Pushing Back the Darkness
God has planted his seed and the rainy season has begun. The seed is God’s Holy Spirit, and the rain is the blood of Christ that washes away all sin. This washing will lead to a new purity in the body of Christ.
We have seen giants in the land for years, and they made us tremble in fear. Now God is racing up giants of his own. He is calling men and women to be oaks of righteousness for the harvest of His splendor and glory.
God most high is the only one worthy to call forth an army to push back the darkness. He is purifying His people of every place where the enemy has formed footholds in their lives. He is raising up mighty warriors for His Kingdom: Gideons, Deborahs, priests, prophets, pastors, shepherds, teachers, caregivers, prayer warriors, and every single organ and appendage that the body of Christ needs.
A dark cloud has hung over our cities and tribes for far too long. Naysayers will be silenced after years of amplification. God will laugh in the face of all opposition. Those who oppose Him will be like those who try to stop the tides from coming in. If they stand in the edge of the water long enough they will be knee-deep in the water of God’s Spirit.
The only two options for those who aren’t aligned with the Lord are radical change or resignation. God has every intention of taking the misaligned and transforming their lives into something fresh and new. The only adequate response to this opportunity is radical repentance. The misaligned will face a decision that is unavoidable. While these are facing the valley of decision, the faithful must keep being faithful. They must keep teaching God’s truth.
The Lord is a lighthouse. His light searches back-and-forth across the nation. He is illuminating the darkness. He is a searchlight in the souls of men and women and children. He is desperate to heal their darkness. He is giving His true church a heart for the lost. The heart of revival is the spirit of renewal. It is correct to say it happens one man and one woman at a time, but there will be a tidal wave as the people call His name begin to cry out in repentance and joy.
God’s wisdom is foolishness to those who don’t believe. The church has pretenders in her midst, but their wisdom will look like foolishness to those with eyes to see. The critical mass is present. Trust in God is being established.
My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, and he has marching into the land. He is raising up mighty warriors to meet him at the assembly point. Together God’s people will proclaim His praise in a way that baffles the world.
Judgment is coming on apathetic denominations that have chosen a different mission than the mission God has given in His word. There will be a winnowing and a sifting and a shifting of atmospheres. Not everyone will be able to make the journey, but this is the prime indication of a religious spirit. The choice will be theirs, and we must let them go their way. Do not fight those who love institutions more than resurrection. Do not hinder those who long for respectability more than resurrection. Do not try to convince those who elevate pride over passion for the lost.
God’s warriors will gather together in small bands. They will sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. In small communities, gathered around fireplaces and kitchens, they will be honed into powerful weapons for good and for the Gospel. Those who are hungry for something real will leave fields where they are not being fed and come to green pastures.
Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord. His people will require comfort, because of the shaking and the sifting and the winnowing. The battle is mine says the Lord. We are called to fight from victory, not for victory.
God is raising up people like Ruth who will say, “my people are your people, wherever you go I will go.” The dedication to the Lord will be complete. These are the true warriors. Some will be fearful about making a commitment because they have been hurt before. God will reassure them that His hand is mighty to save. He will reassure them that His Spirit is a true guide and the most faithful leader.
Humility is the sign of true leadership. The humble will gain confidence. The arrogant will be exposed. The hired hand who is not a true shepherd will be exposed.
The match has been struck. The kindling is dry. The firewood is being carried into place. The Lord is a consuming fire and will burn away all the dross of our lives the purity of His people will be beautiful and will glorify God’s holy name. Even now, the training wheels are coming off.
Your eyes will see the glory of the coming of the Lord. He is open to the bountiful harvest and receiving the fruit of obedience. Even the fruit that is crushed will be made into a new wine that is deeply satisfying and nourishing. Comfort, oh comfort my people, says the Lord. His name will be lifted on high as a sign for all generations.