Many of you reading this word will be coming forth from a place of severe testing into a place of promise and power!
It will be a fantastic and fruitful season for you.
When Jesus completed His time of testing in the wilderness He went in the power of the Spirit throughout Galilee, "proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people." (Matthew 4:23)
When Israel came out of their time of testing in the wilderness, they entered their Promised Land (read the books of Exodus and Joshua).
Over the years I have consistently observed this pattern in the lives of Believers. Following a time of testing there is the fulfillment of promise and power. I have known this to be true in my own life also. There are a few points to observe in the two scenarios mentioned above that will help position you for the best season ever.
Key #1: Face Temptation with a Determination to Overcome
Jesus did not flee from the pressure of the enemy and neither did He fear or weaken in the midst of the tempter's assault. He faced every temptation with a sure and confident determination to overpower the lies of the enemy. Israel, on the other hand, caved in very quickly when they faced difficulties. They chose to fear rather than face the temptations with faith. As a result, an entire generation did not enter the Promised Land. What lies are the enemy whispering in your ears? You are not weak – you are strong. Jesus has already faced and overcome every temptation and you can, too. Believe the Word and overcome!
Key #2: War With the Word
There is a difference between simply hearing while mentally agreeing with the Word and truly believing the Word. The Israelites had heard the Word of the Lord. They had a sure promise that was confirmed with miracles, signs, and wonders, and yet they disbelieved. They were excited when all was well, but they caved in quickly when opposition came. If they had believed the Word the Lord spoke they could have used that as a weapon against all their doubts and fears, but they did not believe the Word. Jesus, however, not only knew the promises of the Scriptures but He believed them and used them as a weapon. You can fight the lies of the enemy with the Word. Truth will always prevail. Stand on the Truth and stand on your promises.
Key #3: Keep Your Focus on God
If your focus is on your problems or the obstacles before you, they will be empowered. You always empower what you focus on. Israel lost sight of God easily and they focused more on the obstacles and the lack around them than on God. They empowered the problems. Jesus, on the other hand, maintained a right focus. He never took His eyes off God and, as a result, when the period of testing was over He went forth in the power and might of God and fulfilled His destiny. Whatever you are facing right now, God is bigger and He has a plan for your victory. Focus on Him. Praise Him. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Keep your focus on God and you will surely overcome and be released into the fullness of all that has been promised you in Christ.
Key #4: Perseverance Assures a Great Outcome
Jesus endured until He won the victory. He persevered with faithfulness and refused to serve the lies and offers of the devil. He locked into God and persevered. In the wilderness we learn perseverance. There are times when it feels like you are walking through a very dry place where God is nowhere to be found. These are times when you need to stand faithful and believe God and His promises. Remember the victory is waiting to manifest. Hang in there. Israel lacked perseverance – Christ did not. What outcome would you like in your life?
Many of you are ready for a glorious promotion and release of blessing in the Kingdom. You are going to see awesome displays of His power and miracles on your behalf. Remain faithful and keep your eyes on Him. Your breakthrough is here!
I believe this Scripture will be a great encouragement to you:
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert, your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:8-10
Patricia King
XPminsitries
