Seeking Forgiveness

Forgiving one another holds immense power. In my almost five years as a follower of Christ, I have experienced the power and reconciliation that forgiveness brings. I have given it, and I have received it. Both aspects bring loads of peace. It is simply amazing. How lucky are we, too, that we get to model and play out in our lives what Jesus has done for us? Obviously, our conflicts are much smaller to forgive than the entire sin of the human race, yet, as we get a taste of this act, we draw one step closer nearer to the heart of the Father. What could be better than this?

I knew something was going to happen. It was Thursday, September 18th. I had just gotten back from Mexico 14 hours earlier. I had been feeling God prepare me for something regarding my past relationship with Isabel. I had no clue what was going to happen, but I knew it would happen before the first day of fall. In the month of March this year, God promised that something significant would happen between us before fall began. The Lord has never failed a promise He has given me, and he didn't this time either. 

As our new instructor Jeff took the platform for the first time in our new classroom, I was filled with anxiety. My heart was pumping; racing. I had been feeling it all day. Jeff began to speak on Jesus, and what he accomplished on the cross. I was having a difficult time focusing, until he gave us our challenge for the week.

"Who are you going to forgive, or ask forgiveness from?" 

I froze. I didn't know what to do. I knew I had to talk to Isabel, but I had no idea how to approach her. I didn't know whether I should grab a rose or a rock. In my explosion of feelings, I swiftly went to the prayer room down the hall. I kneeled at the cross, begging God to tell me what to do. As I prayed, I knew in my gut that Isabel would be coming in shortly. Within less than five minutes, I heard the door open. There she was. 

Heart pounding out of my chest, I approached her as she prayed. That probably wasn't the best idea on my part. I just stood there. I couldn't say anything. Calmly, Isabel said something like, "If you need to talk, I will listen." I wasn't quite ready though, so she left the room. It was a good thing I was the only one in there. I started balling. All this pent up emotion finally made its way out, in the form of tears. After a few minutes of letting it out, I went into the class to lead prayer, and then went back out into the hallway to cry some more. It was definitely needed. I also hope that explains why I was struggling to lead prayer. I should have just been honest that I wasn't feeling well, I'm sorry about that.

Later that night, I was ready. I knew exactly what I needed to say to her. I had hurt Isabel in so many ways, and it took me over a year and a half to fully recognize the damage I had done. Yet, the Lord revealed the hurt I had caused, in grace. I knew exactly what I needed to tell her. 

The conversation wasn't awkward. In fact, it was comfortable. Isabel told me that she knew something was coming too. We were ready to talk. 

We sat in her car for a good hour. I got to explain everything, and apology sincerely for what I'd done. She listened attentively, and respectfully. I told her everything that was on my heart. I was very honest, and she was honest with me. We were both very delighted to hear that everything God had revealed to me about what I'd done was the very things Isabel prayed He would help me understand. God is so good, and He loves his children so much. After this, she forgave me. It was truly amazing. 

Since the conversation, things have been different between us. There is a great sense of peace. We both know that God used that time in our lives to shape us and bring us closer to Him. 

I am so incredibly grateful for the forgiveness I have received. Isabel has truly modeled the love of Christ to me in her continual patience, grace, and respect. What an incredible feeling it is to know that I am forgiven by the Father, and by her. Thank you Jesus. 

As your classmates, Isabel and I wanted to be honest with you all about what happened between us this week. Neither of us felt the need or desire to hide names, or sugar coat what went down. You get the honest truth, from both of us. We are all family, and vulnerability is what will continue to draw us all closer together as a class. What a blessing.

So, I have come to the conclusion, now more than ever, that forgiveness is in our very DNA. We are made for it. We have life because of it. So in order to be filled, we must ask for it, and we must do it.

Period. 

"You cannot serve two gods"

Hello!

In the past, this blog was used to update supporters and friends on my missionary endeavors in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Currently, I am living in Salem, OR (my hometown) where I am attending the Reach Training Institute of Antioch Edu. and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. For the next few months and possibly beyond, I will be using this blog for my fellow classmates to view and comment on, however, it is not limited for school purposes only. I hope that anyone, along with my classmates, may be blessed by the words I write here.



For our first project in Theology and life, we have been asked to deal with the topic of kenosis (emptying)
of something in our life that (after prayer) we feel that God may be asking us to give up. As I spent time in prayer, a few things came into mind.

In the past months, I have been able to save money. I have been super excited about this, because for years, I have always seemed to have my money burning a hole in my pocket. Yet, I found it interesting that right after sitting down to pray, my savings account is what the Lord brought up. As I began to read all that Jesus said about money, especially the verses regarding "storing up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones," I began to feel convicted, and began to be reminded of what I already know- God will literally provide for everything that I need.

So I asked myself, why I am saving money? I have nothing I am saving up for. I've often thought about buying a car since I currently only have a bike, but I continually feel the call to keep riding as doors have been shut to get one. (Plus, lets be honest, not having to pay for insurance or gas is incredible, and my legs are sexier than ever).

After this, I knew what I had to do. Every two weeks, I have been putting about $150 dollars into my savings. I now needed to pray about where my money that I would have saved would be going from here on out.

As I lay on my bed asking God to reveal His plan for His money from the job that He gave me, three things popped up. These three things are all people/ministries that I am passionate about, and am grateful to have a connection with.

As stated earlier, and obvious to see down below in old posts, I lived in Burkina Faso in 2013. While there, I met an amazing pastor named Rakistaba Valentin. We became very close. He poured his knowledge into me. He prayed for me. We had many hours of conversation. In the time I spent with him, I got the pleasure to see all the work that God has called him to. This man is passionate about spreading the gospel; it is his number one priority, even above his beautiful wife and children. Everything is secondary to knowing God and making him known. Pastor Valentin, to my knowledge, makes about $400 dollars a year. There are so many ways that my money could help him and those he is ministering to. Therefore, I have decided, along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that $100 dollars of my paycheck every month will go to helping him in any way that he needs, whether that be for personal use or ministry use. I am so excited that just a small portion of my monthly income will be able to bless him and others in large ways.



Next, I felt led to give to the City of Angels Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. My friend Tenielle Lytle, who I actually met in Burkina, is the administrator of the ministry there. I have been able to go down and help with videos for the sponsorship program for the kids in need a few times. As I prayed, I felt and know that God cares for these kids. The orphanage is really struggling. If it doesn't receive enough support, all the kids living there will have to go back to their parents, whom most of are drug addicts, prostitutes, or completely unable to support their child. So I've decided that $100 dollars of my income will be going to this orphanage as well- because God believes in these kids.



Finally, I have attended Salem Alliance Church since the 3rd grade. This place has been such a blessing to me, and I am so grateful for everything God has done through it. Most importantly though, I believe that revival is due in the city of Salem, and in order to be ready, the church must be built up and supported. Because of this, $100 dollars of my paycheck will be going to Salem Alliance Church.

But God, what if there is an emergency?                  
                --Will I not provide for your needs?
But God, my culture tells me I need to save money, that it is responsible!              
               --You are saving treasure in heaven, child.. and not just for you.

Some people may feel called to save money. Maybe at some point in my life I will too. Right now though, I feel called to give $300 dollars a month to ministries that God has placed in my life that I am passionate about. He placed all of these people in my life for a reason, and I think one of reasons is because He cares for them and will fill their needs. I hope I can be a little part of that.

For me, giving 10% was easy. It never really even dawned on me that it was tithe; more like another bill. With this amount of giving, I will not be able to help but think that I am working to help support these ministries. I think God will teach me alot in that. I am excited for whatever that entails.

Empty me, father.


Jonathan D. Platt