“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” – Jesus, Luke 4:18-19 NASB

Hi, SOULdiers! I’m Aisha Eustache, a wife, stay at home mom, daughter and sister in Christ determined to build the kingdom of the Most High here on Earth. This blog has been inspired by my pursuing a calling in ministry that I have heard for the past 17 years and am just now being obedient to follow! Having lived a very broken road, which led me back to the redemptive power of the cross, I am most impacted by Jesus and His tenderness towards those who are the lost or least of us. My passion is for reaching the lost: those suffering from depression, addiction, anxiety, and just general brokenness. I know that we sometimes want to cover our scars or imperfections once we accept the grace of salvation. However, we should be reminded that Jesus, and the scars he bore for us, are some of the most beautiful things about our way maker! It is so refreshing to be reminded that Jesus didn’t minister to those who were already on the path of righteousness, rather he sought out those that he knew needed his word and spirit the most. I am so thankful for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the unconditional love of a Savior who was willing to bear our sin and shame, leaving us this legacy of intercession by giving us personal access to the Father of all that ever was and ever will be. Thank you so much, Jesus!! My hope for us as the body of Christ is that we will remember to put on the character of Christ in seeking out relationship with the lost and the least of society verses sitting in the seat of judgement and condemnation regarding those who need salvation the most.

Jesus said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12 NASB), This same idea is echoed in the other synoptic Gospels (Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31-32). The fact that three of the four Gospel writers chose to include this in their accounts of Jesus’ life clearly indicates that these words are important. Jesus’ words and the way in which He lived His life here on earth are meant to be examples for His followers. As we look to reflect Jesus in this world, like Jesus we must go after not just those who are ill physically, but also those who are spiritually ill. We must pursue not only the righteous, but the lost as well. We must have compassion on those who are less fortunate, not only around the world, but in our own backyard.

None of us is without sin. If we were, there would be no need for a Messiah or atonement for mankind. And no sin is greater than another. We are all slaves to sin but when we choose to make Christ the Lord of our lives and follow His teachings, then we will know the truth. The beautiful thing about truth is that it sets us free! Once we find the beauty in the scars this journey on Earth has given us, we will see that those very scars are the things God will use for His glory! He will use those scars to give us compassion and empathy for those going through similar struggles that His grace has allowed us to overcome. He will use those scars as a testimony to those in darkness, giving hope in His amazing grace and love when they witness His redemptive powers at work in us.

It’s time to stop playing church: putting on our Sunday best, making our outer packaging all fresh and clean, going to worship service, and going through the ritual deemed righteous in the sight of man. We are not called to seek man’s approval. We are called to “speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV) It is time for us to be the church exampled by the life of Christ. It is time for us to “feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.” (Isaiah 58:10-12 NLT).

It’s time for us to start being SOULdiers in this spiritual battle that takes place every moment all around us. It is time to have not only the heart of Jesus, the Lamb of God, but of Jesus, the Lion of Judah. It’s time to become spiritual warriors! The days are dark, and the yokes of oppression that the evil one is unleashing are many. Let us “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV) Let’s prepare to usher in God’s kingdom here on Earth. Let’s rise up, SOULdiers!