Sunday Supernaturally: Pressured for a Purpose

Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the LORD hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. 

Exodus 40:36-38 NLT

I had a meeting online yesterday with several pastors.  At one point I asked them to share what they were preaching on, or what the Lord is saying to them in the current season as we come out the other end of the pandemic tunnel. Four pastors responded and I thought there was instruction in their answers for all of us.   Here are the four subjects and a thought on each one:

• Journeying through the desert.  God never promised we would avoid the desert.  He did, however, promise to provide for us if we will follow the cloud of His Presence.  (See above)
• It’s a time to consecrate ourselves to God.  If we have learned anything from the past year, it has been how inadequate we are in ourselves, and how little the wise of the world really know.  “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.” (2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV)”
• We have to learn to Hear the voice of God.  He alone knows what’s coming in the days ahead.  He will prepare us and guide us through it if we will listen.  “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27 NKJV)”
• Jesus is coming, and we need a revival of the power and demonstration of the Spirit in our world.  “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NKJV)”

We have been through a time of pressure, preparation, and perseverance.  The purpose of pressure is to eliminate the dross and harden the steel.  If you’re still standing, it’s time to shine.  Let’s do this!