Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
~
It was a good day to go hiking. Warm with a complementary breeze. Vast steep mountains stretched out in front of us. Crumbling rocks and slippery sand. It was set to be an adventure. A day I would forever remember. However, it would be remembered for more than the climb.
There were six of us guys, ready to go. Well, almost all of us. We stood there waiting while the last guy to get ready, cinched up the laces on his shoes. The plan was simple – basically climb until we felt like we couldn’t go on, and then keep climbing.
Adrenaline flowed as rampant as a horse ready for a race. We were excited to be in the Atlas Mountains and even more energized to be leaving the small home we were staying in. Finally, we headed toward the mountains, barely touching the ground, dust trailing our footsteps. We descended stairs to a bridge stretched over a semi dried river bed trickling with the faintest of life.
Obvious route. Up.
Thirty minutes of sketchy rock jumping and basic climbing through foothills brought us to the actual mountain, a steep incline from that point. We decided on a path: pretty much however you can ascend. And we went for it, crawling on all fours, grabbing bushes and rocks to pull ourselves up. I was in heaven. Mountains are what I consider “home.” A place away from everything. A place of complete peace and silence. Everything from the world seems to melt off my shoulders the farther and higher I get from civilization. And to be in the mountains with my best friends made it better!
We climbed for around two hours to the top. Small cuts across our palms. Burning thighs and shot calves. Sweat rolled down our faces stinging our cracked, chapped lips. We looked at each other over bent knees, catching our breath. Our smiles an obvious gauge of the experience. It felt good to exert ourselves, the pain and the arid cool breeze, both rewards for our efforts.
A few words swirled in my mind as I looked over the valley into the small village of Imlil, Morocco: Comfort. Joy. Power. One reason why I have always loved the mountains is because of the presence there. The Holy Spirit’s presence, making everything more alive, more vivid. You can feel His strength and peace. It sends shivers from head to toe. I can breathe normal and feel light as a feather, unburdened.
“We should pray over the village” came a voice from my right.
I agreed. Something that I’ve felt called to do is pray over each village, house and country we stay in. To intercede for the people around me.
Each guy nodded agreement and we took a spot on the rocks, feet dangling over the sides. Shirts off in the roasting sun. The energy was palpable and each of us could feel the presence of Jesus moving gently. It was amazing!
After a while, I decided to go sit on a ledge away from the rest of the guys. In a spot away from anyone else’s voice. A place where only God and I could communicate together.
I sat there in silence for several long minutes, listening to the rustling of trees. To the whistles emerging through open crevasses in the rocks. Then I prayed over the small village below. Praying for the healing of broken hearts and deep wounds. Praying for peace among the restlessness stirring through the town. Praying for revelation and a deep desire for truth. My heart ached for the people below. I wanted everyone to know how much God loves them and what he has done for them. To show them what His grace and mercy are like.
Again, I stopped and sat in silence. I closed my eyes, not knowing what I might see. Nothing. Just the backs of my eyelids. Then, I opened my eyes and looked around. Still nothing but calm. It felt refreshing that my mind was finally “chilled out.”
Then he appeared. At one of the highest peaks stood an angel. It was marvelous! It had been a long time since I’d seen one. He stood around nine feet tall covered in black glossy armor with a hint of purple gleaming in the radiant sun. He gripped a massive spear the size of a small tree and speckled with blue sapphires. He stood firm, wind rushing past so strong it could blow a human into the rocks below. His helmet looked like the helmets used by Spartans. Pronounced and defining. He stood with authority.
Next, I saw the demons running from his sight, burrowing into dark holes throughout the mountain side. Scaly dark figures all different sizes, some like animals and some like things from another world.
However, the angel’s eyes held my attention. A bright beam of gold and white flared around his face. He looked down over the village and smiled. This was his village. These were his lands to protect.
Peace overcame me and tears formed as I felt the overwhelming love of Jesus surround me and everyone in the village. It didn’t matter who they were. What they had done. How much they had or how little. If they were old or young. What religion or beliefs they had. What mattered was the pure love and admiration God had for his creation.
We look out at nature as beautiful and awe inspiring. We watch the stars and describe how amazing Jesus is.
But He created only one thing in his image.
You and me.
How incredible is it that we are created as more breathtaking than the mountains, beaches or stars. God watches as we’re awestruck by his creation and he looks at us the same way. With a deep love and awe that can’t be described with words.
This was one of countless dreams and visions I’ve experienced while on the race. I’m excited to finally share these with you all. To open up my heart and to share the amazing, intense world that surrounds us every day. To share with you what God is showing us. I pray these bless you and encourage you. That you may see another side of the glory of Jesus.
Love you all!
Eli
