THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY SEEM
Pastor Jim Sanderbeck
May 11, 2023
Over the past 2 weeks, Holy Spirit has been prophesying to me that a large number of believers have become weary in well-doing. Fatigue has set in. Disheartened and disappointed in the delay of answered prayers—especially for the nation. Many believers are losing their passion for the Kingdom and doubting that what they had believed has dissolved in front of their eyes. Distractions of health and circumstances just never seem to go away.
My Friends, we are in a spiritual war and it is not easy. No one ever said it would be easy but you have been chosen and prepared for this hour. These devilish conditions are clearly designed to weaken your victory resolve. Jesus had the answer: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (NASB)
Fatigue has set in from all of the distractions and it is as if the “hang on ‘til Jesus comes” lie is again finding traction in the soul. We know that this “hang on” lie has been one of the greatest disservices to believers. It created an “escape mentality” that has kept believers from entering the stewardship of the planet through Jesus from being fulfilled.
I have been especially reflecting on the prophet Habakkuk. Holy Spirit is showing me that this Book is especially noteworthy right now. I’m highlighting 3 passages that are pertinent to the condition of many. All the passages sited are from the Message Bible which makes it very clear and contemporary.
This first passage reflects to us exactly where we are right now as a culture and a nation.
Hab 1:2-4 GOD, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!" before you come to the rescue? 3 Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. 4 Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head.
[The Lord Answers]
Hab 1:5 "Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something's about to take place and you're going to find it hard to believe.
Of course, the battle between good and evil is hard. Lawlessness, injustice, lying, and horrific perversions are everywhere and getting worse daily. Unrighteous men and women who have forsaken God have been given over to a reprobate mind. (Romans 1:18-32) The things they utter are not logical or based on any facts known to be true. But God has spoken prophetically and the common thread of His Words has been that He will deliver, bring accountability and justice will be administered. God has not changed His mind!
The second passage encourages us to record the vision so that it is not forgotten and encourages us to run towards its fulfillment with active faith and victorious hope in our hearts.
Hab 2:2-4 And then GOD answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.
Hab 2:3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time.
Hab 2:4 "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.
I encourage you to be steady in your believing because, in that you are fully alive.
In the third passage, the prophet begins to rejoice in spite of all visible signs of depravity. In faith, we must stand against what is seen and believe what is unseen.
Hab 3:17 Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,
Hab 3:18 I'm singing joyful praise to GOD. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Hab 3:19 Counting on GOD's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!
If you are running on a low tank of spiritual fuel or if you have leaked some of the power of the Holy Spirit, take a lesson from Habakkuk. God enables us when we need it to be able to see as He sees. Look through the eyes of the Spirit. Everything is going to be alright IF we will stay engaged with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There is no devil or demonic force able to withstand our God. Having done all STAND! Get into fellowship with those who are standing. Encourage one another in the Lord. TOGETHER, WE CAN!! Jesus is now counting on us! Nehemiah, when there was much danger and signs of war, said ‘go to your place on the wall with your weapons and your tools. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet rally to that place. Our God will fight for us.’ (Neh. 4:15-23)
My Brothers and Sisters, lift up your heads. Run to the mountain from which comes your strength. Plant your feet firm and keep your eyes on the prize. God has a plan. Stick with it. Stick with Him. You will not be disappointed.
Rom 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.
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