For Such a Time as This

The time is early 1900s – something is stirring in the natural world and also in the spiritual realm. As Israel declares itself a nation, the Holy Spirit is pouring out fire from the heavens in what will become known as the Azusa Street and Latter Rain revival. The drought was over; the seasonal rain had begun again.

Before I go on, in order to get a full understanding of where we are in the season, we need a quick lesson in Israel’s natural features and agricultural calendar. Deuteronomy 11:10-12, “For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven…” Said another way, the Israelites were going into a desert and their only sufficient source of water would come directly from God in the form of rain. The early rain, which began in October, was lighter and purposed to soften the dry ground for ploughing and sowing. The harder, later downpours that came in the early spring months ripened (or matured) the crops for reaping. These rains worked in unity – one could not produce the harvest without the other.

Back to present day – something mighty is stirring in the atmosphere again. As Israel prepares to reign for 1,000 years, the Heavens have opened and the most powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit is upon us. This rain has a two-fold purpose. The first is to mature and empower the saints to preach the Gospel to all the nations (Matthew 24:14, Ephesians 4:12-16), and the second is to bring to maturity all that God has planted in the earth (Leviticus 26:4). It is the harvest rain!

A few days ago, I was in prayer and the Lord showed me a massive, dark storm cloud rolling over a countryside. The storm was still a far off, but nearing closer with every moment. My first reaction was dread. I started thinking about all the possible trials that have and could occur in my life. I felt fear come over me; I was blinded by negativity. It wasn’t until a day later that Jesus opened my eyes to a different perspective. The Lord was showing me that His Word stands and a great rain is on the horizon. (Joel 2:23, Hosea 6:3)

Arise, Church! The time is now. You can feel the droplets in the atmosphere. Let the prophetic words of our Pastor ring through your ears, “This is the time. You are in the middle of His will and the promise is yours.” Maturing may happen quickly now, just as in the spring when seedlings finally burst from the soil, but do not fear the works of the Lord; we were born for such a time as this!

Lord, I thank you for your promise of rain. You are faithful and true. Help us to rise up to the calling you have put upon our lives. Give us the wisdom and the strength we need to mature in this time. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray.