Take a Walk

Christianity is about perspective. God is working everywhere, all the time. Yet, many people don't see it. You have to be willing to look for God if you want to see what He's doing. But if you are, He'll show you.

In my short time in the ministry, I can't tell you how many times I've already made some variation of that point. To others, and to myself. To non-Christians, it's shockingly easy to dismiss God's works as chance and coincidences. Even to Christians, it's exceptionally easy to get caught up in wondering where God is or why He isn't doing what we expect Him to. I struggle with this as much as anyone. So, I want to share an experience with you that opened my eyes to how God can communicate with us. This was something that God showed me when I was willing to stop and listen to Him, even if He still had to get my attention first (like I said, I'm still learning this myself).

At the end of last semester, I was stressed. Finals had just finished. God had answered my prayers, my grades were what I had hoped for, and I could finally call it quits until graduation a few days later (where I play in the band). Despite that, I couldn't relax. God had been actively working in my life, and everything had worked out right, but I still couldn't let myself breathe. In my mind, there was still so much to worry about. “One of my closest friends is graduating. I'm starting an internship in a few weeks. I still need to learn to drive! What's my friend group going to be like next semester? What about our Bible study?” and on and on. I tend to spiral like that. I decided that I needed to get out of my own headspace. So, I took a walk.

I grabbed my earbuds, turned some music on, and walked out the door. It was early evening on one of the few nice days we get in May. As I walked, I came to a spot on campus I had never seen before. It was just a nice little group of trees and underbrush behind one of our bigger buildings. But what caught my attention was the birds. Mind you, I had earbuds in listening to music, and I heard these birds as clear as day. It was beautiful! So I stopped. I stopped walking. I stopped the music. I just stopped and listened. After a moment, something occurred to me. Ina way I can't quite explain, I got the impression that God was trying to show me something. So, I started back on my walk and did what anyone who wants to talk to God should do. I started praying.

As I walked, I prayed about everything that was on my mind. I laid it all out before God. All of my worries and all of the things I wanted answers to. Everything I could think of. As I wound down my list, something else happened. I reached the top of a hill. As far out as I could see into the distance, I could only see trees. It was a nice view, but most people wouldn't think much of it (myself included). But as I stood there, I once again had a weird thought/feeling. As best as I can put it into words, it was along the lines of “As far out as you can see is God's creation. God plans our futures the same way. He has them laid out as far as the eye can see.” This wasn't a booming voice from the Heavens” or any such thing, but I've also never been so sure that a thought I've had wasn't mine. By all accounts, all I had done was look at some trees. Yet, I stood there in awe of God.

As I turned to walk back, I began praying again. But this time, it was to thank God. For everything that He had done for me that semester, and for what He was showing me now. Then, I stopped one more time with a final observation. I was now looking back at the university. I saw man's creation of buildings, roads, and sidewalks. But, among it all were grass and trees. Even where man had tried to cover it, God's creation encompassed it all. So I had the thought: Our lives are the same then, right? No matter what Satan and the rest of the world do in our lives, it's all on God's earth, within His plan, and within His power.

Now, I want to be clear. I'm not going to claim that anyone who goes on a walk will receive a message from God. Or even that I was “spoken to”, “singled out”, or that I could recreate this experience. But I think it proves a point. I went searching for God and I found Him (Matthew 7:7). I saw God's glory in His creation (Psalms 19). I was reassured that He had a plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11) and that nothing happens outside of God's control (Lamentations 3:37). I left for that walk with many questions and many worries. While I came back with no specific answers, every concern had been alleviated. I knew God was in control, and that was all I needed.

So, I'll leave you with this: If you want to hear from God, He'll be more than happy to talk to you. But you have to be willing to get out of your own way to listen and look for His response because it often won't be the answer we want or expect. But it *will* be the one you need. Most people on that walk would have heard birds and seen trees. I found God. You can, too!

(Ryan Zumpano is a member of the Shadyside Church of Christ, a student at West Liberty University, and a Leader for Cru - Christian Campus Ministry).