Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1-2 NKJV
Yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing a gathering of our pastors and leaders in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The city is still mostly in masks. Businesses and churches are still observing precautions and protocols. For many the last year has been a tremendous hardship. Yet they are all still here. On this Saturday, we officially welcomed a new member of the group. We met from 8 AM until 10:45, at which time the temperature surpassed 100 degrees. There was no AC. It was hot, we were all sweating, yet the passion for the Word and to hear the vision of the Lord was tangible in the place. People hung around to pray for one another and fellowship.
After the meeting, I listened to testimonies about churches that have built new buildings, planted new works, salvaged existing churches that were failing, and added improvements to existing facilities. Nobody, not one, complained to me about how hard it’s been, though I know it has been hard for everyone. Overall, I just had the sense that everyone is expecting great things in the days ahead. There is something happening here.
As we gather in our home churches today, I want to encourage you to look up, look around, and look ahead. God has brought us through, and in the process, He has done great things in us and for us. Be bold enough to look past the current circumstances and the scars of battles past, and see the glory that lies ahead. It’s there. Don’t miss it!
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