This week I tried something outside my comfort zone. As the other team had practiced already, they shared with us the idea of a Jericho walk around the temple. Meaning, they walked 6 times around the temple in complete silence and another round while singing worship music.
With a little nudge from God, I began walking when we got to the temple. The first time around my thought was “uftah, this is gonna be a long walk.” But I kept going and in return learned a lot…
If you know me, you know I like to talk to strangers; I say I got it from my momma. We saw some tourists we met a few days ago and my immoderate inclination was to say hello and catch up with them. But I remembered the ‘silence’ part of the walk and instead stuck with just a simple smile, bit my tongue and passed by.
I began praying for Kingdom to come to this place. As I saw the tourists and Buddhist believers who came to pay respect, I prayed they’d find freedom; freedom that Christ has given us. I prayed for people to find hope. As I’ve observed, it seems that there is a barrier holding them back from truly enjoying God’s inherently good gifts. I yearned for restoration. A restoration of the hope, life and joy God has promised us. At one point I prayed for God to rain over this temple. The next time around, at the same spot, I looked down, and broke into a huge smile as a rain drop had fallen to the my feet. It was such a powerful way for God to demonstrate His presence. He is here, doing things I cannot even comprehend; but He is here.
As we rounded the corner and began our seventh lap we started the singing. I was so thankful for the gifts he gives, how he gives abundant love. As we finished our final lap; it was as if our tourist friends we had seen earlier were waiting for us at the finish line. I got to say hello and hear more about their trip. It was as if God was saying, you abide in me, serve me and I’ll use your desires to talk to strangers on my timing.
This Jericho walk was the first of more to come. The walls didn’t crumble. The people there didn’t all of a sudden break out in worship songs. But God is a living and breathing God. He is present. It taught me a lot in being silent and listening for His heart and His plan in places I’ll encounter. Silence can teach me a lot when I give the space for it. I like to talk, so I’ve got some work on this one.
I’d encourage you, if you want something to change, try a Jericho walk- put on good shoes first, and start walking.
