This morning I took some warm bread and coffee for a walk down a tiny forest path leading to a lake.  As I walked, I prayed I wouldn’t get destroyed by bugs and cobwebs.  As I walked, there were no mosquitos, but I did get a number of webs on me.  It was well worth it though as I arrived to the beautiful seen below, being reminded of where the journey through this valley of darkness ultimately leads me.
While I was frustrated by the cobwebs, it made me think about those who have walked down the dark paths before me, removing many hindrances.  So many amazing people have led the way in this world for me to now receive the graces I have from God – I cannot help but be in awe.

There is of course Jesus who gave me victory over all my sin and Who set my feet on a path called “Grace by Faith” which will lead me home.  Through the path He cut, people labored to clear many obstacles, such as Martin Luther who cut away the belief that we must “earn” grace from God.  I no longer have to fight that battle, as we know Jesus clearly taught that grace is a gift from God’s love for us.  Many others cut the way for me to see that faith prevails in hardship, such as George Washington Carver, Smith Wigglesworth, and the many unknown people who stood in faith against persecution – such as the blacks at Emmanuel Church in South Carolina who stood immovable for the right to worship God through a long history that continues even today.  I have personally been blessed by the faith and stepping out of many people in my own life as well, who God used to change my life forever.

There are far too many to name them all, but these are the ones I was remembering this morning. Be blessed by the stories of each:

Firstly, My family, who I added details at the end, who cared for me and became a tangible way for God to teach me about who I am and who He is making me to be.

Charissa Nuttleman in NE and the people of Cru who did nothing more than display their personal love for God publicly and without shame, showing me that perhaps my hatred of God should be reconsidered.

The faithless friends I lived a wretched lifestyle with who revealed to me that no hope or lasting joy will ever be found in the things of this world.

Savannah my beautiful bride who taught me that we can rest in God, and showed me endurance and love that never fails, and showed me that even in our weakest times God grants grace to rise up with power over the things that oppress us. And for Bruce, Valorie, Drew, and Laura for investing in Savannah and helping to build her faith into the strong tower she has become.

Gale Gibson in WY, a woman unknown to me until less than 2 years ago. She turned out to be my biological mother, whom God called into the faith very possibly the same day of the same year as He called me – 11 years prior – reuniting us through grand design for an amazing purpose. She introduced me to the Spirit of God inside me and His desire to show His love in tangible and limitless ways in and through me.

David Joseph in AZ, a former atheist turned into ‘Praying Medic’ through his willingness to step out in the faith God spoke into him, resulting in an incredible journey of thousands of people being healed of severe sicknesses, and now for his going where God leads him in discipling the church.

Abner Sriramula in India, a 20 year old in India who showed me that God’s miraculous power does not require any earthly resources to accomplish its goals.  He has seen the sick healed, orphans find a loving Father, and the oppressed find compassion and grace.

Sandra Gannon who taught me that when we trust in what God has shown to us, and step out in faith based on it, we will see mountains move and new life brought to thousands of people through true miracle after miracle.

Todd White in PA for showing me that when we go to God and let Him pour HIS love into us, that we can pour that love out on others and see the lame walk, the blind see, and all pain go away in the name of Jesus.

Tracey Benscoter for showing me that the Lord Himself will pay our bills, take away our pain, and carry us through every difficult circumstance.

Jamil Abraham Barnabas in Uganda who showed me God’s love breaks through to every corner of the earth and He shall make Himself known to every man, woman and child.

Both Dave and MIchelle Stratton, Dave who each showed me what it means to trust completely in God such that nothing rocks his boat or prevents God’s peace from being made manifest through him as he pastors God’s flock with humility and love, and Michelle for showing me that no mater how crazy things get in life, God can still pour his love through us in impactful ways.

Tracey Stavnitski who showed me that God can heal anything, and that His love exceeds anything we could ever hope for or imagine.

Elya and Ian Macomber for showing me that God can break any curse and bring healing to any situation, no matter how bad it gets.

Al Mack in WA for revealing that God still speaks powerfully and for a purpose for His church to become free from all oppression.

Cameron Bartlett in TN for teaching me that when you show others the love that God showed you, that you will bring incredible joy and freedom to their lives.  The love we have isn’t just for storing up for ourselves.

Monica Sweeny for teaching me that we can stop and smell the flower and not feel bad about what I once called “lost productivity”.

David Beals for showing me that God’s journey for each of us never ends – He always continues to stretch and free and show love to those who call Him dad.

Sally Clark for being faithful to release what God speaks to her over those He shows her

David Cantor in CA for his constant desire to show the world the love he sees in Jesus, and his continued pursuit of closer and closer intimacy with the Father even when things get tough.

Kristin Wichrowski for showing me that we can press through the walls of what we assume about God and discover greater things on the other side

Ed Wichrowski for teaching me the importance of being thoughtful and considerate of what we know about God before speaking

Frank Mukiliza in Uganda for teaching me that God may bring leanness to our souls, but He will always work everything for our ultimate good and will lift His children up into glory in the end.

Dan Rondeau in NH for teaching me that we can be a channel for God to speak to others, without our own mind having to be involved in that work – but rather just our faith allowing God to speak.

Josh Clancy for teaching me that God gives us music and worship as a tool to unite, bring joy, and release love over the world.

Drew and Deanna Hauk, Nancy Leskiw, Victoria Buckley, Luis Sanchez, Cheryl Fritz for showing me that showing love is the most effective way to help people.

Heidi Baker, for showing me that when we lay down everything before God, including our selves, that God can change the entire world through us, display power to raise the dead, heal the sick, save hundreds of thousands of children, and even greater things

Ngoni Nyapokoto in Tzaneen and Patrick Simwa in Kenya who showed me that God’s word is powerful and His message is consistent and clear: Jesus Himself saved the world, and for those who accept God’s reconciliation, abundant life is available to you now!

Antonella Portal-Venturi who taught me that God waits for those who are lagging behind.

May Lou Sargeant for teaching me that wisdom comes from first knowing that we know nothing, and we should see the amazing blessing when any true revelation is given to us.

Danny Lee for teaching me that God pursues us and will not stop – because He loves us Soo much and has much better plans for us than our own plans!

My old Quincy friends (you know who you are) for desiring to learn about God and being an encouragement and family to each other and us when we had no one else.

My family-in Christ locally who have been here for me in tangible ways so many times I can’t count.  There are too many to name, but thank you all for helping with moves, house repairs, rides to the airport, meals during hard times, rejoicing during good times, constant prayers and encouragement, and so much more!!!

Saeed Abedini in Iran and his wife Naghmeh who show what faith and endurance looks like when God calls you into chains to bring His Light to those locked in darkness

Mickey Miela who taught me that when we obey that which God leads us to, that God Himself prepares the way and brings astonishing victory.

Paddy Walakira and Hope Kalibbala, and the many Kisoboka staff and helpers in Uganda, who showed me what it looks like when the Rock of Jesus Christ makes us into an immovable tower that will hold firm through the storms and attacks in the land.

Dave and Darla Daniels in Kansas for showing me that we can trust in God and His love and leading us

Christine Errington who taught me that God deeply cares about our bondage and is willing to go to great lengths to free us personally.

Drew Errington for teaching me that in the hardest times, we can falls on Jesus and He will comfort us

And all those who showed me that everything Jesus did, we will do even greater things in His name – healing the sick, raising the dead, breaking all oppression: Sergio Acosta, Peter Ahlman, Pete Cabrera Jr, Jason Chin, Pauly B, John Meller, Christopher Huszar, Nathaniel Oliveri, ‎Art Montgomery, Richard Steel, Eniko Soon, Eric Markum, Tom Loud, Luis Sanchez, John Fisher, Cheryl Firtz, Rowan Eagles, John Latini Jr, Daniel Chand, Daniel Bryant Cook III, Cameron Garner, Casey Johnson, and Roger Webb.

Finally, my family details, who put up with me and cared for me even though it wasn’t easy. My sister Sami to whom belongs the first memory I have of someone with the faith-of-a-child that we are all called to live by, as she trusted God’s love for her and His creation. My dad, Wally, who taught me many skills I now use every day to bless those around me.  My mom, Kathy, for showing me sacrificial love despite a life of difficulty and struggle. My brother Luke for not killing me despite my atrocious behavior toward him.  My step-dad Steve for showing me dedication, hard work and an attitude to press-on through even the most difficult times.  My step-mom Celeste for showing me that reconciliation is more than a theological concept, but one we are called to experience in this life. My grandma Pat for being an encouragement in God’s loving work in my life.  And of course the rest of my family who each showed love and care for me throughout my life, such as Kevin showing me grace and love on many occasions, Kerry reminding me that there is time to make work fun and discover fun results! Debbie for showing me the importance of putting in effort to bring a family together. And the rest of the family for showing me what a knit-together family looks like – packed with all kinds of memories and lessons that I carry daily with me today.

So many obstacles have been removed, and so much of God’s kingdom in heaven has been loosed on earth because of all your faithfulness.  Don’t ever stop, my brothers and sisters, my children, and my mothers and fathers, because you are paving the way for the next generation to see “religion” wiped away, all oppression cease, and the Kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven.

The path may be dark and filled with nuisances, but the Light will break forth into glory.

Have a blessed morning friends