Reflecting On A Vision

Earlier this year I heard the Lord say "You will be stretched, but you will not break. Abide in Me and be prepared. You will be stretched, but you will not break. Be prepared, prepare yourselves My children. Great sorrow is coming, but you will not have sorrow for you are My children. Prepare yourselves, gird up your loins, strengthen your knees. Great sorrow is coming, but you will not be sorrowful." He showed me a river of tears, formed from the people lining the riverbank, who did not know the Lord. At the time of the vision, I was in the sanctuary of our church, the river flowed from the parking lot side of the sanctuary, over the pulpit and out through the school area attached to the church.

As I was listening to the news on Christmas Eve and pondering recent tragic events which have rocked our nation, I was reminded of this particular vision and what I heard the Lord speak to me. I realize now the significance of the school in the vision, and the fact the river flowed from in the parking lot, and how it also included the church. I believe this is a warning, and this is only the beginning of what is to come. I pray for the families who have lost their children, for all the families who have lost a loved one in senseless violence. It is my prayer they find and hold tight to Jesus, who can comfort far better than any human comforter. I believe now, more than ever before, we must cling to Him. These are tumultuous times, we must draw ever closer to Him through prayer, worship and the study of His word. We must walk as a holy people, set apart from, not be like, this world. I believe we, as the Church, must take our rightful place at the gates and watchtowers, maintaining vigilant prayer for our communities. We must rise up, fully clothed in our heavenly armor, ready to face the winds of this world. 

The war is already won, Jesus took care of it at the cross, but there are many who still need to hear the price He paid. They still need to know there are people who love them regardless; they still need to know the Church is there. It's not a question of "Where was God?" or "How could God let this happen?" But, a question of "Where is the Church?" What are we doing for our fellow man? How are we loving our neighbors? 

Oh, Church, we must draw together to pray for this world. I believe we are running out of time. We must get off the stool of "self" and put on the garment of "love and selflessness", interceding for those who don't know Christ. We must prepare to minister to those who cry; we must gird up our loins and strengthen our knees in preparation. Great sorrow is coming, and we are the hands and feet Jesus will use to comfort and console.

“A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18 NJKV).

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul" (Ezekiel 3:17-19 NKJV).

Love and blessings,
Prudence 

The Island of Misfit Toys

Growing up, I often felt as though I was a misfit. I would feel tossed aside, often forgot about, not really included in many things - yet in my heart I knew I was destined for greatness. I lived my life based on what I felt, my emotions and who I happened to associate myself with at a particular point in my life. I made mistakes, took risks and faced many disappointments. I've started over countless times, but often found myself back where I started. But, in my heart of hearts, I knew I wasn't a misfit; I just knew it!

I was right, and I'm not alone! We are all destined for greatness, however the speed it takes and the route we use to get there will differ for each of us. Isaiah 42:9 says, "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” I have had an amazing year, self-publishing two books, facing my social fears, transitioning from serving all the time to simply sitting at Jesus' feet in rest. I have heard teachings that have challenged me spiritually, and some which have left an unsavory aftertaste in my mouth. I've walked in the favor of God and been able to bless others in ways I didn't know I had. And yet, I feel the Lord propelling me on toward new things.

I have left the Island of Misfit Toys, and I will not look back except to reflect on the Lord's goodness and positioning power. This is a year of New Things, bigger opportunities, brighter futures and a more in-depth knowledge and pursuit of Holy God. A new season has begun, and I am excited to walk where He plants my feet.

Love and blessings,
Prudence