The Journey

This has never happened before and I don’t know if we will come this way again, but God is moving worldwide. Although we are no longer under Jewish law, there are similarities with Israel’s Passover and journey through the wilderness, Jesus’s 40 days temptation in the wilderness and the Apostles Passover and waiting 40 days in the Upper Room. This is a time of moving forward into the Promised Land, a place of power, victory, blessings and fruitfulness like on the day of Pentecost, Acts 1.4, 2.1-4.

During this time, the Body of Christ is going through a period of testing, challenges and growing pains. It is a time of going through the wilderness like the children of Israel and Jesus. God tested Israel to see if they would obey him and to strengthen them, so they could stand in the land.

Chuck Pierce says it is a time to plow forward and used the analogy of Hezekiah who lost the battle because he only beat the ground three times, not five. Now is not a time to relax or to be casual about our journey!

For the Apostles, the wilderness was the forty days in the Upper Room. After Passover, Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem where they devoted themselves to prayer, Acts 1.13-14. God has given the Body of Christ the unique opportunity to turn aside from work and spend time with him. God’s purpose is to reset ourselves, to focus on the most important things in life and to come out in the power of the Holy Spirit.

At this moment, the most important thing to do is devote ourselves to prayer and bring the Body of Christ through the wilderness. Now is not a time for other activities, programs or distractions. After we come through, the power of the Holy Spirit will rest on us in a greater measure, moving in our families, businesses and ministry, just like God did for the Apostles.

I am finding great strength by making faith statements, declaring God’s promises over our lives and those we are responsible for. I also spend time praying in tounges to build up my faith. I sense the inner man growing stronger and stronger. Last night during the second watch, 9pm to 12am, Chuck Pierce prophesied, there is a darkness ahead but worship will bring the breakthrough, like Paul and Silas in prison.

Moses and the children of Israel did not make it through the wilderness, they all died! Apostle Judas did not make it to the Upper Room and also died. Jesus talked to five hundred disciples after his resurrection but three hundred and eighty missed the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This is also a time where leadership is tested, like Moses.

We can all learn from their mistakes, being like Joshua, Caleb and the one hundred and twenty disciples who came through the wilderness, were filled with power from on high, went out preaching the Gospel with signs and wonders following.

For Christians the way is clear. Jesus spent three years laying foundations in the Apostle’s lives. He revealed himself to them (Matthew 16.17, 1 Corinthians 3.11), taught the foundational character traits in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7.24) and the foundation doctrines of Hebrews 6.1-3. We build our spiritual house by first laying the foundation then go on to maturity, passing through the wilderness.

This is a time to examine our lives, examine our foundation and repent of any sin or disobedience. Moses, the children of Israel and Judas all failed because of sin, disobedience and doubt. These three qualities are foundational principles, so be sure to lay a good foundation. As we journey through the wilderness, repent of anything the Holy Spirit reveals to us or commands us to do.

This will be a time of quick growth. I am doing a partial fast during the forty days up until Pentecost. We are finding Chuck Pierce’s live sessions and replays helpful in making our way forward during this important time so I recommend watching them.

Some may start going back to work, so if you have no choice go back to work but maintain your relationship with God. I recommend spending one hour each morning in devotion. I spend time worshiping the Lord, reading three to five chapters of the Bible and seeking God’s guidance. We all have the same amount of time. It is not a question of not having time but a question of making the time.

John Wesley’s mother had twenty three children but she was diligent with her quiet time. Most pastors do not have a quiet time. Paul Yonggi Chou spends four hours each morning. When asked, “How can you spend so much time in prayer when you have such a big Church!” he answered, “How can I not spend four hours each day!”

We can all manage our time, so use this lock down to build a good habit. It is a matter of what is most important. Our relationship with God and praying for the Body of Christ is the most important thing at this moment. From this relationship, God will teach us truth, give us wisdom to solve problems and encourage us when we are struggling. He will provide the necessary resources for what we are doing. We will see health rise up on its wings and his presence go with us.

Keep ploughing forward during your wilderness journey. Be like the Apostles and devote yourself to prayer. You will come out in the power of the Holy Spirit, impacting your family, business and ministry like you have never imagined.

Your fellow ploughers

Love Tim & Faith

Useful resources

Derek Prince Foundation Series (I recommend the studies Repentance, Faith, Faith and Works)

LeClaire published this prophecy saying, “A metamorphosis is underway. I will bring the change I’ve promised, first little by little and then an outward manifestation of an inner working I have been doing in My people.” (This blog explains the process we go through to mature in Christ.)

“Faith is!” Everything we receive from God we receive by faith. (This blog explains the meaning and practical application of faith)