by Celia Deneen

I don’t know about you, but the inheritance we will leave our children is pretty small by our world’s standards. So is the one we will likely receive. At times as friends have discussed vacation homes or new cars purchased with their inheritance, I’ve paused to contemplate. One day in the midst of such a comparison (NEVER a healthy thing!), the Lord drew me to the two Scriptures above. I was immediately humbled by Levi’s not receiving an inheritance because "the Lord is his inheritance."

"Wow, Lord. Having you as my inheritance is a pretty big thing! In light of eternity, I think that’s a better deal than a big bank account or second home. Let me be richly satisfied with you."

Then He drew me to the Psalms where God promises the Son the nations as His inheritance.

"Lord, could I share in that inheritance with your Son? You’ve said that we have an inheritance in Christ (Eph. 1:11). The nations are a big thing to be giving, but you did say to ask of you. I’m asking you to make the nations my inheritance."

Since that time, I’ve asked God if He would see fit to work in and through my life and the life of our family to bring men and women around the globe to Himself. If that is to be, it must be a work that begins with prayer. As laborers in the fields, now is the time for us to pray with radical faith that God will not only send more laborers, but will do the impossible as it relates to the nations. Of course, that calling to prayer begins with our own areas of service, our own circles of influence, our own families. But as people who serve a big God with a huge heart for the nations, One for whom nothing is impossible, we must also intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters in ministry; we must ask for the continent of Europe as our inheritance; we must pray for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done around the globe. For when God’s name is glorified in one place, the ripples are felt worldwide. Surely as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He weeps over the cities of Europe and asks us to join Him in sharing that burden – not through a guilt-ridden prayer life, but through one that seeks His heart and asks Him how we can be a part of the work of His Kingdom.

Having seen God open the doors of a previously-closed Muslim country, I often wonder what we will see in Heaven, what mysteries will be revealed. Will we see how the prayers of a backward priest, which preceded the powerful preaching of an evangelist, led to one of the greatest revivals North America has ever known? Will we see how God responded to the prayers of His people in bringing down the Berlin Wall? Will we see how a group of people who form GEM decided to unite in concerted prayer, resulting in revival in 21st-century Europe? Will we finally understand this mystery that we call prayer and how God truly does hear and answer as we lift our hearts to Him?

May your Kingdom come in Europe, Lord. We will be satisfied with you as our inheritance. We ask you to allow us the privilege of participation, so that the nations might be our inheritance as well.

Week 2: Reflections

1. What are your financial needs and goals at the moment? Write those out and present them to God. Will they be obstacles or opportunities? Now meditate on Matthew 6:33, asking God to enable you to continue to seek His Kingdom first and trust (once again) that all else will be added to you. Ask God to remove any fears you might have regarding His provision as you serve. Consider using the familiar chorus which accompanies Matthew 6:33 at family mealtimes this week or in private devotional time.
2. Draw a long line across a sheet of paper. (This shows my capacity as an artist!) Write several dates on this timeline which you would consider to be turning points in history, along with the names of people who may have played a role in that significant event. Now draw yourself on the line at the appropriate point. Meditate on how small each of us is in light of time and timeless eternity and how great a God we serve, that He would choose to use humans in His plan. What is He saying to you about your role in His big plan for the nations?
3. Meditate on Isaiah 43, particularly verses 18-21. What deserts are before you in ministry? What are the seemingly impossible tasks? Ask God how He wants to create “a roadway in the wilderness” and “rivers in the desert” so that others can declare His praise. Ask Him to give you hope and the courage to believe that He is able to do the impossible.
4. For Kids: Make and decorate a sign that reads “May your Kingdom come in Europe, Lord!” Post it somewhere in your room or home to remind you to pray for God’s will to be done where you live and in the countries around you.

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