Last night we had terrible storms roll through north Texas. There were lots hail cores and very strong winds. We have just relocated and the four streets of our block are prophetic as it relates to the call on my life and family’s purpose. It was no surprise when the storms rolled in and the Lord reminded me that he has sheltered us here. This morning in my quiet time, I heard him say, “My people are being threatened,” and he reminded me of the book of Esther where a plot was hatched to wipe out the Jews in Persia. I wrote down what I heard below:
“My people are being threatened for the enemy of their souls is waging war against them. Pray that they would not faint. Pray that they would not lose heart. That they won’t quit or give in. Whether it be temptation or loss of life (meaning suicide) or going back to the old ways before they knew me. Pray that they would hold onto hope and draw near to Me as the days grow dark.
My light will burst forth like the noon day. My light pierces the darkness, the stale, dry places in hearts and souls. My light breathes life into things that were once dead. Hang on to hope. Surround yourselves with those who pursue Me.
With one I can put 1000 to flight. With two, I can put 10,000 to flight. Brothers are born for adversity and 2 provide a greater return than 1. Come out of isolation and back to Me. Back to My true believers. I am calling my remnant to gather together. In Hope. In Me. Hold onto My anchor. I am hiding my remnant from the storms. Strength rests in numbers of those whose hearts are fixed on Me.
There are gallows that have been built for the people of God, and the devil has been tempting many with thoughts of turning back to their way of living before Jesus, thoughts of turning away from faith in Jesus, and even thoughts of ending their life. Many are facing financial trouble and have isolated themselves from others for various reasons. Unless God is commanding a season of isolation before elevation, know that isolation brings desolation.
We as believers are not meant to do life alone. Of course, this means getting out of our own way and acting our way into a feeling. I understand how hard it can be to admit that you need community. I understand church hurt because I was on the receiving end of it for many years growing up. I understand not wanting to open up to people for fear of rejection, hurt, or judgement. I’ve been to churches where people don’t walk the walk. But God is calling me to pray for you, that you would not faint. That you would not quit or give up!
He says his light will burst forth, implying fast, and it will be as bright as the sun shines in the middle of the day. I am also reminded of the verse in Malachi 4:2 that says, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” I know if this word is resonating with you, the Lord desires to heal the deep things inside of you that are hurting you. Some of you have lived the hurt for so long that it has become your identity and you just think that’s how your life is supposed to be. But God is telling you to hold onto Hope (Jesus) and to come out of isolation and into community with genuine believers who are pursuing relationship with the Lord. It is through those people who desire a genuine relationship with God that you will also find genuine life relationships.
God goes one to reference his word to illustrate why your joining community is vital in these days.
Deuteronomy 32:30 One will put 1000 to flight; two will put 10,000 to flight, when God is on our side. The army of believers united can do more together than they could alone. In other words, we go farther together than we do separately.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
The Lord is saying to you today that it’s time to return to Him. That also means returning to The Church. I’d like to warn you to be very discerning regarding the church you are being drawn to. The Lord says, to surround yourself with true believers. The bible says you will know them by their fruit. I encourage you to pray and ask the holy spirit to show you where to establish community. If you’ve truly been isolated, your next step is to break out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Make a commitment to meet one new person every time you visit. Explore small groups. Sign up to serve in an area where you can use your gifts.
God is saying that he’s calling those who remain to gather together NOW. Last I checked, the world is not getting any brighter. In Romans 11:5, God says there is a remnant chosen by grace. He is calling you to it. Just as the true disciples of Jesus were known as followers of The Way, we are called to something that’s different than the present-day typical American church. We are called to Truth. We are called to doctrine. We are called to rebuild like Nehemiah. We are called to take possession like Joshua and Caleb. We are called to do it afraid like Esther. We are called. YOU are called.
In Hebrews 6:16-20 says, “People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf…”
God never does anything by coincidence. It’s no coincidence that the storms were so bad last night but God spoke to me that we were safe in this new space. It’s no coincidence that you’re reading this now. The Lord is calling you to Hope in the midst of the storms. Commit to finding his followers and joining them in following Him. He’ll show you where they are. All you have to do is ask.
I want to leave you with this. I mentioned Esther before. In the book of Esther, Haman constructed a gallows for Mordecai and attempted to execute a plan that would destroy the Jews. He failed. God intervened. The gallows that the enemy has built for you will be his to hang on. Not yours. Hope might be deferred. The situation might be very bleak. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.
I’m praying and believing for you with all my heart.
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