Prayer Walking Journal Entry #1

On more than one occasion since we launched Gateway West, God has reminded me and convicted me that he is the one who changes lives, not me.  He has said, "Sure, you get to be involved in the process of sharing the good news about Jesus and helping people grow in their faith, but I'm the one who does the actual work."

I fully admit that it's easy for me to trust God with the folks who are a part of Gateway.  I care for them deeply but I don't lose sleep over their problems and issues because I've realized that I'm not their Savior.  I'm only a little s - shepherd.  They have a big S - Shepherd who does a much better job than I do.

However, for some reason (probably, no obviously, my pride), I don't seem to trust God as much with seeing people come to faith.  I tend to rely on good marketing, attractive events, fun activities, meeting needs, etc. to bring people to Jesus.  I'm not meaning to communicate that these are bad things to do.  They are actually good things but I'm strongly convicted that we can't rely on them.  We must rely on God to push back against the enemy in our neighborhoods and on the Holy Spirit to be softening their hearts for the good news of Jesus.  

One way that I believe God wants me to trust him more is to pray for my community more.  I've made a commitment to prayer walk the 16.7 square miles of west Cleveland (117th to the east, 90 to the north, metro parks to the west, and Brookpark to the south).  We did this as a launch team the spring/summer before our fall launch in 2009.  I got a big map of the neighborhood and used a pink highlighter to track our prayer progress.  Recently, I heard God say, "The pink has gotten a little faded."  

So, on most Tuesdays, I'm going to go walking for a bit (30-60 minutes).  I had wanted to start a few weeks ago but it didn't happen for a variety of reasons.  I finally got started today.

I also decided to do a little blogging of my prayer walking experiences.  It will help me track what God is doing through the prayer walking both in our community but also in my heart.

I started today somewhat in a bad mood.  To be honest (I am most of the time), Amanda and I were having a bit of tension just before I went out.  However, God quickly got my attention.  I started by sharing my frustrations - at home, on my street, in Cleveland.  I was focusing on all of the negatives.  I was asking God to meet this need and that need.  I was praying about all of the problems around me but I didn't feel like God was hearing me.  It took about half the route before I realized what God was saying.  He made it clear.  

"Dan, I see all the same needs you do.  I see all problems.  But shut up and trust me with those negatives.  Instead, today, I want you to see the beauty around you.  Look at the good in your neighborhood.  There are a bunch of believers on your street alone.  There are people who care about Cleveland.  They care about their homes.  I'm providing for them.  Most of these people have jobs.  There are lots and lots of families.  It's a safe neighborhood.  Look at my creation around you - the trees, flowers, lawns, birds, squirrels, dogs, and even the cats.  It's an absolutely beautiful day today.  Enjoy it.  The snow will be here before you know it.  You have emergency services just around the corner.  Your neighborhood has good schools.  You have community leaders who care and want to partner with you.  I want to do something special with your neighborhood and I might even use you to do some of that but you are going to have to trust me.  As you trust me, just keep praying that my will be done here on 136th Street as it is in Heaven."

So, that's my prayer.  God reminded me today that my attention and focus needs to be on him first and foremost and then I can trust him with the needs around me.

By the way, I'm looking for prayer walking partners.  If you ever have any time on Tuesdays, give me a holler.  Morning, afternoon, or evening - I'm flexible.