The ‘Barn Team’ immediately agrees to a ‘crowd funding’ page, and within days your contribution is tripled. On Saturday night it appears the whereabouts of the barn had been discovered and young people flock in to dance with the band. Your amazement and delight is quickly doused when, within an hour, a group of older teenagers cause a disturbance. Tom intervenes to find that intoxicated and aggressive their intention is to have a rave. The band stops playing, Margie runs to fetch Tom’s Dad, but with the growing unrest he finally calls the police. In the midst of that, and in the ten minutes before the police arrive, you and Margie gather, comfort and pray with those who are scared and crying before watching the police take away the troublemakers.
Everybody is shaken. Inwardly devastated you see how your enthusiasm for fundraising has caused this debacle. Why didn’t you consult the Lord before going ahead? The drum kit is damaged, but not irreparable, and Dan plays the keyboard as Tom speaks and prays. As Tom finishes, a beautiful clear voice, similar to one in your heavenly dreams, is heard singing in the Spirit. Your eyes flashed open you exchange a wide-eyed look with Tom. Margie, with hands open, her face uplifted seems to glow as she receives and releases the song. An anointing balm seems to flow, the young people slowly slide to the floor as peace and love pervades the atmosphere. Unable to stand you sink to your knees, before joining those lying face down on the concrete floor. An awesome silence follows.
Next morning at church you are still apologising to bemused parents. At lunch Tony, Tom’s father says, “Stop beating yourself up for everyone had an incredible experience and it’s restored our faith in the reality of God.” Bright-eyed, Tom stated, “And Margie, wow, the voice of an angel!” As she blushes you see her as a stunted rose who overnight is blossoming into an attractive woman. “And Dad, I heard you reassuring parents that their children’s ‘spaced out’ appearance was the Holy Spirit, not drugs or alcohol.” Tony chuckled, “Most of them didn’t need to know, they could feel God’s Presence lingering in the atmosphere. Several asked if we met on a Sunday, others offered to help with security on Saturday nights.” At that news you thank God for His goodness in turning your failure into blessing.
Word: “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMP
Worship: “He is Exalted” Marantha” Praise Band 2 mins