Wherever my feet tread

 

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord will lay bare his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.

See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
so he will sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Isaiah 52:7-10, 13-15

 

I met Brooke Prentis for the first time only 12 months ago. When I looked up her Instagram page I found photo after photo of feet. Yes, feet! As I started to read, my heart warmed to the words of this young woman who is passionate about the power of where her feet softly and gently tread and the message of inclusion and hope that her life represents.

As we journey this advent season my heart has never been more aware of the ache, disappointment and turmoil of the soul that many are finding overwhelming as we continually navigate this crazy stretching year. In the face of this, the prayer in my spirit cries out these three words continually: “legacy”, “territory” and “authority”. I’m reminded once more of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This power invites us to be bringers and carriers of hope, shining like pure light in dark places and announcing joy that defies all circumstances.

Whether we feel confident or not, the great commission beckons us to “go”. As we step out in faith and “go”, we remember: our great God of love sent His Son to earth as a babe to walk amongst us and eventually lead us back to the Father. This great God is with us always. He has overcome every single opposition to His power, His love, His great grace.

“Go” is not a passive word. When we respond to Jesus’ invitation to “go”, our feet take on their highest purpose of bringing God’s timeless and eternal message of hope.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18).

My friend Canon J John from the UK tells the story of how he and Killy continually go on “missions trips” by walking next door, walking around their neighbourhood. They pray with intentionality until they see the breakthroughs they are believing for. Now their neighbourhood count on them to be love in action, their county knows they are praying and apart from many finding Christ over the years, many have also experienced the miraculous power of God in so many situations.

God’s great love is for us all. 100% inclusive. It is for all the situations that you thought were too hard. Is for all the people you love so much who are at this time lost to the gospel. It is for your sons and your daughters, your mothers and your fathers. For everyone.

This Christmas season, what is it you’re believing God for? What territory in your family, your neighbourhood, your school are you believing God for? Friend, it’s time to re-engage, time to walk, and time to pray.

“Wherever your foot treads, that have I given to you” (Joshua 1:3).

I pray your heart finds the courage to be bold once more, to walk and share your faith, to sing songs of freedom and joy. May we use our precious feet to take us into the highways and byways to declare His kingdom come. It's time to rise up and declare the finished work of Jesus over our homes, our neighbourhoods and our nations.

Darlene Zschech is acclaimed all over the world as a composer, worship leader, pastor, author and speaker. She became most well known for her involvement in the worship team at Hillsong Church, Sydney, Australia over many years. Alongside her husband Mark, they are the Lead Pastors of Hope Unlimited Church (HopeUC) in Australia, India and the USA.

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This devotional is the eighth in a series of daily email devotionals for Advent 2020. This year's series reflects on the lament of the Advent story and the hope that we share. Would you like to receive the rest of this email series?

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