27 november 2020

“who is this, coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved?”

song 8:5

i heard it so clearly….

back in may, when it was obvious that things weren’t going “back to normal” anytime soon – actually, quite the opposite – there would be further limitations and restrictions because of the virus…….

“2020 will be a wilderness. 20 + 20 = 40. you know what 40 means in the Word. 2020 will continue to be a wilderness. a preparation. an equipping for what is to come. for what I’m doing.”

over and over in the scriptures 40 signifies the wilderness:

*noah spent 40 days and nights on the ark, waiting for the rain to stop.

*moses spent 40 years in the wilderness being prepared for deliverance.

*moses was 40 days on mount sinai to hear God’s instructions.

*and Jesus? 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy.

so what’s the purpose of the wilderness, anyway?

*separation – from distraction, for God’s purposes alone

*attention – ears to hear specific instructions from God

*preparation/testing – equipping for the season to come

think about the events that took place following each wilderness experience: noah’s family saw the mercy of God in preserving humanity through its bloodline; moses saw the miraculous deliverance of God’s people, saw God’s power and provision in ways no one could explain; moses also experienced the supernatural presence of God and received His commands; and Jesus – following his 40 days of testing – began his public ministry of healing, deliverance, miracles, sacrifice, and salvation.

the isolation, loneliness, pain, struggle, and equipping of the wilderness are always followed by a great move of God. always.

so what does this have to do with us? with the present day?

i am convinced that there is intentional purpose in the wilderness of 2020 – purpose in the Spirit, beyond what we can see in the natural. God’s purpose.

it may seem like enemy forces are in control; it may seem like a pandemic has taken over; it may seem like a virus is calling the shots.

absolutely not.

the people of God have been intentionally quarantined with the King: they have been in prayer – praising, worshiping, repenting, listening. they have been using their time in this wilderness to receive correction, instruction, and training in righteousness as they prepare to see and participate in the great move of God that will follow this wilderness.

it’s thrilling. it’s exciting. it’s wildly mysterious.

“who is this, coming up FROM the WILDERNESS, leaning on her Beloved?”

it’s the church. the bride. the ones Jesus loves and gave Himself for.

it’s you.

it’s me.

it’s us.

stay close to your Beloved.

from the inside out.