The Year the Walls Came (started coming) Down

December 15, 2011 By Ryan Rush

If you’re like me, life tends to go at such a pace that there is rarely time to pause and reflect on what took place yesterday (or even today, for that matter), because there’s always something pressing on the horizon. Yet, with 2011 drawing to a close, I think we need to pause and recognize the incredible, catalytic thing that happened in Central Texas this fall.  If you live somewhere else in the world, don’t tune this out; let it encourage you with the power of what can happen when God’s people begin to tear down walls in a community!

Beginning on September 11, over 35 congregations from across the region – representing over 50,000 people -kicked off the Walls Project: a six-week journey intent on unleaching God’s promises as we tore down the spiritual barriers that were separating the Church from one another, the Church from the community where we live, and most importantly, separating the people of God from the abundant lives they were created to enjoy.  Since we began to wrap up the Walls series, it became more and more apparent that the people weren’t done with the idea of tearing down walls.

“God stories” continue to pour in.  Of senior adult leaders who finally faced walls of bitterness and isolation that had been holding them back for decades.  Of pastors taking on walls of bitterness toward other fellow pastors.  Of husbands and wives tearing down the walls that were dividing and destroying their homes.  Of families – literally – taking sledge hammers to the physical walls that had been built to represent the invisible ones that were just as real.  Of ordinary people discovering the Breakthrough of Grace offered by Jesus, and removing the wall of guilt and shame through salvation.

And on the stories go, as they continue to gather and expand and lead to new breakthroughs.  I’m praying that the Walls didn’t stop coming down in November – or even linger into December.  I’m praying that’ve just scratched the surface of what God is going to do as He removes the barriers that hold us back.  Thank you God for 2011!  And thank you God for the promise of 2012!  Let the walls come down.

[4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, [6] being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

(2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV)

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The spiritual barriers people face are countless, but they can be categorized into Eight Primary Walls. These walls correlate with the 8 primary breakthroughs that everyone needs.
1 of 48
When I am facing a difficult situation, I feel like I can solve problems on my own.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
2 of 48
I try to avoid temptations that would bring me harm.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
3 of 48
I am confident God has forgiven me for my past.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
4 of 48
I believe God wants what is best for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
5 of 48
I am intentionally seeking to grow in my relationships with others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
6 of 48
It humbles me to think I can know God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
7 of 48
When bad things happen, I feel like I am getting what I deserve.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
8 of 48
When bad things happen, I wonder if God can make things better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
9 of 48
I feel compelled to make the world around me better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
10 of 48
I believe truth is the same for everyone.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
11 of 48
I find myself drawn to things I know are bad for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
12 of 48
I believe God is willing and able to answer my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
13 of 48
I worry that God is angry with me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
14 of 48
It troubles me that God has not answered my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
15 of 48
The possibility of gaining a good friend is worth the risk.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
16 of 48
I know a lot of people, but don't feel very close to many people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
17 of 48
I tend to expect the worst to happen.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
18 of 48
I am grateful for the things I have been given.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
19 of 48
I believe God loves me in spite of who I am.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
20 of 48
When looking back on my life, I tend to focus on all of the things I did wrong.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
21 of 48
I feel I can turn to God for direction.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
22 of 48
People who have hurt me in the past cause me to avoid some relationships today.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
23 of 48
I feel strong relationships are hard, but worth it.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
24 of 48
I am willing to serve others for nothing in return.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
25 of 48
I believe the Bible has answers for today's circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
26 of 48
I have to guard against judging people when I learn they are dealing with tough circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
27 of 48
I have a hard time trusting people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
28 of 48
I question why God allowed certain things to happen in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
29 of 48
I have too many of my own problems to deal with the problems of others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
30 of 48
I worry about the problems that the future holds.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
31 of 48
I have been wronged in the past in a way I cannot get over.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
32 of 48
I look forward to good things in my future.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
33 of 48
I observe things that make me wonder if I should believe the Bible.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
34 of 48
I believe God is loving and kind.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
35 of 48
I feel there is a disconnect between who I really am and how I act in front of other people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
36 of 48
I am so busy that I find myself ignoring the most important things in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
37 of 48
I have witnessed things that make me wonder if God is in control.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
38 of 48
I spend too much of my energy pursuing material things.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
39 of 48
I don't believe anyone can ever know what is absolutely true.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
40 of 48
I am amazed at God's power.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
41 of 48
I feel with God's help, I can face any situation.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
42 of 48
I think that God will meet all my needs.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
43 of 48
I think God cares about the details of my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
44 of 48
I believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
45 of 48
I am willing to sacrifice immediate gratification for something better down the road.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
46 of 48
People would describe me as a giving person.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
47 of 48
I find myself more focused on the things I don't have but wish I did.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
48 of 48
My faith practices are more about routine than relationship.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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