I loved this "prayer walk" because of what you are going through and how you are working through your questions scripturally and humbly. I think back to the podcast you did with Graham where the two of you talked about asking the more beautiful questions like, "What am I learning from what I am going through?" and "What am I teaching as I go through it?" Am I patient in tribulation? Not as much as I'd like to be . But I'm getting better at accepting that my circumstances are teaching me something and that I can use it to teach others when I learn what I need to. It's hard to accept help sometimes. It's much easier to be the helper, at least for me. Thanks for being transparent as we can all learn from that!
First , I am sorry about all of your troubles this week and I want to thank you for a very thought provoking prayer walk this week. When you quote from scripture "It is in vain that we rise up early and go late to rest eating the bread of anxious toil..." my photo could be used a representation for this. As a classroom teacher I feel it is imperative that I am at school early to prepare for the day ahead and that I stay late to wrap up the day and gather what I need to get ready for the next morning. As with many educators of today the questions "Is this all in vain? Is this truly what I want to be doing?" run on a continuous loop in my thoughts. There are times that I am not sure this is my calling any longer - don't get me wrong I love teaching, but I do not love the world of education. I spend many nights awake trying to decide if this is where I need to be at this time. After listening to what you talked about today, I wonder if it is fear of the unknown so to speak that weighs on me. I think I am afraid to let go of what I have now, to step into something new though the opportunity is there for this to happen. I guess I am not sure what my path or house, if you will, is at this point in my life. My heart has always said that teaching is where I needed and wanted to be, now questioning that is very unsettling for me. In my area of education we use the acronym HOPE (Hearing Other People's Experiences) as a way to remind us that when we are not listening we are not learning. I am glad I was able to listen to your walk today, it truly reminded me that I need to quiet, so I can hear and follow what is in my heart.
I am also a teacher and in fact, this profession demands a lot from us!
I don't know what area you work in, but I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses, I have never worked in primary or secondary education, I believe that in this area the challenges are even greater.
Anyway, I write these lines just to sympathize with you and say that I understand you and I will pray for God to reveal what He has for you in the field of Education.
Thank you, Angela - I am an elementary teacher - the challenges are real, for sure. I think everyone in education right now need all the prayers we get. I too will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Donny for your dedication to get this prayer walk out to us. This is one that is very timely for me. I am currently involved in something that is starting to feel like laboring in vain. When I first started it seemed like a way to connect in a way that would help build my faith. On the contrary, for me, it is surprisingly emotionally draining as well as challenging to my faith. I have been thinking that it is time to take a step back. The resources, both time and money, that I am committing to it could be better used in something that God wants me to build, a better opportunity to practice rejoicing in hope and God’s love. Thank you again for your timely inspiration. God is good! Continued blessings on your journey. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Donny. Your prayer walks always help me along my way. They have an amazing way of helping me clarify my thoughts and simplify my prayers. God is good.
The enemy is threatened when the walls are up and the doors are shut. God can give you messages when the gates are closed.
I loved the scriptures you shared too. What I learned today is when I’m still and quiet, my spirit is connecting with God He can help my soul. Let this mind(soul) be placed in His hands. I’m to keep my walls up to keep out the enemy. Yes I’m to be alert during the light of day, keep my gates shut at night to prevent the enemy from entering my thoughts.
We here on this walk with you are in constant prayer for each other and also for you. I will do what was told by Jesus, don’t let the right hand know what the left is doing. I believe God has used this walk as a wall to block out what is evil and allow only what God wants inside. 🙏🙏🙏
Donny, I went back to reread Psalm 127. Like you said, God should be put first and foremost in each decision we make. If we don’t it could fail. Personally, I try and do that, but like all of us, the flesh of mine can take over and a decision can be made too soon. I get frustrated with myself when that happens, but try not to stay there. When that happens I try and get extra quiet, breathe, stop for awhile, pray, and a little extra time in His word. Reason I say that is when you referenced Roman’s 12:9-21, we can still rejoice in confident hope even when we make these mistakes. We can rejoice as we are forgiven and we are redeemed! I have to say a big Amen to being forgiven and so grateful I know where my eternal Home is. Even all that said, I’m a work in progress when it comes to the grand daddy of all words for me, patience. At least I can rejoice with confident hope in those times when I’m impatient I am forgiven! The main thing I can say with all the change in my life lately and learning I’m taking on now, I do not stay down for as long because I have this passion even more so now to want to encourage others in their own journeys however that may be and also according to God’s will! Thank you for this prayer walk and 🙏🙏 to you and all in this community as we grow together in knowing we have a God who loves us, and we can rejoice in hope that we are forgiven and redeemed!
Side note, there is a female Christian singer, Hope Darst, who recorded a song called “If the Lord Builds the House,” so I thought I would share the Spotify link to it below in case anyone wanted to check it out. Hope that link worked.
Never apologize for being late as someone once said that plans can go astray when life gets in the way. You are looking relaxed and the fact that you still made time for us is what is important. Thanks so much once more for your wonderful lesson and providing me with many things to ponder. I always feel grateful and inspired by your words and the strength of your voice. Continued prayers for your journey.
I am so glad you got this one out, even if delayed. It is what God needed for me this week. I, too, struggle with a lack of money. I was a teacher, as well. But, I had to stop because of back surgery. Six years later I still suffer with back pain. I am trying to be patient and I pray God will take it away, which he has not chosen to do yet. Thank you, Donny, for being faithful to God in what He wants you to do!
Watching the video I was reminded of Paul's letter to the Philippians and how Paul made a point of expressing gratitude for the love and financial support he received during his missionary trip and imprisonment in Rome.
In this book, Paul encourages us to be humble and united, that is what you have done with prayer walks! It may be that today one of us is in a position to contribute financially, for the other is on the front line bringing the love of Jesus...
Anyway, if you feel this in your heart, read the entire book of Philippians, especially chapter 4.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I will continue to pray for you!
I listened to this prayer walk this morning, and I just want to say thank you Donny. Without fail, every time I listen to them I get so encouraged and inspired. And somehow, they always speak directly to a need I have or something we're dealing with. God knows just what we need and when we need it and I am so grateful to Him. God bless you, and continued prayers for you with the car and visa situation. I guess something went through since you're able to be back in the US?
I’ve honestly been praying about a plan that I thought God gave me but now the finances etc are not there to put it in place. So I’ve been asking Him if I heard wrong or need to be patient. So the 2 scriptures really do go hand in hand. Can I rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and,..... (all the things mentioned in Romans) while I’m allowing the Lord to build His “house” in His timing not mine. I’m headed to reread those scriptures! God’s blessings!
I loved this "prayer walk" because of what you are going through and how you are working through your questions scripturally and humbly. I think back to the podcast you did with Graham where the two of you talked about asking the more beautiful questions like, "What am I learning from what I am going through?" and "What am I teaching as I go through it?" Am I patient in tribulation? Not as much as I'd like to be . But I'm getting better at accepting that my circumstances are teaching me something and that I can use it to teach others when I learn what I need to. It's hard to accept help sometimes. It's much easier to be the helper, at least for me. Thanks for being transparent as we can all learn from that!
Yes! I too, would rather be the giver not the receiver. But sometimes we have to ask for help!
First , I am sorry about all of your troubles this week and I want to thank you for a very thought provoking prayer walk this week. When you quote from scripture "It is in vain that we rise up early and go late to rest eating the bread of anxious toil..." my photo could be used a representation for this. As a classroom teacher I feel it is imperative that I am at school early to prepare for the day ahead and that I stay late to wrap up the day and gather what I need to get ready for the next morning. As with many educators of today the questions "Is this all in vain? Is this truly what I want to be doing?" run on a continuous loop in my thoughts. There are times that I am not sure this is my calling any longer - don't get me wrong I love teaching, but I do not love the world of education. I spend many nights awake trying to decide if this is where I need to be at this time. After listening to what you talked about today, I wonder if it is fear of the unknown so to speak that weighs on me. I think I am afraid to let go of what I have now, to step into something new though the opportunity is there for this to happen. I guess I am not sure what my path or house, if you will, is at this point in my life. My heart has always said that teaching is where I needed and wanted to be, now questioning that is very unsettling for me. In my area of education we use the acronym HOPE (Hearing Other People's Experiences) as a way to remind us that when we are not listening we are not learning. I am glad I was able to listen to your walk today, it truly reminded me that I need to quiet, so I can hear and follow what is in my heart.
Thank you for sharing Robin. I am praying now for God to give you peace, clarity and courage to step into what ever He wants for you.
Hi Robin,
I am also a teacher and in fact, this profession demands a lot from us!
I don't know what area you work in, but I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses, I have never worked in primary or secondary education, I believe that in this area the challenges are even greater.
Anyway, I write these lines just to sympathize with you and say that I understand you and I will pray for God to reveal what He has for you in the field of Education.
Thank you, Angela - I am an elementary teacher - the challenges are real, for sure. I think everyone in education right now need all the prayers we get. I too will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I will definitely be praying for you! I’m sure you will persevere through God’s guidance in however, whatever, or wherever He leads you per His will.
Thank you Donny for your dedication to get this prayer walk out to us. This is one that is very timely for me. I am currently involved in something that is starting to feel like laboring in vain. When I first started it seemed like a way to connect in a way that would help build my faith. On the contrary, for me, it is surprisingly emotionally draining as well as challenging to my faith. I have been thinking that it is time to take a step back. The resources, both time and money, that I am committing to it could be better used in something that God wants me to build, a better opportunity to practice rejoicing in hope and God’s love. Thank you again for your timely inspiration. God is good! Continued blessings on your journey. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing. I pray that God gives you the hears to hear what He wants you to build
Thank you Donny. Your prayer walks always help me along my way. They have an amazing way of helping me clarify my thoughts and simplify my prayers. God is good.
I heard this when I sat to pray this morning.
Nehemiah 7-2
The enemy is threatened when the walls are up and the doors are shut. God can give you messages when the gates are closed.
I loved the scriptures you shared too. What I learned today is when I’m still and quiet, my spirit is connecting with God He can help my soul. Let this mind(soul) be placed in His hands. I’m to keep my walls up to keep out the enemy. Yes I’m to be alert during the light of day, keep my gates shut at night to prevent the enemy from entering my thoughts.
We here on this walk with you are in constant prayer for each other and also for you. I will do what was told by Jesus, don’t let the right hand know what the left is doing. I believe God has used this walk as a wall to block out what is evil and allow only what God wants inside. 🙏🙏🙏
Donny, I went back to reread Psalm 127. Like you said, God should be put first and foremost in each decision we make. If we don’t it could fail. Personally, I try and do that, but like all of us, the flesh of mine can take over and a decision can be made too soon. I get frustrated with myself when that happens, but try not to stay there. When that happens I try and get extra quiet, breathe, stop for awhile, pray, and a little extra time in His word. Reason I say that is when you referenced Roman’s 12:9-21, we can still rejoice in confident hope even when we make these mistakes. We can rejoice as we are forgiven and we are redeemed! I have to say a big Amen to being forgiven and so grateful I know where my eternal Home is. Even all that said, I’m a work in progress when it comes to the grand daddy of all words for me, patience. At least I can rejoice with confident hope in those times when I’m impatient I am forgiven! The main thing I can say with all the change in my life lately and learning I’m taking on now, I do not stay down for as long because I have this passion even more so now to want to encourage others in their own journeys however that may be and also according to God’s will! Thank you for this prayer walk and 🙏🙏 to you and all in this community as we grow together in knowing we have a God who loves us, and we can rejoice in hope that we are forgiven and redeemed!
Side note, there is a female Christian singer, Hope Darst, who recorded a song called “If the Lord Builds the House,” so I thought I would share the Spotify link to it below in case anyone wanted to check it out. Hope that link worked.
https://spotify.link/aSqVaT9AXCb
WOW, what a beautiful song, such powerful lyrics. I'm listening to it for the second time - lol and it's already on my playlist - lol
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Angela. Check her other songs out. I like quite a few of them. I just thought this one applied so well to the Psalm 127.
Never apologize for being late as someone once said that plans can go astray when life gets in the way. You are looking relaxed and the fact that you still made time for us is what is important. Thanks so much once more for your wonderful lesson and providing me with many things to ponder. I always feel grateful and inspired by your words and the strength of your voice. Continued prayers for your journey.
I am so glad you got this one out, even if delayed. It is what God needed for me this week. I, too, struggle with a lack of money. I was a teacher, as well. But, I had to stop because of back surgery. Six years later I still suffer with back pain. I am trying to be patient and I pray God will take it away, which he has not chosen to do yet. Thank you, Donny, for being faithful to God in what He wants you to do!
I am praying now you your healing
Praying that you have a safe trip back to Canada!!
Praying for you Denise!
Thank you, Anne. I pray for your requests as well.
Watching the video I was reminded of Paul's letter to the Philippians and how Paul made a point of expressing gratitude for the love and financial support he received during his missionary trip and imprisonment in Rome.
In this book, Paul encourages us to be humble and united, that is what you have done with prayer walks! It may be that today one of us is in a position to contribute financially, for the other is on the front line bringing the love of Jesus...
Anyway, if you feel this in your heart, read the entire book of Philippians, especially chapter 4.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I will continue to pray for you!
thank you for the recommendation I will read it
I listened to this prayer walk this morning, and I just want to say thank you Donny. Without fail, every time I listen to them I get so encouraged and inspired. And somehow, they always speak directly to a need I have or something we're dealing with. God knows just what we need and when we need it and I am so grateful to Him. God bless you, and continued prayers for you with the car and visa situation. I guess something went through since you're able to be back in the US?
visa is still in progress. I'm only visiting the US til Sept 13
As always, thought provoking! Thank you!
I’ve honestly been praying about a plan that I thought God gave me but now the finances etc are not there to put it in place. So I’ve been asking Him if I heard wrong or need to be patient. So the 2 scriptures really do go hand in hand. Can I rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and,..... (all the things mentioned in Romans) while I’m allowing the Lord to build His “house” in His timing not mine. I’m headed to reread those scriptures! God’s blessings!