Intimacy can be shown and encountered in a multitude of ways, and it’s experienced by everyone differently. God’s love is absolutely fearless and He wants to have that personal relationship with you. Not only do you build an intimate relationship with Christ, but you get the opportunity to invite some really incredible people into that walk.
While I have been on the mission field, I have grown to understand the different forms of this nearness. These different types of intimacy are between God and myself, and the squad, locals, and I.
Victoria sitting with the Lord in her own intimate atmosphere.
Basking in the sun, my eyes wander over the clouds, and I’m in awe of how close I feel to the Creator of all things. The gentle breeze sweeps through my hair, and I take a deep breath; I feel at peace.
In moments like this I feel the most deeply intimate with the Lord. Intimacy is defined as close familiarity or friendship; a private cozy atmosphere. Just sitting in the Holy Spirit’s presence yields an extraordinary taste of what an intimate relationship with Him looks like. Building an intimate relationship with God provides a deeper understanding of the abundant life given by Him alone.
One of my favorite intimate spaces is spending time in the word.
Through missions, and especially on the World Race, an intimate relationship with the Father calls to have your eyes and ears open daily. This level of intimacy has been something I have never experienced back in the comfort of the United States, but that does not mean it isn’t possible back home.
I thoroughly believe being taken out of that comfort and placed in all things new has set a new standard of intimacy for me. One important factor is to always invite the Holy Spirit into the space. This only goes to show that this kind of intimacy is attainable living or visiting anywhere. The Holy Spirit dwells in me, and He is accessible wherever and whenever I go.
Intimacy and community go hand in hand. Alex and Jenna are praying over this sweet family.
The most common way my team has seen intimacy through mission work has been by simply being invited into people’s homes. Being given the opportunity to sit, listen, and share with people who are laying out everything they have in front of us is an honor. They pull up chairs and offer us beverages, and it opens doors for vulnerability.
We take the opportunity to listen intently, share their burdens, and allow our hearts to break for what breaks God’s. The Lord provides a love like no other and His relentless grace is abounding.
We took communion every day in Antigua for debrief and started each morning in an intimate space as a squad.
Experiencing this kind of relationship has overflowed into every part of my life on the Race. Personally, I have found sweet intimacy to come through journaling, prayer or sitting with others, worship or praise, drawing or painting, or even basking in creation.
Through intimacy I’ve learned how Christ is more than enough for me and within that relationship, I am filled with everything I need. I encourage you to pick up a journal or a paintbrush, maybe even blast Maverick City Music in the car, and deepen that relationship with the Lord.
Worship settings are a great place to deepen an intimate relationship with the Lord.
I pray you find joy in the presence of God in all ways! I challenge you to ask for more of the Holy Spirit and dive into that intimate relationship. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. James 4:8
with all my love,
PJ
Paula, praise the Lord for all that you and your group are experiencing and doing!! I pray that God continues to bless each and everyone of you and the people that you are working with!
WOW there is no better place than you can be than in the presence of Jesus. He will guide you and hold your hand. And look at all the life you are touching and sharing the love of Jesus. So many are not willing to get out of our comfort zone as me. Praying for you and your team! Love and hugs Beth
Powerful blog and incredible photos! I feel like i’m right there with you Paula! Thank you for using your gifts to share Jesus with the world!
Jesus tells us in John 10:10 “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly. ” Our life is more abundant if we allow the Holy Spirit work through us. I am filled with awe and joy that you are experiencing the abundance of out Lord on your race. Your blog is a true testimony of how the Holy Spirit is directing and working through you. May God continue to bless you, your team and the entire squad. I love you. Continued prayers always.