Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
This is a follow-up to my last post: Just Show Up? Really.
This morning I watched a short sermon clip on Youtube of Pastor Bill Johnson, of Bethel Church in Redding California, teaching something very interesting and enlightening. It was to me especially because it brought some clarity to the transition I'm cycling through in this season. He was comparing the extremes between receiving as a child through rest and receiving through the violence of taking by force using our faith. He said when receiving as a child it relates to learning about our identity while taking by force relates to using our authority.
The transition for me in this season is learning to be prepared to do either at a moments notice. This is the nature of spiritual warfare. As I wrote in my last post, I was worn out and had used up all my resourses. Truthfully, I was having a difficult time distinquishing the difference between resting properly and quitting all together. I hadn't been wise in understanding the absolute need to rest as necessary in order to proceed with strength besides not understanding how much more I was relying on myself than I realized. It was that last unconquered area of self reliance that had to be dealt with.
Years ago after having read Psalm 110:3 I committed myself to be a volunteer in the day of his battle and that desire has never left me. I was concerned I'd be as a deserter and unfaithful to my calling even as the men of Ephraim were if I didn't constantly stay at it. We're told God was not pleased with them because though they were armed they turned back in the day of battle. Though my heart sincerely desired to stay active and engaged, my human ability could never attain to the high standard I had placed on myselft. And that was the key, "the standard I had placed on myself."
Once I literally cried out to the LORD in admission that I could NOT go any further, and all the turmoil had ceased, and I could hear His gentle voice within, I was enabled to do what He said to do, "Go in the strength you have." This is what assured me that I could go on in His strength alone.
We all can come battle weary in stressful seasons especially in extended, unsettled times such as we're living in these days. Problem is, exhaustion can make us a little bit..well..."crazy"! We sometimes just can't think clearly, and that's when we need help greater than ourselves. And thank God, we can call on Jesus and He WILL answer. And I feel impressed to add: If you've never asked Him to come into your life, you can ask Him right where you are. It's this simple, ask Him to come and live in you and take your life and do something with it. I promise He will do it. At the end of this entry I'm going to give several phone numbers to ministries I trust where people are available to pray for you and help you know what to do next.
So, here's the link to Pastor Johnson's video clip, To Rest or to Fight I mentioned earlier. I trust this short 6 minute, powerpacked message will be a blessing to you as it was for me in whatever circumstances you're having to deal with. It might help to clarify whether or not you should "come out swinging" or simply rest and trust!...as he mentions in his message.
For Prayer, Call:
Andrew Wommack Ministries
Prayer
719-635-1111
At the prompts press 1
Available 24 hours a day.
KCM/ Eagle Mountain International Church
Prayer (not a toll free number).
817-852-6000
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.