Last evening I had a dream about the Amsterdam Harbor. I awoke thinking about Amsterdam being a gateway city. It is certainly a hub of sorts, if you are traveling in Europe or on to Asia you more than likely will go through Amsterdam to get to your destination. Amsterdam has a rich history of many people groups immigrating to it. In a 2011 census there were thirty-five percent non- European immigrants, and fifteen percent European immigrants. Half the population of Amsterdam is non-Dutch!
I would say God has a plan for this remarkable history-filled city and it involves His Kingdom coming in power to these Gentiles. My heart is being stirred more and more for this city and nation. We are praying for the knowledge of the glory of the Lord to cover this nation as the waters cover the sea, as stated in Habakkuk 2:14.
I believe that God has a unique plan and calling for each nation and city. A nation is made up of people who will ultimately influence their form of government.
My prayer and hope for all nations is to know the One who created them for His glory. They will recognize Him and step into their God-given destinies. People groups influence governments. Righteousness truly exalts a nation.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples, but the Lord will rise upon you and his glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3 (NASB)
As we position ourselves to hear God’s voice and are obedient to what He directs us to do, we take on more and more of His countenance. His glory begins to cover us. We reflect His goodness. We should not despair during these times of darkness that are already here and are becoming more intense. It is the church’s time to shine! Fix your thoughts more on Jesus and reflect Him to the world around you.
Lift up your eyes round about and see. They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you.
Isaiah 60:4-5 (NASB)
As I slept and dreamed, God focused my attention on The Netherlands and specifically the city of Amsterdam. It was then my choice to press into this more in prayer today. He created the Dutch people in His image to reflect His goodness and glory to the many people groups immigrating to their nation. I believe God has prospered and blessed the nation of The Netherlands because of their generosity and care for those who have sought refuge there over the years. In the above passage the Hebrew translation for the phrase the wealth of the nations is actually the strength of the people will come to you.
There is incredible blessing in the diversity of people. My husband and I delight in getting to know people from other nations and cultures. It fills our life with more of God. They are made in His image and reflect more of His characteristics that we have never seen before. I think that is why we love Amsterdam so much. The people and cultures are so diverse.
There are many other cities in The Netherlands that are predominately Dutch. We love visiting these also, but our heart is in Amsterdam with the many colorful flowers, mixes of so many people coming and going, outdoor cafes, and of course strong Dutch coffee with milk!
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