Way Maker
By Steve Hearts
I was truly encouraged and inspired after listening to the song “Waymaker” by Michael W. Smith. Though I had heard it before, this was the first time I’d reflected on the power and truth contained in its message.
Waymaker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are.
I find these words very faith building, especially during this time in my life when I’m in need of some “way making” in order to see the fulfillment of certain things the Lord has promised me.
I have recently battled with feeling trapped or boxed in—as though surrounded on all sides by high walls that prevent me from moving forward—especially with the increased restrictions brought on by Covid-19. But this wonderful song gave me a much-needed boost, clearly reminding me of all that God does and is. It also made me reflect on the many biblical accounts that prove He is a way maker, such as that of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.
It’s natural to sometimes feel overwhelmed when the physical reality of circumstances and conditions sinks in. I imagine Joshua and his followers must have felt somewhat like this as they approached the city of Jericho and saw how well fortified it was. They may have momentarily felt intimidated by its strong, towering walls, on top of which some had apparently built their houses.1 This is definitely how I would have felt if I were there with them.
But Joshua’s faith was greatly strengthened when one of God’s heavenly commanders appeared to him with a sword in his hand, just before the Israelites got to Jericho.2
Furthermore, Rahab told the spies who had gone ahead to scout out the city how fearful the inhabitants of Jericho were, having heard of all the miracles of conquest and deliverance the Lord had worked for His people up till then.3
So Joshua and his crew rested assured that God was at work, and faithfully obeyed His instructions to march around the city for seven days, and to do so seven times on the seventh day, then give a shout! Once this was done, God brought down the city walls, making it possible for Israel to go in and possess the place.
The lesson I take from this is that instead of going around and around in my mind, thinking of how bleak or impossible things may seem, I can make prayer circles around my situation, regularly committing it to the Lord. I can also give shouts of praise to Him in my heart. In so doing, I release God’s power to bring down the walls that are keeping me from entering into all that He has for me.
I also know I have to be patient and persevere in faith, especially when I can’t seem to see the Lord’s hand at work. That’s why I love this stanza from the song mentioned above:
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I can’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working.
If you feel boxed in or surrounded by high walls that seem impenetrable, just remember that we all belong to the way maker Himself. All we have to do is patiently seek Him and follow what He tells us. As we make prayer circles around our situations, and give shouts of praise and glory to Him, we can trust that in His perfect time, He will bring down the walls, whatever they may be, and make a way for us to take possession of what He has in store. He is still in the business of parting waters and bringing down walls—making a way where there is no way.
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