My Weapon is a Melody
The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions. The spiritual warfare we’ve been going through here has been real, and to be honest, quite scary. The Lord has been growing the gift of spiritual discernment in me, which has caused me to think, question, and feel a LOT lately. There have been broken hearts, doubt, tears, feelings of being unqualified, but also hope, redemption, intimacy in community, answered prayers, etc. God is present here in Craiova. He dwells in the hearts of my squad, the local missionaries, and other believers, and it has been most evident in the people we meet.
Last Tuesday, a few of my squadmates, our ministry host, and I went to several surrounding villages to film interviews for ministry outreach for Hope Church from a few pastors & their churches, and a thrift shop ministry. As part of the media team this month for Hope Church, I was asked to come with. The whole day was full of driving from village to village; my squadmates filming, and I was just taking notes, holding cameras, or moving equipment for my squadmates and our ministry host and the other pastors. Still important jobs, but the enemy was trying to get at me and I felt a bit useless. I kept asking God, what am I doing here and what do you want me to do for you? I decided to pray, just in my mind, for my squadmates, the ministry we were doing, and for myself; I had a lot of questions on my mind and I was asking God for some clarity, wisdom, and boldness. What is my purpose here? Who do you want me to talk to and what do you want me to share? Why am I here, in this moment with these people? How can I serve them best? How can I love the people in Romania? How can I build Your Kingdom here? Etc. After awhile, a sense of peace came with taking it all to God, and just asking Him even if I didn’t get an immediate answer… and I still had a lot of questions and doubt and fear.
After 3 other locations, we came to our last church. There I met the pastor and his family, including a girl of about 13 years of age, named Priscila. She and her grandmother immediately offered me a cup of coffee and to come sit with them in the kitchen. The grandmother also served us a sweet hazelnut swirl cake, leftover from one of the boys’ birthdays the previous day. With a slight hindrance of a language barrier, Priscila and I learned each other’s names and hobbies, we talked about our siblings and she showed me their five dogs!
Then she showed me the piano in the church. She said, “Can you play?” And feeling obliged to share, I sat down and played the only piece I have memorized, “The Approaching Night” by Philip Wesley. As more people entered the room, I became a little nervous. But there was a sweet wave of peace that surrounded me and moved my fingers. As I finished, I looked up and she stood there smiling at me. I asked her if she knew how to play; she was reluctant at first, but after a little pleading and a comment of “I played for you, please play for me…” She sat down to start playing, and the most beautiful sound filled the room. Her boldness to play so confidently in front of many strangers (me and my squadmates, who are all several years older than her) inspired me greatly. I saw the boldness in her that I so deeply wanted, to not be afraid of what other people think or say but to do as the Lord asks and leads. God is so faithful in showing examples of His characteristics to imitate. I left that home feeling a part of the family with them and in Christ.
photos captured by the amazing Brian Sanders (Check out Brian’s blog here!)
Someone told me a few days ago that worship is connecting with God. Worship has this incredible power. And since then, I’ve been viewing and purposefully acting in ways that show worship is more than just singing at church. Worship can be lots of different things; for me, it’s been singing, playing the piano, jamming with friends, but also journaling and praying, enjoying His creations in nature, serving others, just spending intentional time with Him, etc. Worship is our weapon. Jesus’ name is powerful and when we praise His name, even the demons and spirits must flee.
James 4:7-8 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Resist the devil!! Meaning withstand, hold out against, outlast, endure, combat… do this against the devil and also with drawing nearer to God. You cannot fight a spiritual battle with earthly weapons. But when we worship, God comes; and no battle can be lost if God is on our side. Literally just calling out to Him in praise and worship protects us from spiritual warfare.
Praise God for the sweet times of worshiping with my squad and friends here in Romania!
Please be praying for peace within my squad. For comfort in the unknown and also courage in speaking the truth and Word of God. For the students and youth we’ve met and talk to and join us for worship and community. For our ministry host and the local missionaries, for rest and perseverance. For me, for boldness and clarity.
Also, I’m so close to being fully funded, about $3000 left to raise! If you feel led to donate, the link is at the top of the page or my venmo is @clleverich. Thank you!!
Thank you for reading, praying and supporting me! I love you all!
Clara Grace
