This past year was a dry one. You wouldn't know it looking around right now here in Illinois because most of the fields are harvested (at least what could be harvested) and we've been getting rain ever since a revival service we had at Victory Christian Center when a new song was birthed that literally shook the heavens and made rain...downpours really. Thank You Lord for the rain!
While writing this blog this morning I'm stirred a little by that new song titled The Drought Is Over. This blog is not to bash what the Lord brought forth that night and in all actuality we're going to record that song. But a question is stirring in my spirit, "Jarrod, is the drought over?"
Maybe it's a question just for me or it might be convicting you too. This question is stirring me to reflect inward and see where my treasure is; what ground have I been tilling up for seeds to be planted; am I content in the things and systems of the world, etc.
There are dry times, I believe, in every Christians walk that drive them to the Father, drive them to His presence. It's like we're sponges that become dry and need to be dunked in the bucket again to be sopping wet! Those precious seasons that can be some misinterpreted actually help us go through the pruning, the cleaning, the preparation for the next level and next steps to be taken. I sense it.
My mentor Bill Swindle, an Elder at Victory Christian Center, recently sent some of the Jubilee Christian College students a video of late Pastor David Wilkerson preaching about A Call To Anguish.
Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27DIST8qO4I&feature=player_embedded
Honestly, this message made me uncomfortable and pierced me. Can I be open with you? It's so easy to become complacent and content where you are. I'm not questioning being content in our eternal security in the Lord, that's not what I'm saying. My point is that we become so content in the things and systems of this world that we forget the MAIN THING. We become entrapped with the Cares, Riches, And Pleasures of this world; which by the way is the acroynm...C.R.A.P. Sorry if that word offended you, it's the truth. (On a side note, I know I can be politically outspoken at times but I can't wait for the next 3 weeks to be gone and done with so that we can end this political battle, even within The Church. No more comments on that for now.)
I want to be a man after God's own heart. I don't want to just be a good husband or a good dad. That's not even average in today's culture. It is my desire to be a faithful, compassionate and spirit-filled husband and father that leads his family in righteousness even if it calls for radical faith in this age.
Please know that, jut like Apostle Paul, I do not claim to have this thing figured out, but that one thing I'm coming to grips with is to forget what is behind and press on toward that which God has called me for such a time as this. That 'forgetting' might even include the treasures we hold so dear that actually hold us back.
I'm simply sharing my heart with you and where I am with the Father. I hear His voice, feel His grip on my heart. It's convicting and THAT'S A GOOD THING! There's nothing like being in the presence of the Most Holy Living God which brings comfort, joy, conviction and transformation all at the same time.
I sense a genuine God encounter and a 'suddenly moment' coming Church! It's coming. In the words of the song The Drought Is Over..."I can hear the wind, I can smell the rain, I can see a cloud the size of a man's hand." FATHER RUIN US with the rains of Heaven and break our hearts for what breaks Yours.
I hope this challenges you as it has me. Please watch that message from Pastor David Wilkerson and feel free to comment and share how the Lord is moving in your life. May we draw closer to Him and be changed forever.
