This is a cry to those men and women of God who have been chosen to do a great work for God. Though all God’s chosen have a purpose, there are those who are destined to rise to greatness. Luke 12:48 tells us that for everyone whom much is given, of him shall much be required. The called children of God, however, endure much in their lives as they are prepared for the day they will take their place on the frontlines of the battlefield of this life. Let me tell you a story that we can all relate to. I’ll use no names, only describe general battles that we all fight daily.
We can all surely remember the day God called us to be His. It was a day to be remembered, as it marked the beginning of a new way of life. Though this was a time of joy, it was also a time of bewilderment, for this was also the day we realized that walking with God brough with it life’s challenges. It seems that very day, every challenge became amplified. Attacks were coming from everywhere. Every direction we turned in, brought about conflict and pains of all kinds. Our friends and family began to widdle away, as those we loved and were close to walked away for one reason or another. The cycle of challenges never ceased to end, some time appearing to occur one upon another. The things and people we hold dear to our heart are taken from us abruptly, leaving behind a loneliness and pain, beyond what most can endure. Times of plenty become times of lack. Our joy turns into sorrow, our laugh turns to a cry. Where did it all go? Why was it all happening? Why me, we cry out into the darkness of our life?
We struggle to keep it all together, telling ourselves it doesn’t matter, while questioning the Almighty God, asking Him, why is this all happening, struggling to understand why God hasn’t showed up and showed out. We wonder in our hearts and minds, why God hasn’t taken this opportunity to show His greatness. We look at it from our carnal mind and eyes, wondering why the events have drawn themselves out to a point where the world gives the credit for the outcome to man rather than to God. We ask ourselves, why God hasn’t intervened before now, in the times when no man could claim credit. Then as our circumstances drag on and pain and disappointment take root, we begin to tell ourselves that the burden is so great, that no matter the outcome, nothing could bring about joy. Then one day, it is revealed to us. The worlds cut into our very souls as we listen. Like Job, we realize that no matter how righteously we walked, we sinned during the testing stage as we allow all the elements of our circumstances to stall us in our walk with God. Our prayer life diminishes, Our time with God lessens. Our hope and faith begin to falter, as we tire of persevering. We cry out in our heart for God to act, failing to realize that His Hand is already at work. All we see is the hurt the many are enduring, as your trials unfold and not only affect you, but the many associated with you.
Then God speaks in love. His words cutting like a knife as He shows you that the very circumstances you are enduring are not for the benefit of others as much as they are for the benefit of you. Here is the place I want you to close your eyes and listen to the voice of your loving Father. Listen closely as He talks to your heart in the midst of your stormy life. Close your eyes and hear not just with your ears, but with your heart.
Here I am My child. Fear not. I am preparing you for a purpose. This trial you are in though rugged and long isn’t for the benefit of your enemies, but it is for the benefit of you. I have come to make you strong, when you are weak. I am your Rock, your Fortress, your Deliverer. I am your Shield and your Salvation. Though you feel the pressures of death entangling you, the storms of destruction overwhelming you, I will help you, alway going before you. Humble yourself oh My child. This life, these trials and pains, these hurts and disappointments, and the loneliness you feel are not to destroy you, they are not about you. I have a purpose for your life and these times have come only to prepare you.
Why have you not heard My Voice in the midst of your storms? Why have you lost your way? Why have you lost faith when I am still there? Where have your praises gone? Do you only praise me in plentiful and good times? Do you only seek me when peace is in your camp? Do you not hear Me calling you, drawing you near me? I feel your pain. I see your tears. I grieve your losses right along with you. Do you think I see and not feel? I do not forsake you when times are hard. I do not judge or rain down My wrath upon you, though deserving you may be. Why do you not hear My voice and run to Me even now? I am preparing you My child. I am purifying you in these fires of life. Will you not walk into the fiery furnace, so that I may come in with you? Will you not enter into the lion’s den, so that I may protect you? Will you not endure hardship, climbing upon My altar that you may learn to sacrifice your will for Mine? Do you not see My hand moving for your sake?
How long shall you see your circumstances through your human eyes? I know your pain, for I walked it first. Remember, I was sifted, rubbed, pounded, grinded and cleaned in life’s pains first. Remember, I was kneaded and mixed by the Hands of the Father, before thee. Man heaped ashes upon Me, multiplying my pains first. The trials of life beat me down first. I was tossed to and fro, blown by the winds of those who hate Me and He who sent Me. I was separated from the very thing I loved, standing alone, as even those who I called by My name turned from Me. I walked first into the storms because I can no go where I have not been, and I cannot teach what I do not know. Will you not hear Me?
I have allowed you to go through cycles of the same circumstance in hopes you will learn. Just walk. I have called and wooed you with the very love of My heart, do you not hear? Yet no matter your response, I still call you, do you not hear Me now? Come to Me, and I will walk you to and see you through. Do you not hear Me now?
Tags: Anointed, Anointing, Chosen, Circumstances, Deliverer, Father, Fortress, Frontlines, God, heart, Job, Joy, oil of the spirit, Persevering, Purpose, ROck, Salvation, Shield, storms, Struggles, Testing
