Waiting in the Wings

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Tag: Scripture: 1 Peter

Our Weakness, God’s Strength

“Lamb of God ” by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (TPT) But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. 

I must admit that there are times when I have viewed a picture of a lamb and cringed. It’s not because I dislike how they look. On the contrary, such gentle and innocent faces are precious. However, it has been hard for me to accept that such sweet creatures were God’s choice as a sacrifice. In just the same way, our sinless and meek Savior—the Lamb of God—was God’s choice to bring atonement for the world.

It took me some time to recognize why the image of a lamb makes me uncomfortable—it’s because, for better or for worse, I can identify with it. As one who operates as a prophetic intercessor (also known as the gift of mercy), God built suffering for Christ’s sake into my design, physically and spiritually. Sharing the burdens of others and the things that wound the heart of God isn’t always easy. I hurt, I cry, I lose sleep. I act on God’s behalf when He moves me to. I share the Father’s grief, sometimes at deep levels. And while I’m called to bring each burden to the Cross through prayer, it takes a measure of vulnerability to do this spiritual work. Often, I feel as vulnerable as a little lamb.

It should come as no surprise—we frequently see the power of God demonstrated through the weak things of this world. Suffering for Christ’s sake requires that we embrace weakness and pain—even when we have the power to avoid it. In moments of suffering, whether through intercession or trials, I often discover how the ways of the flesh cannot compare to the power of the Spirit. We can move mountains through prayer, turn away wrath with a gentle reply, and calm storms with the peace of Christ. When we are strong, it is natural for us to lean on the resources of our natural man. Yet when we are weak, we truly learn what it means to overcome!

Indeed, our King has led the way and set the example for us. Christ proved that great love and self-sacrifice could break the power of death. He demonstrated that, when we allow ourselves to become vulnerable before God, we can open the door to experience His glory at deeper and deeper levels. We can see how mighty God can be when we yield and allow Him to work through us.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [He was] bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace [was] upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

1 Peter 4:13, 16 (NKJV) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy…. Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Rest In My Strength

2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP) but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

Beloved, I am your strength. I am the very power that sustains your life. My ability to sustain you is much more than physical, and it is always available for you to draw on. However, never is My keeping power more apparent than in times when you feel the weakest. Yes, times of trial can be humbling. Through them, you learn to draw on My strength day to day, and moment to moment when necessary. But I do not wish for you lose sight of this truth, for this is who I am to all the days of your life.

Therefore, resist the urge to hide from Me during the day of your trouble. I can handle your questions, your tears, your doubts, and even your anger. Instead of running away from Me, run towards My loving embrace. I am your strong tower, your place of refuge. Together we will face every situation and thought that threatens to overcome you.

As you seek the shelter of My wings, I will illuminate the heart of the Scriptures to you. You will know peace even in the face of difficulty and uncertain times. I give peace not as the world gives it; My peace reminds you of the depth of My care for you—it is unending. It was never My intention that you face this world alone, struggling from day to day to find your way. All things are in My hand and I desire that you not only survive but thrive. It is My good pleasure and duty to be your comfort, provision, wisdom, vision, and hope. In the day of your trouble, rest in this truth, beloved; it will carry you through.

Remember, the stormy seas will calm. The onslaught of men will abate. The dawn will finally come. Good times will return to you, even though they may seem out of sight in this moment. And when they do come, be certain to take My perfect peace with you. Rest in My strength always, knowing that the one who cares for you will always keep you.

Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

John 14:27 (NKJV) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

Rise Up

“Wake Up” – by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

Rise up, My people, rise up. The alarm sounds for the time of war, and I need you to be awake and vigilant. There is much territory for the kingdom of light to take, and I have fully equipped you to cast out the kingdom of darkness. Therefore, take care not become lax and forget who you are and what I have called you to do. Resist the voice of defeat which would have you believe you are a victim of any earthly circumstance. Shake off the weariness of past battles fought in your own strength. A new day of war is ahead—a war already won by My might and My Spirit.

Behold, you are not ordinary—you are extraordinary, beloved ones. Your citizenship belongs to the Kingdom which is above. To possess a heavenly citizenship carries more weight than you realize. You are My kingly priests anointed for war, commissioned to take territory in My name. Resist the urge to become overwhelmed or discouraged by your commission; everything that you need to walk in this high calling is found in My all-encompassing Presence.

I have given you heavenly armor that will protect you from every attack of the evil one. And by My Spirit, you carry My holy vessels into the earthly battlefield. No weapon formed against you can prosper. No judgment made against you can stand. And no battle is too fierce for you, My people. For the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is always with you. When you rise up, I arise with you. When you agree to follow My lead and take new territory, I fight on your behalf. Therefore, again I say, My people, rise up! Rejoice, for your victory is always assured!

1 Peter 5:8 (AMPC) Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Numbers 10:35 (NKJV) So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: “Rise up, O LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.”

Numbers 23:24 (VOICE) Look at this people rise up like a lion, like a lion who gets up and does not lie down until it devours its prey, even drinking the blood of the slain.

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