Send revival

I couldn’t sleep. When this happens I know the Holy Spirit is waking me up to pray and seek His face. I am so heavy-hearted for our country and world in the lostness and evil that prevails. It is easy to see that we are in a spiritual battle. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me tonight to get up and pray for all the pastors and leaders in the church to stand firm in this battle. I pray for Godly wisdom as they continue to seek Him first. I pray for them as they lead us into the next chapter opening before us.

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”  – Deuteronomy 31:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

I never want to be divisive in the body as Christ. If I treaded into those waters in my last post, I apologize. Bill isn’t the pastor of a local church right now, however, in his new role with the International Mission Board, he is in touch with more pastors across the US than ever before. Our hearts are heavy with the burdens they are carrying. This is uncharted territory that is incredibly difficult to navigate. I wanted to say how thankful we are for our pastors and church leadership, throughout the church as a whole, who are leading the flock at such a difficult time. Our family members and dearest friends are pastors…this was our life for 36 years; I guess it will always be our hearts. We continue to pray for them as they lead through. We love and respect these men and women who have been called out for the special purpose of leading the bride of Christ. You guys aren’t alone…your people love you and pray for you. We pledge to help hold up your arms because I know they are burning from lifting such a load and you are weary.

The devil wants nothing more than for your faith to waver. He wants the church to be divided on the details. The more divided we become the more he laughs. In our experience, what seems to hold true in each crisis is to cling more closely to Jesus, each other, and follow the church leadership. Seek Christ in our words and actions. Stay in the Word and prayer. Let’s stand as the church united as we begin to move from separation back to gathering. My prayer in all of this is that Jesus would be lifted high and that all men would see and experience His saving grace. I pray this would bring revival! Down through history we see each major revival has come during times of crisis. Nothing is more important! Jesus is bigger than anything we face in this life! He is in control and we need to trust Him. Let’s never take our eyes off of Him because, unfortunately, we find ourselves in the middle of the lake! We will sink like a stone if we don’t focus on Him.

We must recognize who this struggle is against as we unite together under the cross of Christ! “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ” – Ephesians 6

Have you noticed that the wind has shifted? We seem to be at a change-point in this chaos as the tides of patience and cooperation have turned to impatience and unsettledness across our country, states, and towns. People seem to be screaming, “we can’t do this anymore…want our lives back.” It is my belief that it is clearly time to move forward, taking intentional and appropriate steps to bring us back to a sort of normalcy. We cannot keep waiting! The powers of this world have us right where they want us. They managed to get us to close up church! Did you ever think you would live to see that happen? They will continue to lead us to believe the sky is falling. They will say anything to keep us out of church. They will say wait a few more weeks, then a few more, then they decide we shouldn’t ever go back, for our safety, of course. They aren’t for us! They will beat us down as long as we comply.

I believe we are at a prophetic time in history. It is a time to stand for what is right even as the martyrs around the world have for centuries. We’ve had it easy in America thus far…times are changing.  Let’s make sure our faithfulness doesn’t.

Just Jesus,

Sheri