The Second Act

The Lord has been dealing with us about preparation for quite some time now; I wonder though, do we fully grasp what we are preparing for. We use all of the famous buzz words: the Harvest, the Rapture, the latter rain, but those words only capture the higher level of the prophesies. Have you ever really (really) thought about it on a more granular level – like what will the latter rain actually bring or how will you react when something undeniably supernatural occurs? (I say undeniably because our flesh can sometimes convince us otherwise). Pastor speaks often about miracles and how the Lord is preparing us; but it wasn’t until I really mediated on the thought that I had a better appreciation for how real all this is and how close we are to performing and witnessing even greater works of Jesus.

The scriptures tell us that in the last days our sons and daughters will prophesy, our young men will see visions and our old men will dream dreams (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17). Are you prepared for a John-like vision that inspired the book of Revelation? Some of those details are seriously startling, if not fear-invoking – the beasts and dragon with multiple heads, warring angels and demons, God unleashing judgement upon the world…the list goes on. Are you truly prepared?

I have been studying some of the earlier apostolic movements. One of the accounts – which has been playing over and over in my mind – was about a child who had a deformed leg and when the saints prayed over him, the leg grew to normal size right before their eyes. These stories and accounts, they pump us up; but let’s be honest with ourselves, are we prepared to see the miracles of God without running for the nearest exit? Many of us think we are. What if you physically saw (with your own eyes) the demon or demons that possessed someone; would that be the breaking point that pushed you out the door? The Lord will test us. Be certain you are prepared.

The Apostles were privileged to be in Jesus’ inner most group; but they left everything behind to do so—their jobs, their family, their life goals. When Jesus called them, they turned from their lives and immediately obeyed His commandment to follow (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16, Luke 5:2). Scripture tells us that the gospel will be preached in all the world unto all nations and then the end shall come (Matthew 24:14). What if Jesus calls you to minister somewhere out of your comfort zone? Will you obey and follow? We need to be prepared for the calling.

It was the miracles of Jesus, and the Apostles, that drew in the multitudes and sparked the fire. The teaching of the Word is what kept the fire burning. Time will not change that for us; it is written: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do…” (John 14:12). This season of preparation is for the “second act” – the miracles and teachings that will bring forth the end-time revival and harvest that were prophesied many years ago. We must allow the Lord to prepare us for His will in our lives; do not let pride get in the way of your calling. Ask Jesus to reveal your shortcomings; ask Him to help with your unbelief; ask Him to give you the spirit of fasting and prayer. Those who ask, shall receive (that is also written!). “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7).

Jesus, I ask you to help me receive what you have spoken over my life. Prepare me and guide me in wisdom for your great works. Search me for anything that may hinder your purpose and your will. In your mighty name, I pray. Amen.