Faith

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I couldn’t help but think, as I read of Paul’s continuing journey towards Jerusalem, of Another’s journey. Of how intertwined the two journeys were, at heart. Both journeys traversed waters. The first, birthed in Jordan’s current. The later, traversed the blue tides of Mediterranean shores.

Both journeys, stirred by the Holy Spirit, led through emotional terrain, terrain of faith-testing, of turning a blind eye to sight, clinging instead to visions of a celestial Jerusalem.

One sojourner ministered to by angels, the other ministered to by saints, but both closing their ears to a tempter’s voice, feasting not on fears but food found in God’s own word.

And Jerusalem, always Jerusalem. Where ultimate trust in God would meet the winepress of obedience. Where submission to ‘binding’ became the one truth pathway to freedom, singing an eternal song.

I haven’t known many Pauls. I’m not certain I’ve known any, for those that come readily to mind couldn’t avoid the ‘binding’ brought into their life journey. But the beauty of their submission to the ‘binding’ of disease, of loss, of unalterable circumstances still fills the air with the sweet fragrance of grace, when in the stillness of my heart I breath deeply. For in the faithful peace of their submission, God With Us walked alongside, His mercy overflowing, even to those on the byways of their sojourn.

Yet, where the battle rages most hotly between those powers of darkness holding nations and peoples shackled in utter blackness and the awesome power of Almighty God, Pauls walk, even today. Ever toward Jerusalem. Each taught, in the terrain of their own Damascus sands, by the One walking that pathway first.

I feel oddly disturbed, deep in my spirit, that in the ease of my walk I’ve not been more faithful to kneel down in prayer beside these modern-day Pauls as they each turn their own face toward Jerusalem. Not fearing the ‘binding’ for the message of Love’s grace they are sent to utter. Though I don’t see their faces clearly, the Lord has numbered every hair on their head. Though the words spilling from their mouth don’t fall knowingly upon my ear, the language spoken by our hearts stem from the same throne.




Almighty Everlasting Father, thank You for the Pauls of today. Pauls my eyes will never see til we stand together in Your Heavenly Jerusalem. Pauls who know that their steps toward Jerusalem lead to binding that will come, that the words they speak in truth will turn them over to enemies of Truth. Pauls whose love for You and love for those You have called them to keep their steps moving ever forward. Be their peace as they faithfully sing freedom’s song to those walking in utter bondage. May their eyes never waver from the beauty of Your face. Quench the fiery darts the enemy would throw at their faith.....and bring them safely home




(reflections on Acts 21:1-17)

© 18 July 2005
DeAnna L. Brooks

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