An awakening is happening

“If I don’t, who will?”

How one CarePortal request turned into a divine appointment for an Oklahoman church.

An awakening is happening.

Churches, small groups, and individuals are being stirred by the Spirit, moved into an action. Daily, we hear about the spiritual eyes of another opening from a slumber, realizing the shock of joy from daring to care for those in their community. These simple CarePortal requests – a utility bill, a piece of furniture, a crib – have proven to be a gateway into divine appointments. These requests are not grand on the surface; yet, true change rarely starts on the outside.

A church from Tulsa, OK, recently responded to a need for an $88 electric bill. The family was in need of aid because the father had recently been laid off. The family had contacted non-profits and other charitable entities in the area, but resources were not available. Electricity was a necessity as the one-month-old had pneumonia and required breathing treatments. The other children in the home – a four-year-old and one-year-old – were also impacted by the lack of electricity and the inability to cook food. These children were suddenly on the brink of entering the foster care system.

The responding church noted that the electricity bill was an introduction to greater need. The church said, “They physically needed electricity. They emotionally need healthy and balanced people in their lives. They spiritually need Jesus.” The respondents invited the family to church that weekend, and the church was thrilled to see them attend as their newest guests.

Yet, this story does not end at the acceptance of a church invitation. No, for the respondents, the need was a revelation. As part of the CarePortal church survey, they shared the following:

It’s easy to meet a dollarized need. The bigger challenge is engaging with lost and broken people, on a daily basis, when your life is intentionally busy, financially working, and your biggest troubles are figuring out what to eat for dinner and who is picking the kids up from soccer. What we’ve seen is that – that is a lie, too. We had to recognize the lie that our perception of our prosperity in life is great…because we are great and we deserve it – that IS the lie. People around us are drowning and we are standing on our cruise ships looking down at them…watching. Until this happened, I had forgotten that I don’t deserve my life. It’s a gift, and I’m supposed to share. That’s why I was entrusted with the gift in the first place. If I don’t, who will?

Go deeper, for the Lord will meet you there. What more could we ask?

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