When God says, "Shout!" just "Shout!"

A mentor of mine says that he doesn't have the gift of speaking in tongues, but if God were to give it to him he'd "sing like tweety bird!" His point is well made and appropriate and very simple, what God has given us to do we should just do with all our energy and passion, no matter how silly or unproductive or unimportant it seems. God calls us simply to be obedient to His call.

Joshua was taking the people into the promised land and they arrived at the gates of Jericho. But instead of marching right into this well-protected city God asked that they march around it instead, quietly for 6 days with not so much as even a whisper. Then on the seventh day they were to march around 7 times and on the 7th time they were to shout as the priests blew the trumpets.

Shouting is an interesting way to do battle! I wonder how many stood on the sidelines and said, "I'm not shouting, that's stupid. What good will that do?" I'm sure they were there. These people are always there, discouraging those trying to be faithful to God's call. These are the faithless ones, the doubters and sometimes the ones with the loudest voices!

But God doesn't want us to always ask, "why?" Instead God just wants us to obey even the seemingly silliest request. Because it is in this simple response God wants to show His purpose, His power, His way. And it won't always make sense to us until it's over.

What happened when Israel shouted at Jericho? The walls fell down and gave them the city. It was their obedience through blown trumpets and raised voices that gave them victory because when God said shout, they shouted.

There are many today who are afraid to do the simplest and silliest of tasks. Whether it's serving humbly in the church or clapping or raising hands in worship, they would rather stand on the sidelines and watch. And that's too bad. They are missing out on one of the greatest experiences of life, simply obeying God.

So when God says, "shout" just "shout!"

...and see what happens!

Peace ><>
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