The spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has chosen me. He has commissioned me to encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners … to strengthen those who mourn in Zion, by giving them a turban, instead of ashes, oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning, a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NETFull)
Olive was a Chinese flower with a loser-stalker boyfriend. When she accepted Jesus, he claimed to convert also, then she discovered he was married to another woman. During our underground church service, the scoundrel sent twenty text messages to keep his claws in Olive.
The wonder of the gospel is that it not only saves but it also transforms human suffering. I have yet to encounter a form of agony the cross cannot redeem. Ashes change into crowns, mourning becomes joy, discouragement turns to praise. Allow me to demonstrate.
The house church put Olive in a chair and placed their hands on her shoulders and head. Because all Christians are called to the work of intercession, we anointed her forehead with oil and prayed.
“By the power of Jesus, we pronounce this unholy love nailed to the cross. We break the emotional ties and exchange infatuation from a lying human for the pure love of Olive's greatest admirer, Jesus Christ.”
In response to our invocation, the Holy Spirit set a barrier in Olive’s heart that her ex’s words no longer penetrated. At the same time, he flooded her awareness with the cherishing love of Jesus. Cleansing tears steamed to her petite chin.
Life hurts. It gouges, bruises, and scars. We are licensed to perform the great exchange on every wound. There is nothing hell can throw at us that heaven can’t convert into victory. We are anointed into this ministry and, for every day God allows us to remain on earth, this is our mission.
Prayer: Spirit of the Sovereign LORD, let me place a crown of beauty on the maimed.