Every month our team does a three day fast that ends with a meal together and a prayer night for the country where we live. This prayer and fasting week is one of my favorite team spiritual practices. Last month, I had the opportunity to help lead our prayer night. I walked the team through one question that has been shaping the way I think about serving in a different country: God, what is your original design for this land?
Scripture shows us that sin doesn’t just affect people - it affects the land itself. Adam was created from dust of the ground and because of sin, the ground feels the weight of brokenness. In Genesis 3, the ground becomes cursed because of the fall. In Genesis 4, Cain kills his brother Abel and God says Abel’s blood “cries out from the ground.” Our earth feels the consequences of our sins.
This theme continues throughout the Bible. Paul writes about this in Romans 8. Creation was “subjected to frustration” because of our sin and it “groans” waiting for redemption.
But through the cross, Jesus brought redemption. The power that sets us free from sin and death extends to bring forgiveness and healing to the land we live in. Transformation is only possible through Jesus.
Before sin entered the world, God created every person and place with a specific purpose in mind. One of my dear friends likes to say that "we are not on this earth just to suck air and eat groceries!" He’s invited us to be a part of the grand story He’s writing. Every character, plotline, and place has a role to play in bringing Him glory.
As someone serving overseas, I want to partner with God to see the land and people restored into what He’s designed them to be. This starts small; I ask God to show me what He sees. This prayer gives me a new perspective and shows me where He wants me to join Him in restoring what’s broken.
When our team prayed through this question, the Lord showed us that He wants to bring abundant life to a desert land through our obedience to Him. Like streams in the desert, we feel that He is doing a new thing here!
Invite God to show you His original design for places in your life: your workplace, your city, or even your home. He wants to draw you into the work of restoration right where you are.
If you’re a college student thinking about joining GoCorps, pray through the placement list with the same question in mind. Let Him guide you to the place He’s prepared for you, and trust that He will use your talents and gifts for His glory.
There’s so much joy in saying yes to that invitation and watching God’s dreams for a place begin to come alive!