Great Exchange

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3) (NIV)
Bali was a Chinese flower with a loser stalker boyfriend. When she accepted Jesus, the boyfriend claimed to convert also. Then she discovered he was married to another woman. During our secret church service, he sent twenty text messages to keep his claws in Bali.
The wonder of the gospel is that it not only saves us, 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 Bali 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 them for the pure love of your greatest admirer, Jesus Christ.”
In response to our invocation, the Holy Spirit set a protective hedge around Bali’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 streamed 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, our mission is the great exchange.
Prayer: Spirit of the Sovereign LORD, today let me crown the maimed with beauty.
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