Meteorologists from time-to-time forecast approaching storms. It might be an ice storm, severe thunderstorms, hail, tornados and hurricanes. People will sit glued to their televisions or phones to get the latest updates. They do this so they can make preparations. Those preparations might include stocking up on food, taking shelter and in severe weather events like a hurricane, they may have to evacuate.
I am forecasting an approaching event that also requires preparations. A swelling tide of God's power and intention to move among His people. I am convinced God wants to move mightily among us more than we want Him to do so. He desires a rekindled love for Him, a renewed passion for serving Him, and a revived people for impacting the world.
This time of preparation is vitally important. Just like atmospheric conditions brood over land and water churning and changing weather patterns, picture the Spirit of God brooding over you, your church, and community ready to bring changes. Some people may be caught unaware because they did not prepare.
I am deeply impressed and burdened that God is sending revival. The storm warning sirens have sounded in my spirit. I am forecasting His approaching gale force move. Preparations must be made. You might ask, "What sort of preparations?"
Just before Israel went in to possess the promise land, they camped near the Jordan river. They were there for three days. Then Joshua sent his officers through the camp giving instructions to the people to get ready. They were to follow the ark of the covenant across the Jordan. Joshua gave some instructions that are pertinent for us today.
Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will wonders among you. [Joshua 3:5]
To consecrate yourself means to make yourself clean, to prepare, to dedicate yourself. This requires repentance and taking an honest spiritual assessment of your spiritual condition. When God swoops in mightily, He will demand holiness from His people. It is easy for sin and compromise to creep into our lives. If you really desire God to move deeply in you, consecration is necessary.
Dedication is also required. A renewed commitment to seek God, to follow and obey Him. This requires surrendering to His leadership. Yielding to His promptings. Selling out to the necessary spiritual preparations to receive all He wants to do. Those will include prayer, fasting, confession of known sins, readjustment of priorities.
Why consecration and dedication? Because God is planning to do wonders among us. That means He is planning to do great, difficult, marvelous, surpassing, and extraordinary things. When He moves in with His fresh wind blowing and fresh fire blazing, awesome things follow. People fall under conviction and repent. The lost are saved. Worship increases in intensity. The spiritual fervor of the people ignites burning hotter, and they grow bolder in their gospel witness. God accomplishes more in days of revival than has been accomplished in decades of ministry previously.
Do you believe God is going to do wonders among you? Do you believe that He is going to do wonders in you personally? What you believe will dictate how seriously you prepare. May lack of faith on our parts not hinder God from moving mightily as we grieve and quench His Spirit. Ask and believe for His wonders.
- In what ways will you spiritually prepare for what God desires to do in you?
- Explain what your consecrated life means you need to do?
- List specific ways you can dedicate yourself to all God wants to do.
- Do you really believe God will do the wonders of revival in your life and community? Make a list of what wonders you would like to see God do in you and your church community?
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