Waiting in the Wings

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

Tag: Scripture: 2 Corinthians

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.

Come Out of the Box

“Dreaming and Rejoicing” by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

Beloved, come out of the box and come out of hiding. Come out of the trap of thoughts that keep you hidden in shame and fear. Refuse to let self-limiting mindsets restrict and contain you. For when you allow your insecurities to govern and control you, they also restrict the movement of My Spirit through you.

Instead of viewing yourself through the lens of your own weaknesses and failings, chose to see yourself as the temple of the Holy Spirit and a carrier of My Presence. I have designed you in such a way that I might dwell within you and express Myself through you. Therefore, permit Me to have free reign of your entire being. Make room for Me and invite Me to be enthroned in your mind, will, and emotions. I will fill all with My Word—the only authority I have sanctioned to govern you. 

Therefore, take inventory of the beliefs that are limiting you, beloved. Discard them, leaving behind the nature of your old man. Be set free and come delight in the liberty of love.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (VOICE) By “the Lord” what I mean is the Spirit, and in any heart where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is liberty.

1 John 4:18 (VOICE) Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love.

Worth the Price

Eyes of Mercy” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Ministries

Isaiah 53:5 (VOICE) But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so. Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him. He endured the breaking that made us whole. The injuries he suffered became our healing.

By design, I operate in the gift of mercy. However, I admit that the person I find it hardest to have mercy on is myself. Other than God, I alone know the depth of my sin. I know my record. I cringe when I see that the thoughts of my heart do not align with the heart of God. Unfortunately, harboring unforgiveness and contempt towards myself is a practiced behavior.

And yet, to be an intercessor, I know all too well about the power of Christ’s atonement. I know that the blood of Christ covers every sin, and it covers them completely. Therefore, my transgressions before God are erased because love keeps no record of wrongs. The battle against sin has been won. My true struggle is making a conscious choice to see myself the way that God now sees me; I am in the image of Christ, a perfect, blameless, and beautiful creation of the Eternal One.

One day, as I found myself struggling with self-condemnation, I asked the Father why I always find it so hard to receive His grace and forgiveness for what I view to be my shortcomings. I also recognized that I was prone to making a mountain out of the molehill of my wrongs.

“You have a fear that My grace is going to run out,” the Father said.

I frowned. With my head, I knew that Scripture states that God’s grace is sufficient for us. Christ’s sacrifice will always be enough. We will never run out of grace. And yet my heart struggled to accept this truth. The Father was right—I walked around with an unconscious fear that I would one day reach the end of His grace. Somehow, I felt like my past sins left me little room for error in the present.

“I guess every time I see where I’m falling short, I also see that there’s a cost,” I said. I found it hard to be patient with myself when my inability to conform to Christ’s image required constant atonement. It seemed like the Cross was that much nearer, and I felt like I was constantly adding another stripe upon my Savior’s back.

“Yes, it does cost something,” the Father said, agreeing with me. But then, in the Spirit, I could feel His love wrap around me, almost like He was picking me up and gathering me into His arms. “But just think about it—when you really love someone, do you ever think about what it costs to love them? Are you keeping a tally, afraid you will run out of love to give them?”

I smiled, reflecting on how easy it is to love someone in their brokenness when I am operating in mercy. No, I never think about the cost. When you love someone, they are worth the price. All I can think about is how much I love that person. And in that moment, I could understand that God felt the same way about me. I could understand why He is so patient and long-suffering in the face of my brokenness.

Yes, there is a cost for our past and present sin. A price was also paid to heal us of soul wounds that others may have inflicted upon us. New mindsets and healing don’t come overnight, no matter how much we wish they did. But God’s grace is enough for us. In fact, in light of the Cross, His love is extravagant. Through the atoning transaction at Calvary, Christ demonstrated with His death that our redemption was worth the price.

1 Corinthians 13:5-7 (TPT) Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (VOICE) and finally He said to me, “My grace is enough to cover and sustain you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” So ask me about my thorn, inquire about my weaknesses, and I will gladly go on and on—I would rather stake my claim in these and have the power of the Anointed One at home within me.

Allow My Love to Lift You

“Currents of His Love {Air}” – by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

2 Corinthians 12:9 (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.

Beloved child, you know well that I am the source and giver of your life. Your life-path is designed to be challenging so that you will continually prosper in new levels of spiritual maturity. However, your life was never meant to be burdensome. Yes, as you are faithful with the little I will entrust you with more. And with each spiritual increase, the expansion that I set before you may seem overwhelming and, at times, far outside of your power to handle. However, I never give you more than you can handle when you are willing to draw upon the strength provided by My Spirit.

You were not made to walk this life alone, forced to draw upon the resources of the fleshly and natural realm. You are born of the Spirit, and, as My child, I delight to give you everything you need. Therefore, come, beloved, abide fully in My grace. Resist the urge to let pride keep you in a state of independence. Instead, open your heart to receiving the help that you need. I will not make you feel ashamed in your weakness; indeed, I delight to lift you up and empower you so that you might flourish!

Therefore, trust My Spirit-wind to lift you and provide the support and strength beneath your wings of faith. I am faithful to carry you everywhere you need to go, and I will surely equip you for the great work I have called you to. Remain in life-union with Me, beloved, and allow My love to lift you.

Numbers 6:24-26 (AMPC) The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).

John 14:16-18  (NKJV) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

 

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.

Lead the Charge

“Anointed for War: Rallied Warriors” – by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

My vessel, you have been anointed for war. Even more, I have called you to lead others into battle. You know well that the weapons you wield are mighty in Me and not of this earth. I have anointed you with breakthrough power and might by My Spirit. Long-standing hinderances to the manifestation of My Kingdom will crumble when you lift up My Word as a banner. Through Me, you will overcome.

Through your wilderness training ground, you have been made ready for this day. A single mighty one in Me who clings to My Word is stronger than a military battalion. Therefore, know that as you build up and embolden others in the faith, the combined might of My Body will become the strongest force on earth. Resist the urge to focus on your weaknesses and shortcomings. Doing so will only cause you to lose sight of the vision I have placed in you. Instead, trust in My judgment. I have chosen you, and I have chosen well. Remember, I do not choose leaders based on their outward appearance or natural capabilities, instead, I look at the heart.

As your Commander, when I give you a military goal, rejoice for the battle has already been won! Keep your eyes fixed on Me and continue to walk in all that I have taught you. What you learned of My Word in the small battles will have tremendous power when applied to larger battles. Even more, you will act as a rallying point for others as they see how easily you are able to move through strongholds when clothed with My might. You know where your power comes from and it comes as you rest in Me and stand upon My Word.

Therefore, I say, lead My charge. Follow in My footsteps. Let your feet be as My feet and your hands be as My hands and let us operate as one to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Through you, I will forge new pathways for young warriors to follow in, and we will take new territory in the promised inheritance of My people. Beloved, rise to this new challenge with a confidence that is well rooted in Me. Allow this new aspect of your calling to be the vehicle that will cultivate a deeper connection between you and I.

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (VOICE) Moses: This is how you should act during wartime: When you go to battle against your enemies, if you see their army is larger than yours and they have horses and chariots, don’t be afraid of them! The Eternal your God is with you—the same God who defeated Pharaoh and brought you out of Egypt. As you are approaching the battlefield, your priest will come over to you and address you: “Listen, Israel! Today you’re going to fight a battle against your enemies. Don’t be intimidated by them! Don’t be afraid! Don’t run away! Don’t let them terrify you! The Eternal, your True God, has come out here with you, and He’ll fight for you against your enemies and save you.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (ESV) For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

Walking in Humble Authority

“The Alabaster Jar” (Featuring the Hebrew letter dalet)

Acts 3:6 (VOICE) Peter: I want to give you something, but I don’t have any silver or gold. Here’s what I can offer you: stand up and walk in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One.

In the ancient pictograph language, the Hebrew letter dalet represents a door or an impoverished and humble man. It is preceded by the letter gimel which is representative of a camel or rich man. Within this area of the Hebrew alphabet, there is the picture of a rich man who stoops down (like a camel with a burden) to give to a poor and humble man. It is the picture of our relationship with God and our relationship with our fellow man. It is also a powerful key to flowing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 3:6, Peter addresses a crippled and poor man. Peter’s pockets are empty of silver and gold. One could say that he is impoverished too. And yet, he gives the crippled man what he does have—and it’s certainly not chump change. Peter stoops down like a camel to lift the poor man up. Power from on high flows through Peter, and the man is miraculously healed! Peter’s physical pockets were empty, and yet he became the vessel that supernaturally met this man’s need!

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A Sharper Image of Us

Vision 10/07/2017: I felt like I was standing in front of a wall looking right at a mirror. The Lord was standing right beside me and He adjusted the mirror as one would adjust the side mirror of a car. Instead of a reflection of myself and the Lord, I saw Mount Everest. Yet I truly felt this was an accurate reflection. “A sharper image of us,” the Lord said.

Over the summer, I’ve had multiple visions concerning walls, the writing or Word of God on the wall, and the eye of God drawn on the wall. All of them have had to do with God looking at me or speaking to me, and trying to make sense of what He is saying through His rhema words to me. It all has had to do with perception. How do we see ourselves and how do we see Him?

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