More Than A Friend

I don't think I've ever blogged this late...but I can't help myself tonight. It's gonna take a while for me to wind down from the evening's activities anyway. 

I have an amazing group of people that I meet with every Tuesday night. They are so much more to me than just my "small group"...they are family. And tonight, I experienced the family of God loving and encouraging and praying for one another in a powerful way. 

I think Satan was trying to keep me from experiencing that tonight. I'll be honest...I didn't really feel like going to group. I was tired...it's cold outside...I have a list of things I "need" to get done. But God definitely knew I needed to be there. And something has been on my heart the past couple of days that I felt like I needed to share with my small group and ask their prayers over. There is something that has taken over much of my heart and mind for quite some time...and something that I have been praying I would be free of for a long time. And I believe that God has been impressing on me to share this with the group...because right now, I'm praying for a miracle. And I absolutely believe there's power in prayer in numbers. But of course, Satan (who I often refer to as "the punk") was feeding me those little lies..."It's not that big of a deal", "There are other things that are more important for them to pray about", "Do you really want them to know that?"...and the list goes on. But why is this?! Why is it that the church is one of the last places that people feel like they can be real and authentic? "The punk" will do anything he has to do to make sure that you keep those things in the dark, because he knows that when you bring them into the light, they're out of his territory.

Anyway, there was somewhat of a domino effect tonight. It simply took one person to open up and be vulnerable about some things and I believe that the openness of this person truly encouraged others to do the same. So struggles were shared. Fears were released. Encouragement was given. Prayers were lifted up. There is nothing like having a group of some of your closest friends sitting/kneeling around you with their hands on you, petitioning the Creator of the universe on your behalf. There's just so much power in that. 

I left small group tonight truly with a burden lifted. No, my struggle hasn't been completely taken from me, but tonight I was given hope...and encouragement. Isn't this what being in the family of God is all about? I heard a pastor speak on community this past Sunday. He talked about how community gives life. I experienced that life tonight.

There's this amazing song called "More Than You'll Ever Know" by Watermark. The lyrics are amazing...I listened to it as soon as I got in my car after group tonight. I wished my small group could have been sitting in front of me at that moment so I could sing this straight to them...of course, that would just be awkward for everyone so it's probably best that that wasn't the case. But nevertheless, this is my song to them! 

"May the blessing return to you a hundredfold!

(P.S. This is only a portion of the lyrics)

Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been with God
and that's the way it ought to be

Cause you've been more than a friend to me
you fight off my enemies
cause you have spoken truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
more than you'll ever know

You had faith
when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
and all the while I've been hoping that I'll
do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
and that's the way it ought to be

You have carried me
You have taken on a burden
that wasn't your own
may that blessing return to you
A hundredfold