Israel Houghton

I was embarrassed…

I went to take a picture up close and someone leaped over others to tell me that I couldn’t (grr).

I should have known, considering all the camera crews filming Israel Houghton’s huge concert.  But then… a lady puts her hand on my shoulder and gently whispers in my ear over the loud music, “hey… would you like to take a picture with him?  I’m his wife.”  Me? 

Once the concert was over, she whisks me away back stage through multiple tiers of security to the green room (code for “VIP/band lounge”).  I later spend the next 15 minutes, hosted by Israel’s wife, exclusively meeting the entire band — just me.  Not just casual either — she was really interested in introducing me, as if i were some VIP.  She later grouped the entire band together for me and had the manager take as many pictures as I wanted.  Talk about grace.  🙂

Israel Houghton writes incredible worship songs, including “Lord you are Good”, “Again I Say Rejoice”, “Friend of God” and dozens of other songs that I really enjoy on my iPod.  But what really inspired me through this uncommon encounter wasn’t Israel, his band or even his wife… it was the sheer beauty that a man such as Israel, had a woman backing him such as his wife, which in turn helped me to again see a beautiful picture of God’s anointed glory: an authentic and time-tested Proverbs 31 woman utilizing her own anointing, while empowering a man of God.

It sounds silly, perhaps something I should have identified early on, but that night the Lord showed me the further evidence that I needed to see — that I can not do what I feel He’s called me to do alone nor with just any woman, nor can my future bride do what she’s called to do with just any man.

Abraham with Sarah, Billy Graham with Ruth, Ron Luce with Katie, John Bevere with Lisa, …the list goes on.
So the message here isn’t primarily focused on finding that future spouse (as important as that is)… the message, as obvious and simplistic as it sounds, is discovering the calling lay hidden deep within us, embracing it and then pursuing it while watching what God does or blesses us with along the way.  That, my friends, is worth waiting for; that’s the real adventure. 

34 thoughts on “Israel Houghton

  1. Anonymous says:

    Erik , I  have a wife that is so perfect for me…the one thing besides Christ , that we have in common is we both have servants hearts.. her’s is purer than mine, but I’m working on it… rex

    remember to pray ALL ways…

  2. Wow! That’s an awesome adventure. I’m blessed to hear that there are still men out there that realize God’s true meaning behind “it is not good for man to be alone.”

    Thanks!!

  3. Hi Erik,

    Hope you are doing well. I don’t know if you’ll remember me but I was in you sister core (Caroline’s). Great post, it’s a great reminder to stay focused on the Lord during singleness and when we are totally immersed in Him we find all we need! So good to keep in mind.

  4. thanks for the random comment..
    i was a bit taken back..
    i forget that my site is viewed by soo many…
    🙂
    i really enjoy what you write on your site.
    it was inspiring in a way im not sure i can really explain…
    thank you.
    as for the the song lyrics on my site…
    i really enjoy the song.
    it hits some deep things in me pretty hard..
    i guess i can relate.
    anyways…
    thanks again for the comment..
    *cheers*

  5. hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Thats so sweet!  To me, that sounds like one of those “mini” blessings where you just have to stop, look up at the sky, and say”really Lord?  Are you serious?  Thank you!  You rock, God!” What an experience…

  7. i definitely agree with you. Having same core values is vital for any Godly relationship. And there is only one specific person that will help to fullfill to the full potential of God’s calling on one’s life. Thanks for your post.

  8. michelle
    Hi Erik! I stumbled across your site via Kelly Hasz’s site. Love your whole site -especially the interview questions. Hope things are going well with you. I’ll never forget what a blessing you were to so many people while I was at TM. Take care!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Erik thats is so true. Thanks for reminding me of that.Lately I have been struggling with loneliness, but reading this reminds me that Im in waiting for something better, Im in waiting for my partner not just in life, but in minsitry. God Bless you~!!!!

  10. that’s really cool… all of it.

    and one question.  on my comment you said, “you know… I live for these moments.”  what did you mean exactly? 

    and thanks for your comments… : )

  11. i’m glad whatever i said was something you needed to hear, even though i don’t remember it, i hope it helps you out (i tried to go back and find it, but i can’t find my comments on your site, just that i made them.)

    i’m hoping i didn’t tear you a new one or anything. *blushes*

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