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LONG WALK 2011 Stories
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Long Walk in Australia
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This year I went down south to my mum's property. She has on her gigantic block, a little patch of trees and rocks that I have sort of (unofficially) taken ownership of. I call it my little island. It was the place where, six months or so ago, I went to inquire of the Lord about whether I should go to Bible College. He definitely met me there. On the way down I lifted my heart in prayer and simply said, "yep. I'm coming. I'm after you, Yahweh!" And the Lord replied with a cheesy grin, "I'm after YOU!"
I had the best time playing with my little brother, Joshua. He's some twenty two years younger -- only one and a half years old! But apparently he's just like me when I was a babe. Love him to bits!
So I went with a few questions to ask the Lord: what subjects should I study next semester; should I remain in kids' ministry and go on to lead the entire team; should I take the opportunity to move into a nice house just down the road from the college? Trivial questions maybe, but I'm not jumping ahead on my own in anything anymore.
The Lord had a few answers to give me -- mostly nothing to do with my questions.
I remember my long walk 2011 (wow, it's been that long already?) when the Lord spoke to me about a leaf that was being lifted up and blown about in the wind. He pointed out how the leaf was free, totally yielding, completely supple, wholly submissive to the wind, and so it danced around with great joy. That is how we should be with God, with the wind of the Spirit. Like clay in the potter's hands.
This year the Lord spoke to me through images and messages in my surroundings again. Of the sheep he noted how, while the majority of them are busy with their faces down -- worried only about the business of eating that consumes all their time; concerned only about the grass in front of their eyes -- there are some that are aware, some that always keep watch. These ones stand guard and notify the group of any concerns, and the group responds accordingly.
So it should be with the church.
Where are the watchmen? Where are the prophets?
God is calling them to speak to the church. To speak to his people who seem to have their faces down in their own business, unaware of the things going on around them.
The Lord also spoke concerning a body of water that appeared to be stagnant and dead. Even so, the sheep still drink from it, because it is there. And they know that God will refill and refresh it.
The Lord is a God of resurrection. What appears to be stagnant and forever dead, God can make vibrant and alive!
So it is with my church...
My pastor told me recently, "yes, there is a problem with the church, there are problems with many churches. But rather than running to find a more vibrant stream, you need to realize that, while there is a problem, you may be a part of the answer."
God spoke about other things, and in general I had an amazing time with Him. But I thought I'd only share those few things that I have. Hopefully they help someone else other than just me.
You can take a look at the pictures from my long walk at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattanniah/
Stay blessed guys. Much love!
Matt
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Mattanniah 07/11/2011 09:59 |
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