It was a hot January day in a land far from home. The small open fishing boat we were in was heading offshore of an island of the Philippines. I was a young adult on a missions adventure for the summer break. My friend and I were with a few others taking a short boat ride. I don’t even really know what I asked God as I pondered life as we travelled that brief ride, but I remember that moment as the place I felt a sense of call to Australia. I am Australian and was also newly trained as a nurse with a strong knowing God had a plan for my life. I had imagined going somewhere remote and different to serve God. However, God knew that for his plans, I needed to be called to the very land I was born. He spoke to me through these words:
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
– Isaiah 58:11-12 (NIV)
I immediately knew that ‘Sun-scorched land’ was my Aussie homeland. These verses are packed with destiny for me. Over the years he brings them back and unpacks them a little more. These verses also planted the seed of being called ‘repairer of broken walls’. The truth is, Jesus is the Repairer of broken walls. However, I developed a heart to see the broken parts of people lives restored. Sometimes these restorations happen brick by brick. Sometimes there is a glorious and spontaneous work that God performs in a single encounter. Either way, restoration of the spirit, soul, and body is a passion of mine. I love what God can do!
Open your heart and come on a journey. Not just with me and my amazing friends, but with Jesus as you encounter him. I encourage you to do whatever it takes to allow the beauty of who you really are to be released.