on our knees
When
Sal first mentioned what God put in his heart concerning On Our Knees,
I didn't know what to expect. I mean, it was a good idea-in theory.
He envisioned a city of young people coming to the Lord in prayer;
humbled, on their knees, and crying out to God together. The only
problem I had with this was that of humbling oneself. Especially nowadays,
people don't want to humble themselves. Quite the contrary, they usually
want to humble others. Because of this reason, I couldn't see it happening.
I couldn't foresee the sanctuary being filled, and people denying
themselves, crying out to the Eternal God on their knees. So, I did
what we all would do in this situation: I prayed.
For the most part, in prayer, I felt like God was silent concerning
On Our Knees. He didn't really impress anything upon me, so I thought
nothing of it. I knew that something was going to happen, but I just
didn't know what. Whether it was going to be a good or bad thing,
I knew something had to happen during those two days. And something
surely did happen.
First, I'd like to thank God for Israel Barreto. Our Lord really used
him greatly. And he didn't have to “push” the Spirit,
like more and more preachers are trying to do. He didn't use emotionalism,
nor did he use charismatic tricks to convince people that the Spirit
of God was moving. He just came as he was, and God really did move.
Even though some might have missed it because they were waiting for
parlor tricks that more and more evangelists are using, the move of
God was incredible. And like the song said, I didn't have to see it
to believe it. After the first night, I was floored by God and I wondered
what He was going to do the next day. I also thought of all of us
being on our knees, because I hadn't seen it yet.
Then the second night came. Elevate led us in awesome praise and worship.
The spirit of God was moving during that time, and then Israel began
his sermon. It was about Stephen, when he was stoned. The crazy thing
about this was, Stephen was stoned on his knees! Israel said that
we will all finish on our knees. Everything should begin with us on
our knees, and it will end with us on our knees. I wondered, “Could
it happen, Lord?” I felt like, every point that Israel shared,
made me want to jump and shout. I agreed wholeheartedly. And then,
before I knew it, my body was walking towards the altar, along with
some others. We spent an amazing time in prayer. It was at this time
that I felt God tell me, “Look up.” When I did, what I
saw blew my mind. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this. I saw
the altar filled with people on their knees. I saw Israel, and he
was on his knees. I looked at Elevate, and they were all on their
knees. I thanked God for a people that could humble themselves before
the Resurrected Christ. I looked up, and I smiled.
Grace and peace to you,
Timothy Ethan.
