When God Speaks

22nd January 2020 - In the countries to the north of us, Christians are being persecuted, killed and tortured, because they will not deny their faith. To the south and the west of us, those countries are embracing the liberal legislations that God refers to as "abominations". To the west of us is civil unrest. I was praying that God would protect our little nation, that he would hide us - and, I was feeling a little afraid as I was considering these things, and a little desperate. In the rest of the world, mockery of Christ is becoming commonplace, and evil and wickedness is becoming acceptable and is escalating. As I was praying, I just felt I was not connecting with God. I eventually asked him, "How do you want me to pray?". I suddenly felt the connection, and it became one of those wonderful times when the Holy Spirit just took over. I heard him saying, "yes, you grieve over the wickedness, and yes, that is Godly, to grieve over sin – but what is coming will come 'upon the face of the whole earth'. You will not overcome it by asking to be hidden from it, or protected from it. The way you will overcome these things is to operate in your spiritual gifts at this time, because it doesn’t matter what legislation is passed, the law is redundant if people are saved, people need to be changed by preaching the gospel and watching the manifestation of the holy spirit. So in spite of whatever darkness you are in, or because of it, you will shine brighter. Pray for repentance and salvation – ask the Lord to help you to operate in your spiritual gifts." The verses that came immediately to mind were: Christ in us our hope of glory. Not by might nor by power but by my spirit. Do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.”

This was a powerful word for me, and it replaced my anxiety and sadness with the joy of the Holy Spirit and hope. When God speaks, it never leaves us feeling empty and helpless, he always fills our cup and gives us direction.