I have heard that Christians experience more of the supernatural in third world countries -- places where intellectualism and "the age of enlightenment" have eliminated the existence of demons and God and that sort of thing. Maybe it's true. Maybe there is an overwhelming attitude of unbelief in the United States and most of Europe. I've heard stories of Baptist Christians (no offense, but I'm going to use a generalization and a stereotype here) -- who grew up believing that supernatural miracles like tongues and casting out demons was a demonstration of God's power used in the first century as a way to authenticate His Word and His holy apostles, which all ceased once the last apostle (John) died and/or when the canon of Scripture was settled -- have gone to places like Africa or South America and seen demonic manifestations and divine healing right in front of their very eyes.
You know what? I'm kind of expecting the same sort of exciting stuff to happen. I've been told not to be surprised if Muslim women come up to me and ask me to tell them about "this Jesus" that I follow. That I'll have open doors to minister. I've already imagined preaching a Bible lesson/sermon to a crowd. We'll see if that presents itself. I like to daydream about that sorta thing.
I think that Christians have an increased level of boldness and expectation when they leave their country and/or comfort zone to go out in the Name of Jesus. I think our minds (and, in turn, our spirit) venture out with a certain expectation of being used by God. Perhaps this sort of concentrated focus is like a boost of faith that God uses. I'm not sure how else to describe it or explain it. I know I'm probably going to Africa in a few days** and I am carrying that excitement and expectation with me.
**I have actually trained myself to use the phrase "if the Lord wills" or "Lord willing" or "I plan to" or "maybe" in my speech as a simple and practical way to obey God's Word. According to my limited understanding, we are instructed by Scripture to not assume and take for granted our future. Both Jesus (in His parable about the farmer who built more storage facilities) and one of His apostles (James, in James chapter 4, verses 13-17) tell us to rather say "If the Lord wills..." in this sort of context. I try to actually obey that, but it constantly rubs people the wrong way, as if they think I'm wishy-washy about going or haven't made up my mind yet or as if I'm waiting to see if circumstances or finances or something allow it. I mean, I'll say this about an event that I have tickets for and gas in my car prepared for. I can't really say for certain that I'm really going to go to Africa on Sunday. That's our plan, but God is in control. I'm making plans for the future of HM Magazine as we speak, but they are under the Lord's control. He's really in charge, not me. It's kind of funny how odd this seems -- even among my Christian friends -- but I am willing to stick out like a weirdo.
Will I freak out if a witch doctor approaches me with bones sticking out of his lip, waving a shrunken head walking stick in front of me? I admit, that'll be an odd thing to see, but I think about spiritual things on a fairly regular basis and I think I kind of stay aware of my belief that a real and Holy Spirit resides in me and I walk around with the potential authority of the Living God. I describe it like the card-carrying authority that an ambassador has on foreign soil. He represents the country he's from and in a sense wields its power. So, I believe I would expect God to move through me and the believers around me if a situation like that presented itself.
Will I be disappointed if I don't see any demons? Ha ha, that's a funny question, because it kind of reveals an expectation for the sensational. I can relate to that, though. I doubt I'll really be disappointed. My realistic expectations are to perhaps really be able to serve people. If I was going to volunteer at a soup kitchen in Austin on a certain day, I'd expect to be able to "get my hands involved" in a practical time of service, like dishing out mashed potatoes, or picking up cafeteria trays or stacking chairs afterwards, or cleaning up messes. That's kind of what I'm expecting, but again ... I try to keep an open mind to opportunities for the supernatural. If God wants to use me for something like that as well, I try to be available for that, too.
www.compassion.com/about/where/uganda
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 7, 2008 12:30 PM