Early Predictor

As I scrolled through my work email today, one particular headline caught my attention – “Early Predictor.” The article was centered on the current “inverted yield curve” as evidence for an upcoming economic downturn. Quick finance lesson: an inverted yield curve is simply when a short-term U.S. treasury is paying a higher interest rate than long-term U.S. treasuries. It is completely backwards – an inconsistency in the bond market and an early predictor of past recessions since the early 1900s.

The author proclaimed this event as just a symptom, comparing it to a fever – not serious in itself, but a sign you have an infection or some other ailment. He notes, “An inverted yield curve means something is wrong in our economic body.” As I read through the article, the Holy Ghost began to remind me about the moments of spiritual weakness and apathy in my own life. Reflecting back, I have no doubt that there were always “early predictors” warning of a destructive path ahead. Sometimes we take heed, while other times, out of foolishness and haste, we overlook or ignore the symptom. It snowballs and then we find ourselves in a faithless (and ineffective) place of doubt and fear.

It is impossible to operate in the fullness of God in this state of unbelief. Neither your mountain nor your neighbor’s mountain will move when you are doubtful and out of the will of God. Mathew 21:21, “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done.’”

Our spiritual health is dependent upon the continual examination and preparation of our heart (2 Chronicles 12:14). If an inconsistency to God’s Word exists within us, we must find a place of repentance and allow the Lord to correct and transform us. Otherwise, the inconsistency (or early predictor) – worry, hate, envy, pride, bitterness and any other impurity – will root inside of us and lead to a spiritual downturn. The lost cannot be reached in this condition. King David said it best, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me….Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalm 51:10-19.

The Lord has been dealing with us about a new season and operating in a higher dimension of spiritual authority. Brother Solomon’s word last Sunday was just another confirmation of what has been spoken over our lives. Do not take his (or any other) prophetic word lightly. If you think Satan is going to give up without a fight, you are completely mistaken. We need to prepare ourselves for a fierce battle. Examine your heart; be mindful of and ask the Lord to remove any early predictors. Your great enemy is on the prowl and will stop at nothing to devour your soul (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks only to destroy.

Lord, thank you for discernment and wisdom in my times of weakness. Test my heart daily; show me the impurities that exist within me. Let me not be deceived by my enemy and fall back to my sinful nature. In Jesus Name. Amen.