in your life. If they don’t want to hear of the hope you have in Jesus, they will still experience it by your love for them, and your love for the body of Christ.
So be encouraged! You never know how God is working within someone. Strive to live a life that mirrors the image of God. May your actions overflow with such love for others, it sets you apart, and declares the name of Jesus among all people.
Victoria “Tori” Klump is the founder and main blogger for ThirstyNoMore, an online home for young women in pursuit of Christ’s living water. She is an ocean-loving, coffee-obsessed, procrastinating perfectionist who has to learn time and again that true identity and the fullness of joy are found in His loving arms. Follow her @toriklump.
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