Season of Testing

Several weeks ago, while hiking in the Ozarks, I was in a conversation about the upcoming months.  The Lord had been showing me, we were about to go through a time of testing.  I felt it would last most of the summer.  It would be a test of endurance, faithfulness and faith.  It is to be the final period of time, before what is being birthed will come forth.  It is the last phase of the pregnancy, which is full of discomfort, anxiousness and frustration, but is followed by a great reward.  The Lord has been drawing together a family, full of love and unity.  He has implanted in the ministry a seed that has been growing for a while now.

    At first, it did not warrant much attention, but as it has grown the enemy has taken notice that something is coming forth soon.  He is trying his best to get our eyes focused on the pain and discomfort of the now, instead of the prize that awaits us at the end of this period.  He is trying to discourage and separate the body.  He knows if he can open the door of discouragement, it will cause many to sleep and slumber.  The more we focus on our individual trials and tribulations, the quicker we lose sight of Jesus and our brothers and sisters.  We start to lose patience and gentleness.

    I encourage you to hold on, to focus on Jesus and the reward around the corner.  I know the closer we get to it being birthed the more uncomfortable it becomes, but we must endure and press on.  What the Lord is bringing is well worth the wait and the little pain and discomfort we have.  So many are being tested right now in the area of finances and relationships.  We need not make any arbitrary decisions during this season, but must seek wisdom and council from the Lord, especially in finances and relationships.  We have the tendency to evaluate both of these areas with our knowledge and understanding, without seeking the Lord.   Before acting, seek confirmation from the Lord and He will guide you.  I can say without any reservation, if we pass these tests the reward will be great.  

    The key to passing these tests is spending time with the Lord.  We must not get hard-hearted, callous or lose the awe-struck wonder of Christ and His kingdom.  In days past, people would rejoice over a salvation, a gift being manifested or a prophetic word coming to fruition.  Now, many seem apathetic to the work of the Kingdom.  I pray we continue to walk in the Spirit and manifest the Kingdom more and more in our lives, but never let it lose its splendor and grandeur, no matter how many times we partake in the work of the King.  If all of heaven can stand and rejoice for one soul coming into the Kingdom after doing it millions or times, we should never let our victories in Christ, seem commonplace and trivial.  I urge you to press on and reach out to your brothers and sisters, so they may pass thru this testing period as well.