Angel Mercy: Bangalore, India

I got on a severely overcrowded train. I felt like I was in Germany, which is where my husband and I are living for the next two years. The train was so congested that there was no room to change positions or turn. I put my luggage on a corner shelf and remained standing.

The train came to a stop and people were rushing and pushing each other to exit the train. This was not my stop and I had no plans to get off. There was a man who was getting down with a travel bag. I unzipped the top of the bag and saw that it was mine. The man didn’t speak a word and without any drama or struggle, he gave me my bag back.

He put his finger to his lips, gesturing me to keep quite so that I wouldn’t embarrass him. He didn’t want me to tell people that he was stealing my bag. I wasn’t going to make an issue of the situation, however, the more I thought about it I felt it was my responsibility to expose him and warn people to be careful.

I got off the train and ran after him. I caught up to him and told everyone around me that he was trying to steal my bag.

End of dream 

Interpretation:

The train could symbolize ministry (lots of people) and moving forward in an informal environment, not just in a leadership role in church.

Angel states that what she senses in her spirit is that she is already on a new journey and that her journey isn't meant for just one place. Her ministry won’t be limited to her leadership roles that are often connected to specific programs within her church.

The man, who represents the devil/enemy, was skillful and cunning. He wanted to silence Angel so she wouldn't give him away. Satan doesn’t want us to expose him or his tactics. He wants to steal more than our belongings. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” John 10:10.

Angel could have easily stayed on the train after getting her bag back. She hesitated to speak up, but ultimately she knew the right thing to do was to warn others that he was around. She was willing to give something up of herself for the needs of others by getting off of the train.

I believe running after the man shows that she is embracing ministry. This reinforces the importance for her to be prepared to witness in everyday life. She did not fear the devil or what man can do to her. “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Psalm 118:6

It’s yet to be seen if this is prophetic in terms of ministry in multiple locations. It’s something she’ll need to continue praying for and in time, God will reveal it to her. She just has to be willing to go if and when God says go.

There are several key takeaways that we can learn from Angel’s dream.

• Ask the Lord to put you in a place where you can minister in your everyday life. Not just within the church. Matthew 24:24; Mark 16:15

• Be aware of the subtle attacks from the enemy. Pray for discernment to know when the enemy is near and what to do when you perceive something isn’t right. “Be on guard to the subtle attacks of the enemy. Time with God is how our spiritual senses are heightened to distinguish good from evil.” I Kings 3:9 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

• Remain alert to the needs of others for the purpose of helping them. “Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.” Proverbs 21:13

• Be willing to be inconvenienced for Christ. This is something I need to be willing to do. I focus too much on my day, my needs, my schedule. It’s about God, not me. “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 Step out of your comfort zone, have courage, and speak up for those who need an advocate, including those you don’t know. “Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:9

• Be brave to step out and witness for Christ. “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” I Chronicles 28:20

• Living a life in God’s presence is how you will know which way God is leading. He is your protector at all times. “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11