I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. | Psalm 40:1-3
In the midst of the shaking, continue to keep your eyes on the Lord. Do not look to the wind and the waves, for He alone is your firm foundation. As you remain anchored to the Rock of your salvation, abiding in Him, you will find safety and security. For many, the fire has seemed to burn more hot than ever before. The enemy has been taunting you, saying, “You are going under,” but Jesus reminds us that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). The truth is, you are being promoted; through the stretching, God is expanding your territory and enlarging your tents so that you may carry more (Isaiah 54:2).
Continue to give the Lord a sacrifice of praise, even amidst the difficulty. In Acts 16, we are reminded of Paul and Silas being cast into prison. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25-26). As you worship the Faithful One, shackles will fall and chains will be broken, just as it was when Paul and Silas praised God in the prison cell.
Know that the Lord is very near to you; the Word of God is in your mouth and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:14). Trust Him, even if you feel pressed on every side. Even when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they were not alone. They were accompanied by a fourth Man, One who blazed as bright as the fire (Daniel 3:25). That fourth Man – Jesus Christ – stands beside you as you walk through the flame. The Lord is establishing you, and you will come out of this fire without smelling like smoke.
I have a strong sense that enemy has attempted to cause fear and intimidation in God’s people, especially against those whom the Lord is raising up as a prophetic voice in this hour. Satan is trying to shut you down, but prophets of God, keep speaking the truth in love. Release the pure words that God gives to you. Every tongue that rises against you in judgement, He will refute (Isaiah 54:17). The bride of Christ needs willing vessels to pour into her; refuse to hide in the caves, for the Lord is vindicating you!
Where the enemy has sought to overwhelm you with fear and anxiety, the Lord is saying, “Peace! Be Still!” Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord (Psalm 27:3-6).
In His goodness, the good Father is going to overwhelm the very circumstances that want to overwhelm you. As you continue to cling to Jesus, He will impart supernatural peace and strength to you (Philippians 4:7).
The Lord your God is with you, He is the mighty warrior who fights for you. Your Defender is rising on the scene even now. Be at peace and rest in your Father’s arms. He is in control! I believe that His heart of compassion desires to encourage you, “Rest in Me, your victory is assured! I am rising on the scene, defeating your enemies. Though you have fallen, you will rise. Though you sit in darkness, I will be your light” (Micah 7:8).
Continue to move out in the spirit of grace towards those who oppose and persecute you. Keep your heart pure, for vengeance is the Lord’s (Romans 12:19). The enemy is seeking to ensnare many in the trap off offense so that he can shut down the breaker anointing that is operating through them. People of God, keep your hearts pure and your vessels clean, as love covers a multitude of sins (Proverbs 10:12). Strength will rise as you wait upon the Lord and continue to make Him your delight.
We serve a faithful God! Keep your eyes fixed upon the Lord and continue to press deeper into Him during this season. You will soon see a divine turnaround and a victory on every front! “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).