Written By: Bethany Hicks, Director from Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI
A few months ago, there was a house fire in the house that sits next to mine. The flames engulfed almost everything, and all that remained afterwards was charred studs and a roof. This is what this season of life has felt like for many people across the world. An unexpected event, or a chain of several events, has had a destructive impact on “normal” life, and left us feeling stripped from normality.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Isaiah 58:11-12
This passage comes from a chapter in Isaiah that discusses “true fasting”. It highlights topics such as speaking up against injustices and sharing food with the hungry as being imperative if we desire to exemplify the values of God’s Kingdom. In verse 11 and 12, the effect of this type of wholehearted service to the people around us is made apparent. In doing so, the Lord promises to guide us, strengthen us, and make us repairers of broken walls. When I start to feel the brokenness of the world on my shoulders, those promises are a beacon of hope. It’s comforting to be reminded of God’s leadership and my desperate need to be connected with Him through prayer.
The house that stands next to mine sat untouched for a while after the fire and was a charred reminder of the destruction that had swept through. Slowly but surely, though, construction crews have been repairing and restoring what had been broken. Step by step, they have put the pieces together and have created something new in its place. I believe that is the type of work that we as mentors and prayer partners get to participate in. Being part of a mentoring team means committing to a long stretch of obedience. As a result, we answer God’s call to step into tough situations with the kids and families we serve. We get to let God guide us as we learn to play new games on Zoom or pray for students in our living room. We get to let Him provide us with living water that will overflow to the kids we have prayed for. We have the privilege of watching Him rebuild walls in our students’ lives as He includes us in the work crew.
Lord, please remind us of the long-term projects that you have going on. Help us to lean into Your presence during the tough seasons of life, knowing that as we pray, you are rebuilding walls and restoring lives. Thank you for allowing us to be a member of a robust league of people who represent your love and care to the world through prayer and service. In your name we pray, amen.