Compelled by Love

Lessons Learned from Missionary Heidi Baker

I first heard about Heidi Baker while on my short-term missions trip to Honduras last July. Some of my fellow missionaries were talking about the tremendous work God is allowing Heidi to do in Africa.

Of course, I was intrigued.

Just a few weeks ago, I got to watch the movie about her life called “Compelled by Love.” It’s the story of her 20+ years as a missionary to Mozambique and other nations. (Please see the film trailer above).

The movie was a wonderful testament to what God can do through a yielded life! What made the evening even better was that Heidi was there and spoke to the audience afterwards. What a blessing to see her spend most of her time on the stage on her knees, before her open Bible. She ended the evening praying for those called into full-time missions, the NYC leaders and pastors that were present, and others.

She’s a humble woman, yet powerful! She walks in the authority God has given her. That’s inspiring to see.

I’d like to share just a few lessons based on the film and what Heidi said to those in attendance:

Live a Life that Continually Says, “YES” to God – Heidi knows she has a BIG God and she’s not afraid to say, “Yes” to Him. She has made a habit out of continually surrendering to God. We’re called to do the same. No, we don’t all have to move to Africa, but we are called to obey and be led by the Holy Spirit.

Be Compelled by Love – Heidi doesn’t serve God because she’s afraid He’ll be angry with her if she doesn’t do everything He says or because she’s trying to earn His love. She does it out of her extreme love for God. Once we understand God’s love for us, we are set free to serve Him out of our genuine passion for Christ.

Spend time with God – Heidi shared that she makes it a priority to spend 5 or 6 hours with the Lord every day. She knows that we need to be filled before we can pour out to others!  We may not be able to clear our busy schedules to spend hours with God, but we can make some adjustments to be with our Maker. We can also talk to Him throughout the day.

Work with God – Heidi said she sometimes pictures herself as a little girl who is standing on her daddy’s shoes and walking with Him. (Guess she’s a Daddy’s Girl too!) She’s thrilled to be a part of what God is doing on earth. Many times it seems we’d rather wrestle with God or try to somehow boss Him around, instead of simply joining Him in His plans.

Heidi’s story reminded me what a privilege it is to be about our Father’s business. God is looking for willing vessels to fill so we can overflow into other’s lives.

Your mission field may be right in your office, on your block, or under your roof. I encourage you to be faithful. Love those around you. Obey God. Shine for Jesus. Trust Him to do the rest.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

Did this encourage you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please hit “Like” or share a comment below.

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