John 14:15-17 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition 15 If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—
Beloved, as I was praying for you and asking for that next step in your daily journey, I was gently reminded of what I have been going through and how tenderly the Lord has been guiding me. I hope my sharing will speak to your heart, strengthening you my love! Or, perhaps this might stir your heart that someone close to you is in need of this…
I have, as you have, been so aware of the pressure that has descended upon the believers, the passionate followers. I have longed to be out from under this season. To feel again the “refreshing,” like opening the windows and welcoming Spring to come in, like a long-missed friend.
As I prayed about this release from the pressures, both intangible and tangible—those demands that seem ever present—I heard His Whisper. In the tenderness of His heart, He spoke to mine, “Tess, don’t be in such a rush to leave this season…you are not ready for the next season just yet.” I was aware that what seemed like a Wall I was trying to unsuccessfully move was rather a door, and passages from Scripture spoke to me: Isaiah 22:22 and Revelation 3:7-8.
These passages speak that Father has control over the doors in our lives. The paths, the promotions, the opportunities are all in Father’s safe hands, according to His plans that He has already ordained for us. He opens and there are no worries; no one can shut them on you, beloved. No one can keep you out of the doors and opportunities He has destined for you. Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11, and Romans 11:29 are three of my favorites to encourage me. When Love closes doors, we are comforted that we are not able to push them open. That way we are safe from having anything catastrophic befalling us.
But I was so focused on the “wall” that I thought it was a hindrance to my peace and security. All I wanted was for things to move faster; I wanted to extract myself from what was surrounding and hounding me. As I pressed into this, I was aware that what marked me as “unprepared” for the door to open was my lack of hearing the Voice of God. I wasn’t as in tune with the Holy One as I thought. I noticed that in my prayers I kept saying, “I need to hear from You. I have such weighty discernments to manage here.” I don’t believe I have the authority to make decisions any longer. I gave my life to Christ. He alone is Lord. But I couldn’t seem to discern His desires on any given issue that was before me. That stirred heartache in me and fear, which of course provoked anger. A slippery slope.
Beloved, if there was anything I could point you to concerning this season, I would say fall more in love with the Holy Spirit, the Holy One…count Him as precious and cultivate companionship with Him. Learn to hear His voice, and another you will not heed. In these days of turmoil, we need to be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 says, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.” We can see this beautifully mentored to us in Acts 8:26-40, where Philip is told by an angel to go to a certain road, which he obeyed the leading. Then once there, the Holy Spirit spoke to Philip to join the chariot that was before him. I believe such divine appointments will abound for us once we are in tune with the Voice of God.
I believe this capacity for hearing and then trusting in order to obey comes from sweet companionship with Father. I wouldn’t want just an assignment from Him, a loveless order to obey. He doesn’t want that either.
If time permits, read Acts 9:10-17—this is where a disciple of Christ named Ananias received a word from the Lord in a vision. And what happened next was an honest conversation with the Lord. Ananias shares his concerns about the assignment the Lord was directing him to. And in verse 17 are the beautiful words, “So Ananias left” (on the assignment). Hearing from the Lord, opening up conversation, relationship deepens, and obedience unfolds. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey me.”
Beloved, Obedience is love’s response.
Know I am here praying for you. And join me Monday through Friday at 6am through 9am on WKBO1230am The Fortress for more prophetic intercession on Gentle Whispers. Follow along on Facebook The Fortress 1230AM WKBO.
