Translate

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Battle For Your Promised Land

Steve ShultzFrom the desk of Steve Shultz:
I hardly know anyone who HASN'T gone through a tough battle this year. Let's face it, it's been an intensely hard year for many. BUT there is a reason for our battles – without them we wouldn't have victory as Victoria Boyson shares here. You need this word and make sure you pass it on to others... it's a must-read for all.


Victoria BoysonI woke up from a dream and felt the presence of the Lord all over me. In the dream, God told me 2 tell His children to: "Believe for more from God."

The Lord said that we, as His Church, do not believe for enough. We expect less because we're afraid to fully trust in His power. God wants us 2 pursue the miraculous – 2 believe for greater works from Him. He wants 2 show the world what He is capable of and needs us 2 believe for more – not just for ourselves, but 2 display His power 2 the lost. He wants 2 reveal His power 2 the world!

The world is becoming increasingly more cynical about the things of God, having greater faith in "science" than in Him. He wants us 2 change that.

Too hard, u say? That's why He wants us 2 expect more from Him.

The Purpose of the Battle
Many see the increased wickedness of the world we live in and say, "Yep, this is just the way it's gonna be. We can't stop it. The world gets darker every day." But this isn't the first time that darkness has increased. If u look at history u see in many societies darkness has increased and tried 2 destroy the works of God. But instead of allowing the enemy 2 have his way, they stood their ground and fought for the genuine power of God. We must fight for God's power in our own personal lives, the Church and also the world.

We've often misunderstood the purpose of our battles. Battles are not meant 2 just cause us tribulation, but bring victory. We cannot have victory without a battle. When God sent the children of Israel 2 take their promised land, they had 2 fight for it. Yes, it was theirs, but they had 2 step out and take it – they had 2 battle their enemies for it. It was theirs by faith, and the battle was their pathway 2 possessing the promise God gave them.

The children of Israel had already spent 400 years in slavery and 40 years in the desert – they had suffered a lot. So, u may think the promised land for them meant a vacation from their suffering. Yet, it was then God put them 2 work. They didn't just walk into the promised land and set up house. No. They had 2 fight for it. They incurred one battle after another, but they knew every battle they faced meant more victory – more blessing.

When the children of Israel entered the promised land of Canaan God gave them victory over every foe they encountered. The reputation of Israel's God so terrified the inhabitants of Canaan that five kings from the southern region decided 2 band together 2 fight them, but were sorely defeated. And in Joshua 11, believing their only hope of defeating Israel was in a massive united force, 31 kings from the northern regions of Canaan came against Israel with all their might. Their great armies banded together 2 fight them, and were a formidable force. Still, though 31 armies strong, they stood no chance against the God of Israel. Through a clear and decisive victory on the battlefield, Joshua slaughtered all the other kings and their people, utterly destroying them all.

We can look around us at the wickedness of our generation and think hopeless thoughts of defeat. But is that what God desires of us? Are we supposed 2 just lay back and let the world fall 2 pieces? I don't think so. I think, especially in this day, God wants 2 show the world His power. Like Egypt in the days of Moses, they will see it and recognize He is the one true God.

God desires 2 pour out His Spirit in a mighty way – 2 demonstrate 2 masses of people just how powerful He truly is. Without a demonstration of His power, those who have been led astray by the anti-Christ spirit prevalent in today's society may not have a chance 2 choose Him. This is simply bcoz they have not been given the opportunity 2 know Him as He truly is.

Do they know He is a God who loves, heals and delivers? God wants them 2 know His power and who He is. We must step out in faith and fight the battle 2 reveal His power to the world.

"My great glory will be displayed through [the battle u face]. When My glory is displayed through them, all [the world] will see My glory and know that I Am the Lord!" Exodus 14:17-18 (NLT)
Revival is Coming.

As the Church, we should be preparing all our people for another great awakening. This preparation is key 2 the success of God's last outpouring, because we need warriors 2 fight for the souls of men – those who will expect victory in every battle.

Revival is coming. God is not done yet. He is sending His Spirit once again 2 penetrate the darkness and rescue those who will believe in Him. We have 2 prepare for it. We have 2 expect it. We must align our hearts with His in order 2 prepare for victory.

If we do not expect God 2 act, we will not prepare, and if we do not prepare, we will suffer great loss. Ask the Lord, "What do You want us 2 do 2 prepare?" Then, follow Him closely and trust Him completely – lean on His wisdom, not on your own (see Proverbs 3:5) and you will have a great victory. Obey His leading and do not deviate from His council (see Joshua 1:7).

We need 2 shake off passivity and BELIEVE He needs us – each one of us. We are not destined 2 just sit in a pew – no one is. We are called of God 2 prepare His people 2 display His power and love – 2 know Him and teach those who want Him. The Lord is coming again, and He will come for ALL who want 2 know Him – He doesn't want anyone left out. We must prepare ourselves for this – we must prepare 2 reap a mighty harvest before His return.

Preparing for Victory
So, pastors and church leaders, intercessors and teachers, prophets and evangelists, mothers and fathers, tell those under your care 2 prepare themselves. Now is the time 2 get ready – we do not have much time left. We must focus, train and build, for His Kingdom is coming 2 this generation and we must stay vigilant – not doubt – expect. For, God wants 2 reveal His power as He did in the days of the exodus from Egypt (see Exodus 3:19-22). Follow Him and u will defeat your enemies.

Remember the fields God talked about in Luke 10:2? "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray 2 the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him 2 send more workers into His fields." The fields are white and we need laborers. God needs YOU! So, get ready... revival is coming. Victory is coming. The battle for the lost is at hand and u are needed. The kings will attack, bringing us another great victory for God's Kingdom.

Have no fear, believe for more! God wants 2 pour out His power!

"Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready..." (Joshua 1:11). It's time 2 battle for your Promised Land.

Victoria Boyson
Speaking Life Ministries

Email: victoria@boyson.org

No comments:

Post a Comment