This year the Feast of Tabernacles in Kalisz has more worship teams than ever before from all over Europe, and this year even one representing Israel. And that’s what had us up worshiping almost all night. The leader of the Israel worship team arrived a couple of days ahead of his team, and he asked Team Italy to play backup for him. The musicians all said yes immediately. Bethany was desperately tired, and I wasn’t convinced that I would be either wanted or needed, and so thought a good night’s sleep would do me some good.
Remember, yesterday, we did the worship from 2-4 AM. Team Israel’s time was 10-12 PM, and our next session was 4-6 AM. So Bethany was probably wise to get some sleep while she could.
I don’t remember what it was that changed my mind. I think I just got excited about the idea of backing up Hebrew worship songs. I think there was also the feeling that I should be with the team if at all possible. It turned out to be a great choice. The music was amazing and very anointed, the sanctuary was packed out, and best of all, God showed up. I don’t know how, but two hours went blazing by in what seemed like 20 minutes at the most.
Then we went back to the hotel, slept for about three hours, and went back to do our early morning session. Yesterday’s early session was only Team Italy. This morning there were a few other people in the sanctuary, most of whom joined into the spirit of worship. I say most because there were two girls who sat on the sofa (situated in front of the platform where the drums are, and right by the table where the Communion bread and wine were set out for us to partake of before our worship sessions). For our entire set, these two girls talked and giggled, even though the church gave strict instructions several times that the sanctuary is not a place to talk. It was very distracting for me and for Bethany, since we were angled to face toward the couch, and couldn’t look toward the other teammates without catching sight of the girls.
I had a shaker egg in my hand, and was tempted to throw it at them. Then I remembered what the Holy Spirit told me about rude people: it is not my job to teach them manners I’m just supposed to love them. So then I prayed that they would get up and go someplace else. They didn’t. And when I complained to God, He said, “They are not the problem, you are! You need to focus on seeking Me, and you should be able to focus on Me no matter where you are or who is around.”
So it wasn’t a fun lesson or an especially fun session—the techie didn’t do a very good job of hooking us up, so we couldn’t hear each other, and the music suffered (yes, the musicians all got borrowed instruments–God provides!). But it was an important step in personal spiritual growth, and that’s what counts. God is good!
Walking By Faith in Europe 