A Turning Point is Coming
Updated: Jan 17, 2022
In November, I shared a post titled “Urgent Message”. In it I summarized the words and images God gave me over the course of a couple days. It was a difficult word. I wrote it quickly,waited, prayed for multiple confirmations, and then posted it with reluctance.
This week, God has been speaking to me about this post. I believe I made an error in the way I communicated the message. It didn’t underscore the “Good News.” I know God’s heart is to comfort, encourage, and support all of us during this difficult time in history. That is not what came across in that post and I am truly sorry. This blog is a “Take Two.”
Yesterday, after working for several hours on this post, I came across a message on YouTube by a Pastor in Tennessee. As I began to listen, I could hardly believe my ears. He said many of the same things I had just written. (I included the link to this message at the end of this post)
God is about to do something big! We can rest, a turning point is coming.
The Israelites experienced this while in Egypt.(Exodus,Chapters 4-16) Their enemy held them captive for generations. God heard their cries and Moses was commissioned to go and lead them out of slavery. But many months after his arrival and 9 plagues later, the Israelites not only remained under Pharaohs heavy hand, his grip on them was tighter than ever. It looked as if all hope was lost, but the truth was:
A Miracle Deliverance was Just Around the Corner.
Friends, the heavy hand that oppresses people today is not a political party, a leader, or an industry. Satan is behind everything that is going on. Like Pharaoh, he wants to take us captive and be our god. His goal is our total obedience and worship. He is a formidable opponent and in our own strength we do not have what it takes to defeat him, but God does.
Have you been distraught by the increasing deception, loss of freedom, and oppression in our world? Do you feel hopeless? There are days I am too. This past week, I was made aware of some unconscionable plans being implemented at the state level where I live. A link to a document posted on the government web site gave the shocking details. After reading it I remained cool, calm, and collected. That’s a lie. Actually, I totally freaked out and contacted our realtor. Thoughts of homesteading deep in the woods of a neighboring state seemed right and good!
Eventually, I calmed down and decided to pray. I got out my journal, and some words from a previous prayer entry jumped out at me. God had warned me in advance through prayer:
“Shelter in Place, Bumpy Roads Ahead, Imminent Delivery.”
(So, I guess we’re not moving after all!)
The Israelites followed the instructions given by Moses in advance of the10th and final plague. Each family applied the blood of a lamb to the doorframe of their home. Then they packed their bags, put on their traveling clothes, and sheltered in place. They believed God was about to deliver them from their enemies and they were “ready to go.”
Are you ready to go? Friends, none of us know what the future holds. As a believer, we can be at rest and have peace in the middle of any storm, because we are saved by our faith in the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ.
My journey of faith began on a rare visit to Sunday School when I was 5. That is when I learned of a loving heavenly Father who sent his only Son Jesus to die on a cross in my place. I believed the message and asked Jesus to forgive my sins and be my Lord and Savior. I hitched rides to church sporadically throughout my childhood into my teen years. But I lacked assurance. Every time I was given the chance, I prayed the sinner’s prayer again, just to make sure I was good with God.
Maybe you have a similar story. You were raised in a Christian home and heard about Jesus, but lack assurance you’re saved. You can change that. God invites you to apply the blood of his Son, the Lamb of God, to the entrance of your heart. I have included the Prayer of Salvation at the end of this post for those who are interested in taking this step of faith.
Total dependence on God for salvation is freeing. This is what the Israelites discovered. During the night, behind the unmarked, bloodless doorways of the Egyptians, every firstborn child died but death passed over the Israelite homes. The next morning, Pharoah set them free just like God said He would. The Israelites left Egypt and began their journey with God leading the way. His presence guided them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Have you totally surrendered your life to Jesus? Are you seeking His presence and letting Him lead the way? Notice the Israelites didn’t each take off in different directions and ask God to join them. No, they stayed together. They followed God together. This is a good picture of what God wants for you and I. Friend, you will not make it on your own. There is strength and safety in numbers.
I spent quite a few years of my early adult life pretty isolated from Christian community. I often went to church, but didn’t have many close Christian friendships. You know what else I didn’t have? Victory. Things changed for me when I made growing in community a priority in my life. I’ve seen God do one miracle after another since then.
You can experience this too. If you don’t know how to find a community of believers, just pray for one. I promise, God will answer. This past year, I’ve been a part of several groups. We get together weekly to have fun, support each other, grow, and pray. They have been a lifeline for my husband and I. When I am down and lack faith, the courage filled words of others in my group bring me back up. Courage, like fear is contagious.
Not long after the Israelites left Egypt, they lacked courage and caved to fear. They saw Pharoah’s army marching towards them, but had nowhere to run. It looked like God had led them straight into a dead end. But one person stayed calm and courageous in the face of the crisis: Moses. Standing in front of the people he said:
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the
deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
Exodus 14:13
Friends, this is what God is saying to us too. A turning point is coming. One way or another, like the Israelites, we will cross over the Red Sea that is before us. A miracle deliverance is around the corner. This could happen one of two ways. Either Jesus will return and take us to be with Him in Heaven. Or, His presence will remain in us while He makes a way where there seems to be no way. What is our part? Be Ready!
Trust in Jesus-the Lamb of God
Shelter in Place
& Stay Connected to God's Presence in Community.
This is how to experience God's rest and peace as we wait for our deliverance from evil. Amen!
Resources:
Here's Some Related Messages I Found Encouraging:
Pastor Kent Christmas: A Blast Coming
Pastor Robert Morris: He Protects
Dutch Sheets: Know Your Enemy
A Prayer for Salvation
Father, it is written in Your Word that if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that You have raised Him from the dead, I shall be saved.
Therefore, Father, I confess that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. I believe in my heart He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. I am closing the door to my past life, and starting a new one with you. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sin and making me a new creation. I want everything you died to give me. Lead, guide and empower me to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Amen.
MY STORY
The book Love Gone Wrong is available at most book retail stores like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Aunties Book Store, and for a reduced price at laurelbahr.com/shop My two friends and I wrote this book and believe our stories can help anyone in an abusive, unhealthy relationship.
