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Spiritual Storm Alerts
I believe there is a real urgency in the atmosphere sweeping across our country today. It involves more than spiritual or emotional excitement. I believe it has a great deal to do with the intensity of the spiritual warfare as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. The body of Christ at large is under attack as the Lord prepares to equip us with a strategy for victory. That means we have to be alert for the atmospheric weather changes and identify our seasons of ministry that propel us forward and onward.
I don't believe this kind of call or focus is new. But I do believe the emphasis is fresh and prophetic. Since the bible warns us that our struggles are not to be viewed on a human level, we must grasp a spiritual mentality to overcome the spiritual decay in the world today. So then our struggles are not merely problems of the enemy but strengthening of the Spirit. They prepare us for the reality of spiritual storms.
There are two kinds of spiritual storms in the life of the believer. I am sorry to report that no matter how spiritual you think your life is you will experience sunshine and rain. Good and bad seasons in your life. Let's list them. They are: (1) Storms of Correction and; (2) Storms of Perfection. Storms of correction will occur when we are disobedient to the plans of God and walk self-willed instead of God-willed. Simply put, when we take detours and not stay on course to the plans of God. Storms of perfection dominate our lives when the Lord wants to mold us for His purpose. It is not because we have been disobedient as much as we have been obedient. It is because we become a vessel for His anointing. Did you know, that between where you are and where The Lord wants to take you, is a storm that hinders or propels you in determining your destiny?
I have 6 storm alerts for you. Here is what storms will do for you.
- Storms will help you to believe the unbelievable. Even when things look hopeless, Matthews 19:26 says "with God ALL things are possible". In a storm, natural vision is hindered by the physical scope of our eyes. But it sensitizes our ears to hear from God rather than to see what He is doing.
- Storms will test your faith. It will put it to the test. Some say, "well, I have faith...I believe God. A storm will tell you. It will test your faith; your resolve; your ability to await the outcome instead of attempting artificial solutions.
- Storms will give you Renewed Strength.The Lord will revamp your strength in the storm. You don't get refreshed on the mountain you go to the mountain to get rest. You get your strength replenished in the storm. In the valley of confusion, disappointment, and fear, the Lord will strengthen you.
- Storms will help you to believe the unbelievable. Even when things look hopeless, Matthews 19:26 says "with God ALL things are possible". In a storm, natural vision is hindered by the physical scope of our eyes. But it sensitizes our ears to hear from God rather than to see what He is doing.
- Storms will test your faith. It will put it to the test. Some say, "well, I have faith...I believe God. A storm will tell you. It will test your faith; your resolve; your ability to await the outcome instead of attempting artificial solutions.
- Storms will give you Renewed Strength The Lord will revamp your strength in the storm. You don't get refreshed on the mountain you go to the mountain to get rest. You get your strength replenished in the storm. In the valley of confusion, disappointment, and fear, the Lord will strengthen you.
Sometimes things look hopeless and from where you are positioned right now, solid ground escapes you. People have been trying to tell you that you are in an impossible situation. You feel that it is safe where you are, and if you make a move, you will meet with disaster.
You are going to face storms as long as you stay closed up where you are and don't let anybody in. Don't wait until you are going down for the last time. When you begin to feel that God is not there like before, begin to be say, "Lord renew my strength". Don't wait until it's all gone. David knew he had sinned against God and he was afraid that God was going to completely remove his Spirit from him. He said, "Lord, don't take you Holy Spirit from me" (Ps 51:11).
How many of you are willing to step out of our boats of safety and brave the storm with no props? Are you willing to face the storm with no security blanket? How many of you are willing to go out without knowing what you are going to see but believing that God is going to take you through? The Lord not only supplies but He perfects. The Lord never brings us out of a problem until He involves us in it. Begin to prepare your heart, get your mind together, and start praising the Lord before you go through. You have to be ready before you get there not get ready when trouble surrounds you.
The Lord is simply saying "I will do if you will do. "If you will trust me, I will deliver you." The storm is great but we've got to be willing to face the tempest head on. In order to accept the impossible in your life you have to prepare your mind. Preparing your mind involves you believing the word of God. Nothing is impossible with God! When you prepare your mind you are building your faith and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). You have to learn to build up your faith by accepting the word of God that is being written for you right now.
It means also to study and to believe what you study. Everybody that studies does not believe what they read. So you have to prepare your mind. The mind is where the Lord wants to take over. Philippians 2:5 states let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus. The Greek word for mind in this text is "nous" and it means attitude. It means to prepare your attitude to receive God. It does not mean to try to shout harder or to try to cry longer or to clap your hands longer but prepare your mind. Get your attitude together it does not mean your behavior it means your attitude. Then you have to accept who you are. Who are we? Well Jesus was the embodiment of God in human flesh. So once you accept who you are, you are walking in the footsteps of Jesus and you are an heir to the power of God and a joint heir to the promises of God in Jesus. If Jesus can do it you can do it. For He says, "greater works you're going to do." This is possible because you are more than a conquer through Christ.
Next, don't be overwhelmed. That simply means to stay out of yourself. Don't be overwhelmed with where you are today. Don't look at what you have right now. Don't even focus on it. Believe that Jesus is willing and able to bless you. You believe that? Don't be overwhelmed because God didn't do this for you today. Don't be overwhelmed with where are today. It won't help you get where God wants to take you tomorrow.
Finally, don't ever be content. But you say, Paul stated, "I found whatever state I am to be content." Yes, to be content with the security of trusting God has it all in control. However, never be content with what or where you are already progressing with the Lord. It may hinder your growth. We should and can continue to grow and advance from babes to mature saints if we remember to never imagine that we have already arrived. |
