Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge … | Psalm 144:1-2

Just last week, I felt led to do a Facebook Live on the topic of the overcoming Bride of Christ; today I sense the Lord wanting me to release a similar word in the form of a written text, as well.

I truly believe that the Lord is saying, “In this season, I am teaching your hands to war and your fingers to fight (Psalm 144:1). You are My overcoming Bride; I am training you, even amidst the adversity that you are currently experiencing. Yes, I am fortifying you, even in the middle of the battle. You are an overcomer! You are the head, and not the tail; you are above, and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

“Fear not; fret not! Truly I say to you, what the enemy thought would destroy you has only served to make you stronger. You are a force to be reckoned with: a mighty arrow in My quiver. Watch now, as the trials you’ve overcome will serve as the very launching pad that I use to springboard you forth into your destiny! Your voice will be heard like John the Baptist’s, as you declare, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord!’ (Matthew 3).

“Beloved, you are coming out of this fiery season, and you will not even smell of smoke. Even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace, yet by My faithfulness emerged from it without any physical harm, so it will also be with you. The flames will not set you ablaze! Many will marvel as you arise from the ashes and testify of My delivering power. Arise now, Beloved! Shine, for your light has come, and My glory is rising upon you! (Isaiah 60:1).”

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. | Matthew 10:14

God is promoting many of the forerunners in this hour: the ones who have gone through much refining and pruning; the ones who have been prepared in the secret place, even as David’s heart was prepared as he worshipped in the fields with his flock. God is now bringing the forerunners out of hiding, releasing them as arrows from an archer’s bow. These ones will go forth, bringing much light to the darkness.

He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver (Isaiah 49:2).

Remember the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis? He was sold to slavery by his older brothers who were jealous of his prophetic abilities to analyze dreams. Even now, in the very midst of promotion, jealously is rising up from the ‘older brothers.’ They target the forerunners, even though the forerunners are obeying what the Lord has instructed them to do. As I look back on the story of Joseph, I remember how he, too, experienced this backlash. However, all of the circumstances led up to a greater promotion; he would soon transition from the prison to the palace.

Often times in the natural, promotion doesn’t look or feel like promotion. Even so, you are bringing brought to the forefront. Amidst the judging and wagging tongues you have encountered on your journey, the Lord is saying, “Beloved, continue to walk in love, and bless those who persecute you. However, I give you permission to shake the dust from your feet when you encounter those who do not receive you or the message I’ve given you. You owe no man nothing, except to love him (Romans 13:8).

“Do not apologize or shrink back from the favor and promotion I’ve given you. Walk forward, bold and courageous, as I expand you and increase your influence. Even as Esther found much favor in the eyes of the king, so you also have much favor with Me. I alone am your Great Defender, and I am well pleased with you. Do not fear the opinion of man, for all that is hidden will be revealed, and your life will speak loudly of My goodness. Keep walking forward, and shake the dust,” says the Lord.

Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs. “For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left . . .” (Isaiah 54:2-3).

Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. | Genesis 26:12

The Lord has been speaking to me on the power of our seed. In the book of Mark, there is a parable that teaches about planting seed and gathering a harvest. It says, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how” (Mark 4:26-27). Similarly, I heard the Lord say to me, “If you are wanting to reap a harvest, you need to first plant a seed.”

Recently, I felt the Lord’s prompting to sow into someone. I set aside a love gift with the intention of giving it to this person, only to receive an extra—albeit small—amount of money later that week. Even though the extra cash was an insignificant amount, the Lord encouraged me to combine it with the love gift I had already prepared to give. Obediently, I pulled together all of the funds, and placed the money in an envelope, along with a card of blessing and encouragement. The amazing thing is, before I was even able to give the card, someone else blessed me with a gift that happened to be a ten fold return of what I was about to sow!

I believe that the Lord honored my obedience, and that the principle of seed time and harvest was in operation.

A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

It is true that God sees our heart, and will not fail to honor us when we obey Him. I am reminded of the widow in the Bible, who was down to the last of her resources, yet faithfully gave all that she had. The Lord blessed her, and her supply never ran dry (1 Kings 17:15). As we look to the needs of others and remain Kingdom-minded, God will see to it that our own needs are met, as well.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).

It can be tempting during times of drought to hold back, but I believe that as we release what’s in our hand, we are aligning with God’s heart and trusting Him to meet our needs. Jesus saw the widow’s heart when she put her last coin into the offering, saying that even though she had little, she had given more than all the others by releasing what was in her hand (Mark 12:41-44).

Don’t let the fear of what you can’t do stop you from from doing what you can. What’s in your hand?

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. | Luke 10:19

The Lord is awakening His Bride to know and understand the authority that she possesses. Truly, you are seated with Jesus in heavenly places, and He has given you all authority to conquer and overcome the power of the evil one (Luke 10:19).

I hear the Lord saying, “Come forth, My Bride! Arise from your slumber; awake, o sleeper (Ephesians 5:14). Take back what is rightfully yours! Lack knows no place in My Kingdom, nor does poverty or disease. For truly I am the God of abundance, and I am a God of blessing! These are what I long to pour out on you. Open your heart, and receive all that I long to pour into you. You are royalty, and you are a child of the Most High! I am calling you to take your rightful place at My table. You are not a beggar; you are My beloved child in whom I am well pleased. I have only the choicest portions to offer you. I am calling you to arise and know your authority!”

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

A Note from Angie …

Hey friends! I hope that you are all doing great, and that you are encouraged and strengthened by the Word of the Lord. I wanted to give you the opportunity to sow into the ministry of LWC. Your support and donations are so greatly appreciated. There are two ways to give. You may either go to the donate button on the side menu of my blog to give online, or you may send love gifts to LWC Ministries at PO Box 546, Washington, IL. 61571- 0546.

Again, your support is so greatly appreciated. Please know that I am praying God’s continued blessings on you all.

In Christ’s love,
Angie Stolba

“No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. | Isaiah 54:17

Recently, while worshipping at church, I received a word for our congregation. I felt led to share it on my blog today, as I believe that it is applicable to others in the Body of Christ, as well.

I sense the Lord’s heart of encouragement extended to those who are battle weary in this season. The enemy has done his best to wear you down, trying to discourage you  with the constant drips he’s continued to bring against you. Even so, the Lord is now pouring His fresh strength into you. He is refueling and fortifying you, even in the midst of the battle.

I hear the Lord saying, “My Bride, I am making you bullet proof! Where the enemy used to be able to so easily discourage and overwhelm you, he will no longer be able to do so. As it is written in My Word, ‘no weapon forged against you will prevail’ (Isaiah 54:17). He’ll try to fire his best shots at you, but you will only laugh at his attempts. Like water rolling off a duck’s back, these things will simply fall off of you, no longer finding a landing place. I am infusing you with fresh joy and strength in this hour, and these will be your powerful weapons. Take heart, My Bride, and rejoice. I am making you bullet proof!”

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one (Psalm 28:7-8).

This was actually inspired by my daughter’s recent poem, “The River.” She has an amazing, creative gift of writing. Be sure to check out her blog, Grace for the Evergreen. Blessings, and may you stay true to the journey! —Angie Stolba

When she gave her “yes” to the Lord,

she didn’t fully recognize what she was signing up for.

Completely surrendered, yet somewhat terrified,

she bravely ventured forward on the journey.

Along the way, there were victories.

There was also tremendous heartache,

betrayal, and pain.

She lost herself, only to find who she truly was inside.

She went through such a dramatic metamorphosis,

that when she emerged, she barely recognized herself.

No longer an unsightly caterpillar,

she was now a beautiful butterfly.

Her wings were now fully developed,

and she soared to new heights

that she had previously

only dreamed of.

Some were angry,

and resentful of her newfound freedom.

They were intimidated,

now that she was a butterfly.

They tried to reason with her

that it was foolish…

…even risky to leave the other caterpillars,

yet she bravely continued on her journey.

Along the way, she made it her mission

to rescue other caterpillars

and help them find true freedom,

as she, herself, had found.

The bright light that radiated from within

her truly shone in the darkness;

it gave others the courage to overcome the very things

that she, herself, had won victory over.

The journey was filled

with many twists and turns;

moments so agonizing,

that she momentarily considered turning back.

Yet, in her heart of hearts,

she knew that she had come too far on her journey,

and that turning back

was simply not an option.

Her scars told a story;

her eyes shone with a light

that the darkness could not dim,

and others were drawn to her.

She knew that the journey that the Lord had her on

was not simply about her, rather the future generations

that would one day follow in her footsteps,

reaping the benefits of what she so gallantly fought to overcome.

She continued to plow the ground,

cultivating  a new path.

You might even call her a pioneer.

Through it all, she had found great purpose in her pain.

She learned to love—

even in the midst of hate—

and she would be forever grateful for the journey.

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree.

“Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people …” | Amos 9:13-15 (MSG Version)

As I was walking today, I so strongly felt the presence of the Lord. I heard Him say, “The shift is not something that is coming, rather it is happening now! I am positioning you, moving you onto the fast track.”

The Lord is moving the sold out, fully surrendered lovers of God to the front line in this hour. These ones have no desire to be seen on a platform, rather their desire is to know their Lord and to make Him known. Even so, I sense the Lord saying to them, “Because your heart posture has been right before Me, I am giving you a platform. I can trust you because you have stewarded well the ‘little’ that has been given to you. Now is the time to prepare for the ‘more!’

“Beloved, a time of extravagant blessing and favor is upon you. As it is written in the Book of Amos, everywhere you look, there will be blessings. Through the great crushing that you have endured, the oil of My anointing has been cultivated, and now it is flowing from your life in greater measures. Truly the crushing produces the oil!”

But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
I have been anointed with fresh oil (Psalm 92:10).

“Though you have seemed to be in a holding pattern for many years—not seeing much movement—I am now putting you on the fast track to the very front of the line. It is written in the Word that the last shall be made first, and the first shall be made last (Matthew 20:16). This principle remains true. You do not need to fret or wonder how things are going to come about, but instead stay in tune with Me, and watch as I open up the way before you.”

The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Recently, we went on a vacation out of state to visit family. Before our trip, my husband and I prayed and asked for a ministry opportunity. Our desire was to carry the Lord’s heart and experience His presence, and that we could possibly be a blessing to someone while we were on vacation.

While visiting another church on this trip, the Lord began to give me a word during the worship service. Upon receiving the download, I momentarily vacillated about whether or not to share it with the congregation, because I was not at my own home church, nor was I familiar to the protocol. However, I continued to feel the Lord press the word on my heart, and I had a strong sense that someone in the service needed to hear it. I silently told the Lord that my desire was to be obedient to Him, and prayed that His word would be able to go forth so that whoever needed to hear it would be ministered to.

Shortly upon praying, the Lord opened up a door so that I was able to submit the word to the Pastor of the church. Though I had not been seeking to go up to the front of the church, the Pastor asked me to come forward and share the word, myself. He then invited me to pray with those who may respond to the spoken word.

We had a powerful time of ministry that morning, and I learned something from this experience. If I had allowed the fear and intimidation of man to keep me silent, the word would not have gone forth, and the person who was in need of ministry that morning may not have received what God had in store for them that day. There can be a false pride that the enemy would seek to entrap us in. When this happens, we don’t think that we are worthy of ministering to others. We can become so wrapped up in our own self and insecurities that we end up not walking in true freedom. Ministry is not about us, but rather who we are ministering to, and what the Lord would want that person to receive.

A well known passage in Isaiah reads this:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-4).

The Lord is calling His sons and daughters to throw off the false cloak of humility and to wear their new garment. It does not matter if man has tried to disqualify you, for the Lord, Himself, qualifies you! He is removing the garments of your past season and adorning you with a new robe.

I hear Him saying today, “My Beloved, do not shrink back or be afraid to wear these new garments, for it is My good pleasure to give them to you.”

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you” (Zechariah 3:3-4).

“Beloved, this is not a time to shrink back, for truly this is your finest hour! I am calling you forth; yes, I am calling you to step out of the boat and walk on the water with Me. Your season has shifted, and I am roaring My victory over you! Look no longer to the former, nor mourn the things you have lost. For I am the God of restoration, and your latter shall be greater. Though you started with little, you will end with much (Job 8:7).

“Be encouraged! The shift is happening now, and I am moving you onto the faster track,” says the Lord.

Your hand will be lifted up against your adversaries,
And all your enemies will be cut off. | Micah 5:9

Many are advancing and being promoted in this very hour. In the midst of promotion, there have been people who have come against you, as well as other circumstances that have brought you opposition. However, I hear the Lord saying, “Hold your peace, for I am dealing with all that has opposed you. Refuse to be offended when people lash out at you, for you do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but with principalities and rulers in high places (Ephesians 6:12).

“Beloved, I am calling you to take the higher road. Clothe yourself with love, and seek Me before responding to the accusations that may be brought against you. In Proverbs, it advises, ‘Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him’ (Proverbs 26:4). Sometimes the best response is no response at all. Be still, and allow Me to defend you. Incline your ear to Me, and I will guide you (Psalm 17:6).

“Fear not, nor be dismayed; bless and pray for those who spitefully use you and speak evil against you. Keep your eyes on Me, and refuse to be distracted or discouraged by the opposition you’re facing. Be encouraged, Beloved, for I am dealing with all that has opposed you.”

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

“The exiled will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
For I am the Lord your God,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
the Lord Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” | Isaiah 51:14-16

Very recently, I have felt the Lord speak to me about freeing His people from exile. ‘Exile,’ defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary, is the state of being barred from one’s native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. Today I hear the Lord saying, “Many of My people have been held captive in a place of exile. They have experienced exile in their relationships, finances, and other areas of their lives. The pressure has been almost unbearable at times, but take heart! Even as it is written in the book of Isaiah, ‘The exiled will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the Lord your God!’”

In this scripture, bread represents your resources. God is sending the rain of His provisions, and you are coming into a wide and spacious place. Where you have experienced much lack and have thought that you will barely survive, you will now know a season of abundance!

The enemy has tried to crush you with the heavy load you’ve been experiencing. Even in your area of finances, he has tried to keep you as a prisoner in exile. However, the Lord is roaring His freedom over you today. Listen and be encouraged, beloved, for God is declaring that you are coming out of exile!

For those of you who have endured, or are currently enduring, false accusations and slander: be encouraged! Know that God is your Great Defender, and He is vindicating you in this very hour.

I hear the Lord saying today, “Let your life speak! My truth and justice shall prevail, even in the midst of character assasination and other attacks of the enemy. As I’ve said in My Word, “no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and I refute every tongue that accuses you” (Isaiah 54:17). Truly, what has been whispered in secret will be shouted from the rooftops (Luke 12:3).

“I am exposing things in this very hour. I am righting the wrongs that you have suffered, and bringing justice to the areas where you have experienced injustice. I am giving you double for your trouble,” declares the Lord!

“I am restoring the years the locusts have eaten; I am redeeming the time (Job 2:25). Fret not and fear not, My Beloved. I am working on your behalf, bringing light to the darkness. Truly My truth shall prevail. Continue to move forward, and let your life speak.

“I am raising you up and restoring all you have gone through in your season of suffering. You shall know great joy, as I am changing your season. The pain you have endured cannot compare to the joy that’s coming! You shall be a jewel in My hand, a royal diadem in My eyes. Indeed, your life will speak, and I will use you for My glory,” says the Lord.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God (Isaiah 62:3).

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. | Revelation 3:8

As I was on my walk this morning, the Lord reminded me of a song entitled Surrounded (Fight My Battles) by Upper Room. He continued to speak to me, saying, “Many of my people feel surrounded right now by pressure from various circumstances, but they need to know and realize that they are surrounded by Me!”

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12).

God is saying, “My bride, fear not! For indeed, I am surrounding you. You’re not going under; in fact, you are overcoming, even through the immense pressure that you are currently experiencing. Know this: what you are feeling are birth pains. Even as a woman in labor is ready to give birth, so you are ready to give birth to your promise!

“I know that things have been beyond difficult, and you have felt surrounded on every side, but even through this I have been working. You are being strengthened, even amidst the difficult circumstances. It is imperative that you don’t quit now, because everything is getting ready to change for the better! I am sending you reinforcements, and help is on the way.

“What I am about to do for you will renew your confidence and your faith in Me, and you will see and testify that surely  I have been working things for your good all along! Keep your eyes on Me, and keep walking in the light, for I will be faithful to bring every word I have spoken to pass. I have not brought you this far to leave you. Yes, you are in uncharted territory, but I am with you, and you are surrounded by Me.

“You are getting ready to enter into a season of your reward for your faithfulness, so live with the constant and hopeful expectation of what I will do for you. I am calling you, even in the midst of your own needs, to boldly step out and sow. Even as the widow who was down to her last jar gave all that she had (as the prophet instructed her to), and her supply never ran dry, so I will also provide for you. Truly my ways are not your ways. Step out in faith today, and know that you will not fail. Your victory is assured, and truly you are surrounded by Me!”

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. | Philippians 4:8

The Lord is calling us to fix our eyes on what is true. There are many distractions and challenging situations that the enemy is seeking to magnify in hopes of getting our eyes off of the Lord. However, as we fix our eyes on the truth—the fact that if Christ is for us, nothing can possibly be against us (Romans 8:31)—these other things will lose their grip on us.

I sense the Lord saying, “Magnify Me, for I am the Solution to everything you are currently facing. Have I not said in My Word that no weapon formed against you shall prosper? (Isaiah 54:17) Indeed, I am a very shield around you, your glory, and the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3). As you focus on Me and my goodness, and even begin to declare it, things will begin to come into order and divine alignment. Now is the time to lift your praises high, for your praise will not only confound and confuse the enemy, but also shift the very atmosphere.

“My Bride, refuse to give your attention to or focus on anything that is negative or does not align with My Word! Rather, fix your eyes on what is true. Even as Joshua and Caleb did not listen to the negative reports, knowing that there were more for them than against them, so it is also with you. Know this: everywhere your foot treads, I have given you the land (Joshua 1:3). Truly, with Christ before you, who or what could possibly be against you? Now, arise in My confidence, and go forward! You are more than a conqueror through Me, and you shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of your testimony,” says the Lord!

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. | Psalm 27:14

Despite how opposite things may appear in the natural, God is working powerfully in your life right now. Keep trusting in His goodness! Refuse to come into alignment with the lies of the enemy, rather, fix your eyes on Jesus. Carry on like a brave soldier, knowing that He has all things in control, and He’s got you in His hands. Even now, the Lord is going before you, preparing the way. Lift up a shout of joy, and praise Him in advance for what He’s about to do! Truly, the battle is already won!

The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD at their head (Micah 2:13).

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. | Isaiah 62:3

Many are currently experiencing what feels like an intense crushing and pruning process, but the Lord is saying today, “Do not despise the crushing, for a diamond is being formed out of you.”

A dear friend of mine recently reminded me of the diamond, and how it isn’t as appreciated while in its uncut form. She went on to say that the beauty of a diamond comes from the long, difficult process it endures, making it into the precious jewel we all know and recognize. Just like this picture of the diamond, so it is with us, also. Beloved, know that though the trials you are facing are all a part of the process, God won’t leave you here. He is cultivating you and working His divine purposes in your life, even as the diamond is formed under heat and pressure. Though right now you currently feel the pain of the process, know this: the pressure is producing the promise.

PHOTO BY JOSH CAUDWELL

You are on a narrow path, and you may currently feel in a tight and restricted place, but the Lord is expanding you. Be encouraged, for you will soon be brought out into a wide and spacious place.

A caterpillar goes through a major transformation while in his dark, tight cocoon. However, after he endures the process, he soars to new heights: completely free from the old and embracing his new self. Don’t lose heart; even though now you only see the cocoon, you are beginning to break through! Even now in the spirit realm, I see a wing beginning to emerge from the shell of the cocoon. Truly your long, hard process is about ready to give way to an abundance of joy!

Take courage, dear heart! You are about to soar!

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19).

“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. | Exodus 17:6

I see the Lord handing out staffs in the spirit realm, saying, “Strike the ground!” In the Bible, a staff represents authority. In this passage, Moses was commanded to strike the rock with his staff. As he did so, water gushed out from the rock.

Do you find yourself in a seemingly barren season today? The Lord is saying, “Pick up your staff; prophesy, and strike the ground! For I have placed a staff in one hand, and a sword in the other. The staff is to exercise the authority that I have given you. For truly, you are seated with Me in heavenly places (Colossians 3:1), and I have given you all authority.

“I am calling you to wield your sword, for it is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Know this: when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of God will raise up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Now boldly and fearlessly wield your sword and pick up your staff,” says the Lord.

“Beloved, now is not the time to retreat, rather, it is the time to advance! Gird yourself in My strength, for there are more for you than against you (2 Kings 6:16). Even as you strike the ground and declare My Word over your circumstances, darkness will tremble.

“Truly a mighty breakthrough is taking place. Even as water gushed forth from the rock as Moses struck it, so will My provisions be released unto you as you continue to strike the ground and wield your sword. I am not a man that I should lie; My word will not return void, but it shall accomplish the very purpose for which it was sent (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11). Arise now from that very place of apathy and despair, and strike the ground! As you do, you will see the miraculous released in your life,” declares the Lord!

Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord!
He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. | Jeremiah 20:13

Will you bring Me the sacrifice of praise, even when your heart is heavy? Will you trust that I am working everything for your good, even though you may not presently see what’s taking place behind the scenes? Even while Joseph was in prison, I was with him; I was accomplishing My purposes in his life (Genesis 39:21). Just as it is written, truly “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I am calling you to trust, even when you don’t understand, for I am a God who is good. The plans I have for you are only good: not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

There is an end to these current trials that you are facing. While the enemy may be whispering fear and dread, I am calling you to get your hopes up! Let hope arise, because even as Joseph went from the prison to the palace in a day—experiencing an overnight turnaround—so it shall be with you! Arise from that place of apathy and despair. Again I say, let hope arise!

Though you currently see the path I am laying out, know this: truly, I am making the way! I am making streams flow through the wilderness, and parting your Red Sea. Bring to Me the sacrifice of praise, and worship Me, even amidst the warfare and turmoil. I am a good, good God, and you will see and proclaim My goodness in the land of the living. Let hope arise! Put on a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and watch those giants fall.

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married. | Isaiah 62:4

Many have gone through a season of heartache and seemingly great loss; they have radically stepped out in faith, surrendered and obedient to pursue God’s plan for their lives, only to find themselves thrown into a pit like Joseph. Out of jealousy and offense, many who should have stood beside you have turned their backs, leaving you bewildered. None the less, like a brave soldier, you have continued to march forward into what God has called them to do. Through few have walked with you or stood by you, with tears in your eyes, you have continued to bless those who have cursed you, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

I believe the Lord is saying, “Like Abraham, you have laid all that is precious to you down on the alter: your personal possessions, relationships, and even your own reputation. I have seen the cost, and I am well pleased with you, My Beloved. Watch now, as your great Defender restores your honor and your name! I am going to restore. Truly, you will receive ‘double for your trouble,’ with nothing missing and nothing broken.

“I am bringing you full circle. You are entering into a season of divine recovery and restoration, and you will be amazed as I restore the things that you once thought were beyond repair. I will mend what was broken, I will bring healthy relationships, and I will soften the hardest of hearts. I have heard your prayers and cries for help, and I am moving mightily on your behalf. Watch now, as I restore your honor and your name,” says the Lord!

Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them (Psalm 126:6).

During a time of intercession, I heard the Lord say, “I am turning the tide! The turbulence that you have been feeling is a confirmation that things are moving and shifting in the spirit realm. Do not listen to the lies of the enemy or give into the feeling of being overtaken. The truth is that you are moving spiritual mountains, and that your prayers are shifting things, even now.

“You are on the verge of mighty breakthrough, Beloved! I am turning the tide, even on generational issues. Even as you have been the one standing in the gap through your tears and petitions, know that this has not been in vain. A season of reward and answered prayer is upon you! Refuse to get weary in well doing, because your season of reaping is at hand. I am turning the tide,” declares the Lord!

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings (Isaiah 58:12).

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. | John 14:27

We had a powerful worship service at our church today; the weighty glory of the Lord was tangible and thick. As I got home later this afternoon, I continued to feel the peace and presence of God increase. I heard Him say, “I am mantling My people with My peace! My peace will will be like a refreshing rain, propelling My people into their next season. Many have been in such an extended season of wilderness and warfare that they have put themselves into survival mode, but they will now feel My presence in a renewed way! My presence will wash away the sorrow of the former season,” says the Lord. “Truly, you are coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on your Beloved. The winter has past, and the spring has come (Song of Songs 2:11).”

“I’m calling My Bride to step into the refreshing waters. Come all who are thirsty, come and dine with Me. For in My presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

“In My Kingdom, there is only abundance. My storehouse is full, and My resources are unlimited! What do you have need of today? For it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). I am pouring out and lavishing My goodness upon you, even this very day. I am mantling you with My peace,” says our God!

O tase and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.” | Genesis 8:22

Several weeks ago, I released a word entitled, “Partner with Me, and Watch That Extra Weight Fall Off.” I am happy to testify that this word is starting to come to pass. While initially I started running back in March, I have now transitioned into walking daily (on average, I’m walking nearly six miles per day). However, the concept is the same; I am diligently working out daily and partnering with the Lord.

This morning, I was contemplating skipping my walk due to the rain. Shortly afterwards, it occurred to me that if I skipped today, it would be so easy to skip tomorrow, as well. Before I’d know it, I would be falling back into the routine of not walking at all. After some thought—although the circumstances weren’t ideal—I decided to press through and continue on with my morning walk.

While I was walking, I realized something. As much as I prefer walking in nice weather, the rain makes me appreciate the bright and sunny days all the more! I began to cultivate a heart of gratitude, walking in the rain, when I felt the Lord’s presence come upon me in a powerful way. I then heard Him say to me, “Many of my children have been encountering turbulence and a real feeling of heaviness. Tell them that I am with them, even through the rainy and seemingly dreary seasons. Truly I am with My people through every season of the soul!

“My very Presence is hovering over My children. The enemy would love to tempt you to quit, to stop praying because you haven’t seen the answers that you’ve been hoping for. However, the difficult situations that many of you are facing will come to an end, and there will be a good outcome! Even as in the weather patterns in the natural can change very abruptly, so it will be with the spiritual seasons many have been walking through. The storm clouds will soon dissipate, and the sun will rise with healing in its wings (Malachi 4:2).”

The Lord is saying, “Many of you have been faithfully plowing the ground, diligently interceding on behalf of people and situations that may seem beyond repair. Know this,” says the Lord, “there is nothing too difficult for Me! Your prayers and petitions have not gone by unnoticed; indeed, the prayer bowls are tipping! I am moving, I am working, and I am shifting even the most stubborn obstacles. I am working in your favor!”

In the Bible, we read about the woman who wanted justice; day and night, she continually went before the judge with her case. Though this judge neither feared God nor man, he eventually gave into her because she wore him out with her constant petitions. How much more will our Heavenly Father bring justice to those who keep asking and praying? Beloved, God is saying today, “I am with you through every season of the soul!” Be encouraged, because truly your situations are shifting for the better. Keep persevering; do not give up nor lose hope, for you are on the verge of mighty breakthrough!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. | Isaiah 40:11

As I was praying for my own children this morning (as I do most days), I heard the Lord say, “My hand is upon your children!”

As the Lord continued to speak to me, I sensed that this was a word of encouragement for others, as well. Any good parent truly wants nothing but the best for their child. We try to do our best to protect them from as much pain as humanly possible, and guide them along the right path. However, as much as we love our kids, God in His perfection loves them even more (Matthew 7:11). He is able to see things that we, in our limited humanness, can’t always see. As we commit our children to Him—even on a daily basis—He is able to perfect all that concerns us, because of His perfect and flawless love.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands (Psalm 138:8).

I sense that there are those who have prayed countless prayers and cried many tears of intercession concerning their children. The Lord wants you to know today that His hand is upon them! He has neither been blind to your tears, nor deaf to your cries. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, “He makes all things beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Often times, the enemy seeks to get us to fall into discouragement when outwardly, we may not be seeing many changes. However, the Lord is working His good in all situations. A powerful illustration a dear friend of mine recently shared with me is this: even as water in a river works overtime and begins to erode pebbles—making them round and smooth—that is how the Lord is working to soften even the hardest of hearts. He is, once again, turning the hearts of the father towards the children, and the children’s hearts to the father (Malachi 4:6). Be encouraged today, and know that God has His hand upon your children! Indeed, He knows the plans He has for them: plans to prosper them and never to harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I also sense the Lord saying that He is restoring family units, and even generational blessings that the enemy has sought to keep buried. There are many who have been diligently contending for their bloodlines. Know this: the Lord is restoring the ancient ruins and bringing beauty out of the ashes! He wants you to know that your prayers have not been in vain, for the powerful effective prayer of a righteous person avails much (James 5:16).

Lastly, I hear the Lord saying, “Expect a different and positive outcome this time. Do not continue to look to the former, or rehash hurts of the past.” Truly in this hour, He is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). The door is closing on past disappointments; the sun is rising, and a new day is dawning! Expects nothing but the very best, for our God is a good, good Father!

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them (Psalm 126:5).

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. | Romans 8:11

As I was on my morning walk today, I heard the Lord say to me, “My resurrection power is hovering over your life!” Immediately, I was reminded of Elevation Worship’s song, “Resurrecting”:

By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat
The resurrected King, is resurrecting me
In Your name I come alive
To declare Your victory
The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

— Elevation Worship, “Resurrecting”

I was so moved as I heard the Lord speak this. I sense that many—myself included—have been contending for victory and breakthrough for so long, but have not seen much movement. However, I believe that the Lord’s heart of encouragement is so strong for the Body in this hour. He is saying to us, “I am rewarding your faith!” This is a holy and significant time, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord wants us to know that He is truly resurrecting what has appeared to be dead and beyond hope. His resurrection power is hovering over our lives, even now!

The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic (Psalm 29:4).

The Lord is declaring victory! Even now, you are rising from the very ashes of defeat that have sought to keep you in despair. You will see the promises that God has spoken over your life be fulfilled, even as it was with Abraham (Hebrews 11:18). Beloved, be encouraged! No matter how bleak and hopeless your circumstances may appear in the natural, God is moving mightily on your behalf. You will be astounded by how He comes through for you!

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Let faith and hope arise! Your God is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). Your best days are rapidly approaching, and you will see and declare the goodness of God in the Land of the Living (Psalm 27:13). Truly the Lord’s resurrection power is hovering over your life!