“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3, NIV)
The poor aren’t necessarily those who don’t have the quality or quantity of accumulated goods and resources that many think any human being should possess. There’s another group of poor which Jesus embraced and exalted, and with whom He Himself is thoroughly acquainted. These are the poor, poor in spirit, because they are conscious of their utter need and dependence on Jesus Christ for their daily lives and sustenance. Through their dependence on God, the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) learn how to possess all things. In other words, the kingdom belongs to them (Luke 12:32). Let us share with you some of the riches of the poor. These are people who we have the privilege of serving as we prepare people’s hearts for His presence.
Lucia is rich in the love of Christ and much more. One day, Lucia’s heart was aching. She knew she needed to go pray for another believer in Assumane who was very sick. When she went to pray for the sick girl, one of the girl’s own family members told her that there was no use in praying because of her physical state and the fact that she’d been very sick for months. She couldn’t sit up and eat by herself, or walk around. In fact, many in the village were already passing the news to others that she was already dead. It’s not that people meant to start this rumor, but they are used to seeing sick people like this who rarely live. So, they were just telling others what they believed was inevitable – the young girl was as good as dead. Before she prayed, Lucia told the people that it wasn’t her, but God who would help the girl. She prayed. A few days later, the young lady was sitting up and eating by herself. Other believers were strengthened in their faith through Lucia's testimony.
Fernando lost his good paying job and was left without a garden or any kind of income for his wife and 6 children. Three meals a day were not an option, and some days they didn’t have food. Then, he received a message that 3 children on his wife's side of the family were left without anyone willing to care for them (their mom and others had died). His heart ached with love, and so he and his wife did the unimaginable - he brought the 3 children to live with him. Now, they are 11 people “living like sardines” (that’s how he describes it) in a small house that is no bigger than a one car garage (perhaps smaller). But, he and his wife have chosen to believe God rather than be persuaded by natural intellect or the derision of others. They have believed the love God has put in their hearts and are running with it. They are rich because they have chosen Jesus who is everything (John 14:6), and are refusing to let Him go. They haven’t measured their lives by the quantity of things they possess, but rather by the will of Him who possesses them. Amidst many of their daily challenges, Fernando and his family continue to trust in the Lord and rely on His faithfulness.
These are testimonies of just two people who are learning about the riches of the kingdom (righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit) and much more! Their riches do not fade away. We learn so much from them. Pray that many Christians will wake up to this abundant life available to all who love and put their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that my wife and I will continue to be lights used by God to awaken people, and draw their hearts into the Lord’s great love. Pray for more revival fire - wild fire in the hearts of the believers!!!
In awe of His love,
Tyren and Tiffany Haynes
