A note from Amada Ankeny

Music is something that I have always loved. I love not just the sound of music but also the lyrics that so often clearly depict emotions and thoughts. As we wrapped up team night a few weeks ago, I was struck again by the words of the song we were singing, “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship.

Walking around these walls
I thought by now they'd fall
But You have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle's won
For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You've never failed me yet

As we sang I was reminded of the story in the Bible of the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6. The Isrealites were literally walking around the walls of the city of Jericho, just waiting for the time around when they would finally fall and they would be victorious. After many many years of wandering in the desert they were now being asked to trust that walking around this wall would end with them winning a battle.

This song reminds us not to stop at the sixth time around. It reminds us to follow God, to keep taking the next best step forward, even when it seems like the journey is impossible, because He is faithful to complete whatever work He has started in us (Phillipians 6:1). It reminds us that God keeps His promises (Joshua 21:45; Psalm 145:13; and many others). It reminds us to hold onto hope, especially when it feels like we are not going to make it, because God renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31). It reminds us to listen to God and respond with obedience (Luke 11:28).

I am sure each of us have walls which we have walked around over and over again. I know I have certainly felt the weariness and doubt of the seemingly never ending journey around some of my own walls. My prayer over you today is that whatever walls you have been walking around would begin to fall. That you would be able to see the faithfulness of God’s work in and through your obedience to Him. Or maybe you feel like you haven’t been obedient in what he has asked you to do, and my prayer here would be that any feelings of shame or doubt would not overshadow the peace that God has to give us.

No matter where you are in your journey with allowing God to move the mountains and make the walls crumble, my prayer is that you would not walk that journey alone. That you would reach out to a trusted friend, or any one of our prayer team members or Hope City staff. You are not alone.

My prayer for us: God, we thank you for the promises you have given us. That you have never failed. That you are present in the waiting. That you are in every step. That you have given us the ability to find strength in you and through living in community. God we love you.

Amanda Ankeny
Volunteer | Hope City Church