Friday, July 18, 2008
Getting the 'Stuff' Out of the Way
Because of the many cringe-worthy statements being made from the platform at the Lakeland Outpouring, I'm determined to focus on the great things God is doing there among the leadership. Last night's meeting presented a prime opportunity to do this as John and Carol Arnott from the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship sought to follow the Holy Spirit's movement amidst a crowd of eager, hungry people from across the world. The international flavor was, as always, a beautiful peek into the kingdom, yet what struck me most was a statement John made while praying for a lineup of individuals affected by spinal injuries.
After a woman came up hobbling onstage with a cane—a result of a major car accident four years prior that claimed her daughter's life—and left able to walk on her own, John said this:
If there's anything we need more of at Lakeland, it's the humility and transparency John showed with this simple, somewhat off-the-cuff comment. John's been praying for people's healings for years, yet I love that he was honest enough to explain what was going on at that moment and offer insight into the atmosphere of healing. We desperately need more of this—particularly in Lakeland—to diffuse the "mystical," elitist sense that surrounds healing in certain charismatic circles. Healing has become a complex issue partly because of the culture we've created around it—the "why not me?" questions, the level-of-faith game, the prayer flair, etc. Yet throughout the night, John reminded people of how simple it really is. God does the work, we receive His gift. At one point, while speaking of God's fatherly heart, John cited Luke 12:32: "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
If only we—yes, I'm talking to leaders—could believe this and keep things simple. Then maybe we'd get some of this "stuff" out of the way and let God to really move among His people.
After a woman came up hobbling onstage with a cane—a result of a major car accident four years prior that claimed her daughter's life—and left able to walk on her own, John said this:
"Maybe you didn't notice … but while I was talking to [some other people], Carol was busy ministering to this lady, going deeper and unraveling some of the stuff that maybe had been getting in the way of her heart receiving that healing. You and I are learning to do this. We're not nearly as good at it as Jesus was—at least I'm not. But I'm aspiring to that. I want to get to the place where everything is healed instantaneously. Don't you? Wouldn't that be great? In the meanwhile, sometimes we take a little more time getting the stuff and the baggage out of the way."
If there's anything we need more of at Lakeland, it's the humility and transparency John showed with this simple, somewhat off-the-cuff comment. John's been praying for people's healings for years, yet I love that he was honest enough to explain what was going on at that moment and offer insight into the atmosphere of healing. We desperately need more of this—particularly in Lakeland—to diffuse the "mystical," elitist sense that surrounds healing in certain charismatic circles. Healing has become a complex issue partly because of the culture we've created around it—the "why not me?" questions, the level-of-faith game, the prayer flair, etc. Yet throughout the night, John reminded people of how simple it really is. God does the work, we receive His gift. At one point, while speaking of God's fatherly heart, John cited Luke 12:32: "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
If only we—yes, I'm talking to leaders—could believe this and keep things simple. Then maybe we'd get some of this "stuff" out of the way and let God to really move among His people.
