Prayer, Fasting, Intercession

This week I got together with a mentor of mine. I was sharing with her how God has given me a huge passion for prayer and intercession. As I was sharing this with her, Mark 9 came to her mind, which says "This one only comes out by prayer..." This is the story of the boy that had been demon possessed since birth. The Lord confirmed to me in that moment that the reason He has given me this passion for prayer is to take it to the nation of France, which is under deep spiritual oppression and needs to be set free through prayer and fasting.

My friend and I went back to read the beginning of the story. The scene opens with the scribes and teachers of the law arguing with the disciples about how they couldn't cast out the demon. Jesus walks on the scene the crowd greets Him as "Teacher." It is the Teacher, who demonstrated love, compassion, and faith, that was able to expel the demon and set the boy free.

About 6 years ago, when I was in South Africa, a boy told me that when he sees me, he sees a teacher! I thought he was nuts cause I wasn't headed in that direction at all. Well, I did teach for 5 years, but I never saw the classroom setting as my calling in life. Perhaps what the boy told me had more meaning. Perhaps I am called to France to go is as a teacher like Jesus - one to bring compassion, love, faith, and set the captives free!

Later in the story of Mark 9 we see that the faith of the the boy's father had been weakened when the disciples weren't able to cast out the demon. The father asked Jesus "If you are able, please have compassion." Jesus anwered, "IF I am able...all things are possible for those who believe." (Ironically as I'm writing this, "What faith can do" by Kutless came on my radio. :) The father replied, "I believe, help me to overcome my unbelief."

There is a new generation of missionaries going into France and I believe God is wanting us to go in there as teachers who have fresh faith for God to do the impossible - set the nation free and change lives! However, it won't be a pretty thing. When Jesus cast the demon out in the next scene, the boy began to convulse, foam at the mouth, and shake. Then, as the boy lay there, the crowd thought he was dead. Just as many believe the nation of France is dead spiritually, I believe that in the same way that Jesus took the boy by his and and lifted him back up, Jesus will take the nation of France and lift it back up to become a city on a hill!

Please join me in faith and prayer for the nation of France!