Let it Rain...

I wish you could have heard my conversation with God this morning as I was getting ready for work. My flesh wanted to be ill and grumpy that it was Monday, but God was speaking so I stopped to listen. I'm not a morning person, and definitely not typically a Monday person. I love what I do, but I also like my sleep. This morning my flesh wanted to be ill that it was raining and I have morning car duty. God was clear...what happens in the physical/natural is a picture of what is happening in the spiritual realm. It was then I knew I had a choice...I could deny my flesh and take up my cross, or I could let my flesh win and be ill all day. It's a choice in the mornings as to whether we are going to walk in His strength or walk in our own strength. This morning I chose His strength. I've been smiling all day....despite things that frustrated me, things that could have gotten me discouraged, side tracked, or even down...I've been smiling. The weather forecast is for rain a lot this week, and I'm okay with that. It's a symbol of what is going on in the spiritual realm...God is raining down His spirit on those that are willing vessels. Those children of the Most High that are willing, desperate, and seeking more of Him. Just as the rain showers over this week are forecasted to be scattered, God's rain may seem that way as well. It's not because He doesn't desire to pour out His spirit on everyone, but not everyone is willing. There is a body of people, believers even out there that are okay to be okay. They are content to stay in their comfort zone. They are content to do things the way they have always done, content to be who they have always been. There is a group of people content to listen to God on Sunday, maybe even leave those sins, burdens, worries at the altar...but the minute the devil throws it back their way they catch it and hold on to it again. There is a people plainly put that are lukewarm. They aren't really on fire for God and they aren't really cold towards Him either. They have a lot of head knowledge, are probably even saved...but are walking without power and without the victory that He said they could have. See God doesn't force His gifts on us...He doesn't sit by each day and say now come on, you know I gave you___________ to use. He lovingly asks us to use them, shows us how, and even provides a way...but the choice is ours to walk it out.

So God let it rain...open the windows of Heaven and let it rain. I'm beyond excited about what He is already doing and what He is going to continue to do. See I've seen it over the last couple of months. I've seen chains broken, I've felt His prompting, I've listened to His whispers, and I've watched Him move...I've walked into a place one way and walked out lighter. I've lost who I thought I was only to find out who He said I was. I've felt the freedom and the peace when He takes something and holds on to it. It's more than just leaving it at the altar...leaving it in His hands means the enemy can't throw it back at you the next day. I've prayed prayers I didn't understand and I've read with new eyes His word full of revelation. This is what running the race feels like....for so long it was a crawl, and then the walk seemed to keep going and going. Freedom is running knowing that God isn't just at the finish line, but running beside you. Freedom is drawing the line in the sand and telling the enemy this means war...and armoring up.

It's raining this week...in the physical/natural and in the spiritual. God is pouring out so much that there is going to be more than can be imagined, an overflow of His presence, His mercy, His grace, and His power! (If you are not able to attend Restoring Hope's conference/revival this week...download the app Periscope. I promise you...you will be blessed!) .