I have been contemplating starting a private Facebook group for quite a while. I keep thinking, “Do I really need to do this? Why me? What will I have to say that will be more pointed to a private group?” and lastly, “Do I have the time and commitment to dedicate to it fully?”
Over the last week, I asked these questions of Father God as I spent time in the morning. As I waited for an answer, I heard rather brusquely, “Living in fear of starting a private Facebook group and thinking it will be a burden is the wrong attitude.”
Ouch! He sure came to the root issue. Fearing the burden and being engaged with hurting people can be overwhelming at times. I know. I’ve done prayer ministry for hurting and lost people for years. I’ve learned how to manage this over the years by releasing things into God’s care, especially when there isn’t a solution from man’s perspective. The result has been peace and promptings to pray as He brings them to mind.
I then saw a picture in my mind which is not unusual for me. I saw myself walking in an underground labyrinth. It was a dark, constrictive pathway where one had to navigate stepping carefully to avoid tree roots on the ground or from above. I carried a single candle. I navigated slowly and came upon people in dark dead-end passages. Some were alone. Some were huddled together, cold and uncertain. As soon as I came with the light, there was a sense of relief in being rescued. I sensed it was not a light I created, but one that Holy Spirit was giving forth. I saw myself leading them out of the darkness by candle light, leading and encouraging them on.
I was still as God spoke, “Lead those you find that are hurting, stuck and feeling they have come to a dead end.” How?” I asked. He said, “Lead them by the words I give you.”
I sensed I was to turn to John 12. As I read the chapter, I sensed a powerful confirmation as I came across the verses, “Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” (John 12:35b-36 NIV) and, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46 NIV)
Great wisdom. If we sense darkness in our prodigal situation including hopelessness, despair, resentment, and helplessness, we need God’s light to direct us. We often need support when we feel darkness is winning in our situation.
I then sensed strong words of direction, “Be the light, Judy. Host the light. I will give you balance and the words. Just do it.”
So I have. Join me in the journey of leaving darkness, uncertainty and feeling like you are in a dead end. Be encouraged by a confidential community. Join the private Facebook group, “Help! I Have a Prodigal” to walk in the light by the power of God and His people. I don’t have the answers, but He does. We can trust that.