Janice Hanna's Blog, page 14

A Change of Perspective

I’ve been doing some work in my tiny backyard, trying to liven things up a bit. I replaced my broken bird bath (finally…yay!) and pulled out some paint to bring new life to a very old/rusted trellis, which I hung over a section of the fence that Bella (my ornery dog) has scratched up. I touched up the paint on my metal flowers and moved things around a bit.

A short time later, I decided to spend some time on my wicker bench, just soaking in the perfect weather. When I sat down, I glanced over at my new birdbath and smiled, so happy to have it in place once more. Then, as I got to looking a bit closer, I noticed the basin was sitting a bit lopsided in the base. (You might recall the last one fell and broke….hence the need for the replacement.)

In that moment, I felt God tug at my heart. I heard the word, “perspective.” From up above, everything looked fine. But when I changed my perspective, I could see the problem. Seated on that bench, all was revealed.

God wants to change our perspective today. He wants us to begin to see all that’s swirling around us from an eternal perspective. Too often we come up with non-eternal thoughts/answers to problems that really require a different perspective. We don’t see how lopsided the basin of our heart/thoughts/actions really are. We need to ask for His eyes to see and His ears to hear what’s going on–not just in the world around us, but in our personal situations, as well.

If we could catch a glimpse from his point of view, we would know better how to pray. We would fret less. We would expand our faith. We would walk in the assurance that He’s in charge. You know, my good friend Kathleen Y’Barbo always says (when things go wrong): “God hasn’t fallen off His throne.” It’s true! I repeat that phrase to myself when the world seems as off-kilter as my bird bath basin was. (Yes, I fixed it!) He’s high and lifted up, seated on the throne, and there He will remain, no matter what swirls around us, down here on earth. We’ve got to get our heads and hearts into that realm so that we can truly begin to trust the One seated on the throne with every single area of our lives.

We can, you know. He’s a trustworthy God. Let the mountains tremble. Let the earth quake. Let kingdoms rise and fall. He will still be right there, seated on that throne, seeing all of it in light of eternity.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.“

(Colossians 3:1-2)

Use the Red Straw

I have very few carbs in my life these days but what I do have are usually consumed in the morning in the form of a fruit smoothie. I use unsweetened frozen fruit, so only natural sugars. (I’m not diabetic or anything…just feel led to mention that in case someone wonders.)

Anyway, every morning I mix it up in my Ninja and reach for a straw (see photo). Every morning I see the red straw in the front, push past it, and grab ANY other color but red. Why? Because, when I was a little girl my mother once told me that red and pink don’t go together. For that reason, I can’t use a red straw in my pink smoothie.

I’m weird, I know. But I wonder, (since we’re all creatures of habit) how often we allow these random habits/routines to control our actions? How many times do we reach for a cookie, just because it’s there? Or, how many times do we order that goodie from Amazon, simply because we love to shop and don’t feel the unction to stop? How often do we curl up with a good book instead of taking a walk in the fresh air?

God wants our habits. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

If you’re struggling with the inability to give something up, remember that He’s ready to take that from you and to turn that habit around (and use it for His glory). Today I’m replacing the yellow straw in my pink smoothie with a red straw. I’m giving up that silly old habit and picking up a new, freeing one.

Shut the Mouths of Lions

One morning I found myself singing one of my favorite new songs, Famous For (Tauren Wells). I got to a line in the song that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. I let the lyrics settle into my heart and contemplated what the Lord might be trying to tell me about them. Here’s the section of the song I was singing at the time:

Make way through the waters

Walk me through the fire

Do what You are famous for

What You are famous for

Shut the mouths of lions

Bring dry bones to life and

Do what You are famous for

What You are famous for

The part that stopped me cold was the line “shut the mouths of lions.” I was reminded that God literally closed the mouths of the lions that tried to consume Daniel when he was thrown into the lion’s den.

All around us, lions are roaring. The enemy is skilled in the art of distraction, isn’t he? If he can’t stop us completely, he’ll just distract us with a loud, fake roar, intended to throw us off-course and make us lose our focus. He’s the king of chaos, and knows just what to do to propel believers into confusion and fear.

The Bible calls him “the enemy of our souls who comes to steal, kill, and destroy” and that’s a more-than-adequate description! He is the “roaring lion” whose voice is trying to steal our joy, our peace, and our hope and we need to remain aware of his tactics so that we can adequately tune him out.

There’s another lion, one we read about in Revelation 5: “One of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and His mouth is wide open, too. Only, He’s not speaking words of chaos and confusion. He’s saying, “Come to me, all of you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”

To get a full description of this lion, we need look no further than the very same verse that describes our enemy, John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

What a contrast! One lion brings chaos, death, hopelessness. The other brings life…and that to the full! Abundant life for those who follow the lion of the tribe of Judah, death for the ones who follow the thief of our souls. And yet, we so often blindly follow after the roar of the wrong lion. We let it rob us of our peace, and interrupt our thoughts.

He’s not worth it. Don’t give him a moment’s thought. “Shut the mouths of lions” is now more than just a lyric in a song to me. It’s my admonition as the enemy of my soul stares me down and tries to distract me from all I’ve been called to do. But he’s messing with the wrong girl here, and I’ve already told him so!

Not a Sword, But a Song

One of my all-time favorite Bible stories is found in the book of 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was ruling over Israel when the country came under attack from several different directions at once. (Ever been there?) Vast armies were headed their way.

Like any good ruler, Jehoshaphat panicked. No, really. The Bible says he was terrified. But he took his fears and channeled them. He commanded the people to fast and pray. Then he stood before the people and prayed boldly, reminding God of His promises. He cried out (vs. 12): “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there hundreds of times. Bill collectors were calling. Medical issues loomed large. Relationship issues threatened my peace. The money for the mortgage payment simply wasn’t there.

But look at what happened next: “As all the men of Judah (Jahaziel) stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there.” (vs. 13/14)

That’s how it works, folks. You channel your fears, your worries, your concerns into prayers. Intense prayers. You stand boldly. You stand TOGETHER (with fellow believers). You don’t give up. And when you live like that, God moves supernaturally.

In this case, He spoke through Jahaziel. He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (vs. 15-17)

It’s what happens next that always gets me excited. Jehoshaphat makes a decision that might’ve seemed nuts to some. He sends the singers out ahead of the warriors. He put the worshipers on the frontlines. (Where are my praise and worship leaders?!) “After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor.” (vs. 21)

They squared their shoulders, garnered their courage, and began to sing at the top of their lungs: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

Look at what happened next!

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. (vs. 22-24)

Not a Sword, But a Song

So, just as Lord said (through Jahaziel) the battle was won, not because of strong warriors or great weaponry (at least not in this case) but because worship, praise, and adoration led the way. They proclaimed their victory before they even saw it.

I don’t know what you’re facing today. I don’t know what armies are threatening to take you down. But I do know the very best strategy you can take is to emulate Jehoshaphat’s battle strategy.

1). Admit your fears (as Jehoshaphat did). 2). Pray. 3). Fast. 4). Gather a team around you. 5). Remind God of His promises. 6). Listen closely as Him reminds you that the battle is already won. 7). With everything that’s inside of you, praise Him as you’re marching head-long into the battle. 8). Watch your enemies turn on each other and ultimately fall. 9). Praise Him some more!

For Jehoshaphat the victory was won the moment that first song was lifted. The same is true of your situation. And mine. You’ll notice that I’m always referencing worship songs/lyrics that have impacted my life. There’s a reason for that. I’m a singer. I’m boldly facing my enemies, not with a sword, but a song.

Make This Moment Count

There is transformative power in the gospel of Jesus Christ–power to permanently affect lives, families, cities, and even nations. But it has to start in us, church. We have to activate it.

I know you’re feeling what I’m feeling right now. This isn’t a “normal” time/season we’re in, and we can’t go on as we have in years past, in a lukewarm state. The world doesn’t need a slumbering church…it needs the bride of Christ to awaken and to submit herself to the calling of Esther…”for such a time as this.” Like that beautiful young bride we can help bring hope to a whole generation, but it’s going to require sacrifice on our part, as well as a hefty dose of bravery.

This is our time, church. Don’t let it march right by you as you snooze the opportunity away. Hit your knees. Cry out for repentance. Ask for a radical transformation to begin in your own heart so that your effectiveness will be multiplied to reach others. Then present the gospel message with the same boldness Paul, Silas, Peter, Timothy, John, and others did. . .not a watered-down, culturally sensitive message meant to flatter or cajole, but the real gospel, the one that has the capability of bringing change to hearts and lives.

But remember, they won’t believe it unless they actually SEE it in your life, which is why you’ve got to start at home. . .with you.Make this moment count. You want to be able to look back and say, “I was honored to be part of that movement.”

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 1:8 NLT)

A Greater Hunger

I’m very blessed to have so many friends and loved ones who are like-minded in faith and personal convictions. I’ve had several precious conversations with individual family members and friends over the past couple of months. Many of us have been sensing a greater hunger for the things of God, and we’ve been so excited to talk about what we think He’s up to.

There hasn’t been a lot of room left for fear or panic because we’re just so excited about the things we believe He’s going to do. We’re convinced He’s up to something…BIG!

We read in the Bible that God is going to pour out His Spirit in the last days. We see that scripture first in Joel 2:28 (as a prophetic word): “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Then we see it repeated again on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit showed up in a major way.

All in for Him!

Peter and the other apostles saw this prophecy come to life in their midst I’m a remarkable way! And God has been pouring out His Spirit ever since, showing off in a zillion different ways over the generations. We’re going to have similar, life-changing experiences as we draw closer to Him in these last days.

I’m already seeing evidence of that in my own personal walk with Jesus. No doubt you are too. Things are beginning to stir in the spirit-realm. Even as evil amps up around us, we should be all-the-more convinced that the Spirit of God will begin to work in and through the body of Christ if we remain diligent and useable. If we will do that, think of the impact we can make on this lost, broken world! This is God’s greatest desire for the church, that we “go into all the world and preach the gospel.” If we ever needed His Spirit to get that done, it’s now.

No matter how hard the enemy works to tamp down the church, she is the bride of Christ and will always have His protection and His love. The church cannot be stopped, any more than a rushing river can be halted. Throw walls up in front of us and we’ll sail over them. Place an ocean in our path and watch God part it. Toss us into a fiery furnace and we’ll come out without the smell of smoke in our hair. (Hey, I’m not bragging on us. . .I’m bragging on God!)

Don’t believe it? Check out this verse from Isaiah 54:17 NLT): “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

I’ve (personally) been energized, knowing others around me are sensing what I’m sensing. . .that God is on the move. It starts with each of us (as individuals) humbling ourselves and genuinely seeking God. If we will do that, He will begin to speak in that still, small voice. . .giving hope for the days ahead.

There will be shaking in the upcoming days. No doubt about it. In the natural, things will seem to be getting worse, not better. These shakings might be unpredictable and (on the surface) look frightening. But, if you’re a child of the Most High God, you don’t have to be afraid. Draw near to Him as never before. Spend time in prayer as never before. Be willing to go deep with Him, deeper than before. Be open to the Spirit of God moving as never before. (He did promise that in the last days He would fill us, and we don’t actually know what that will look like, so we’ve got to be ready!)

And remember, even if you’re not as close to God as you once were (even if you’ve turned your back and walked away) it’s not too late to turn back. He will welcome you with open arms!

More than anything else, look away from social media. Don’t hyper-focus on every little news story (good or bad). (I’m preaching to the choir here!) Don’t let your emotions run away with you. Stay the course. TRUST that His plan is at work and He can manage to run the world without your nose glued to the TV or cell phone.

Get His perspective on what’s going on, sure. Watch Christian news sources, (and/or messages from pastors/evangelists who seem to have their ear tuned to what God is doing….I have a list of favorites, if you’re interested) but don’t allow the fear and negativity to consume you; otherwise you’ll lose precious time that could be spent engaged in building up yourself and those around you.

There will be people who are frightened. Minister to them. There will be hopelessness. Speak hope. There will be fear. Speak peace. There will be brokenness. Speaking healing and wholeness. There will be sorrow. Speak comfort. There will be division. Speak unity by His Spirit. There will be hunger. Make sure your storehouses are full so you can feed those in need. There will be thirsty. Be ready with a cup of cold water. There will be people who don’t look like you, act like you, or talk like you, but they will turn their hearts to God and need someone just like you to be ready to pour yourself out as an offering on their behalf.

Be ready, church. Be prayed up and ready. In short, be the opposite of what you’re seeing in the world right now. And, for goodness sake, don’t stop sharing the gospel, no matter how offensive it might be to some. It’s the hope of the world, the only life-changing message we’ve got! Through the power of the Spirit of God, you can do it!

For I will pour out water on the thirsty land

And streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring

And My blessing on your descendants;

And they will spring up among the grass

Like poplars by streams of water.

(Isaiah 44:3-4)

A Spiritual Awakening

I’ve had an ongoing fascination with Tasha Cobb’s song, Your Spirit. I listen to it several times a day, usually. I’ve been trying to figure out why it’s impacted me so strongly. Here’s the conclusion I finally came to:

Say you had a cut on your hand. You tried all sorts of miracle cures but nothing fixed the problem. It only continued to get worse, finally festering to the point where you thought it might destroy your whole system. Then, miraculously, you found the ONE THING that could fix the whole problem. You applied that salve and. . .voila! Healing, inside and out.

Our world is experiencing multiple open wounds. These wounds are festering. And we’re trying to apply all sorts of things to fix them: programs, movements, news headlines, rules, sanctions, laws, attitudes. Are the wounds healed? No, they are only getting worse. They fester and cause pain upon pain until many cry out, “We’re not going to make it.” But we WILL make it if we call out to the ONE THING that can make a difference.

We need a spiritual awakening…in the church and in the earth. We need the ONLY ointment that can truly make a difference. THAT’S why this song tugs at my heart with such force. The words are truth for today. It’s NOT by might (we’ve tried that and it ended in destruction to lives and property). It’s not by power (political and other groups have tried that and failed miserably). It’s ONLY by the Spirit of God that the gaping wounds will be healed.

Church, it’s time to hit your knees! Plead for God’s mercy and for His healing–not just over our nation, but our world.

Not by might

Not by power

By your spirit God

Send your spirit God

You called us out

Out of the darkness

Into your love

Into your light

Grace upon grace

Beauty for ashes

You come to us

We come alive

We stand in awe of you

We stand in awe of you

Not by might (not by might)

Not by power (not by power)

By your spirit God (by your spirit God)

Send your spirit God

(Your Spirit: Tasha Cobb)

And Even if He Doesn’t

In the Christmas of 1964 I was five years old. All I wanted to find under the tree was a record player. Back in those days record players looked like little wooden suitcases. (I know, I know…I’m old.) You opened the suitcase and found the turntable inside. Christmas arrived and (lo and behold) there was a package under the tree that was the right size, right shape, right…everything. I could hardly wait! I tore into the paper and (sure enough!) found a suitcase inside. I still remember the excitement I felt as I snapped it open, and. . .found it completely empty.

It was just a suitcase. The disappointment was keen. I couldn’t believe the cruelty of it all. Of course, I went on to have years of fun with that suitcase. I used it for my doll’s clothes. I used it for all sorts of things. But, oh! The depth of pain when my request wasn’t granted. I’d gotten my hopes up. . .for nothing.

Jump ahead 56 years. Tonight I was walking the dogs. As is often the case, I was praying and listening to worship music as we made our way through the neighborhood. I’ve had a lot of really big/intense prayer requests, of late. As we charismatics like to say, “I’m standing and believing” for all of them to come to pass, even the really big ones that seem impossible.
As I walked, I had the most random thought flit through my mind, related to one of my most pressing prayer requests: “What if it doesn’t happen? Then what?” Like a good charismatic I pushed that negative thought aside and said, “It will.”

Just as quickly, I heard it again: “But, what if it doesn’t?”

Ouch. This was getting real. I kept walking, and (without hesitation) told the Lord, “Then You’ll still be God.”

He then began to take me through every one of my prayer requests, (things I bring to Him regularly and fervently). One by one He asked, “But what if it doesn’t happen like this?”

Man. Again I said (to each one): “Then You’ll still be God.”

I rounded a corner and a new (unfamiliar) song came on. I was surprised because I have a playlist, of sorts, and that one has never popped up. But, as I listened, I fell in love with the lyrics:

There is no other name but the name that is Jesus

He who was and still is, and will be through it all

So come what may in the space between

All the things unseen and this reckoning

And I know I will never be alone

And I know I will never be alone

There’ll be another in the fire

Standing next to me

There’ll be another in the waters

Holding back the seas

And should I ever need reminding

How good You’ve been to me

I’ll count the joy come every battle ‘

Cause I know that’s where You’ll be

It hit me: Even if God didn’t answer my requests as I hoped, He was promising never to leave me as I moved forward. Even if I ended up going through the fire (whatever that looked like) He would be in there with me.
Then came the final lyrics (which were as much spoken off the cuff as sung as normal lyrics). They almost took my breath away:

“And even if He doesn’t, I will praise Him!”

“And even if He doesn’t, I’ll stand tall!”

“And even if He doesn’t, I’m not bowing to this world.”

“And even if He doesn’t, I’m not changing my confession.”

“And even if He doesn’t,

I can see the light in the darkness as the darkness bows to Him

I can hear the roar in the heavens

As the space between wears thin

I can feel the ground shake beneath us

As the prison walls cave in

Nothing stands between us

Nothing stands between us.”

There is was. The final answer. The RIGHT answer:

Nothing stands between us.

Nothing stands between us.

Even if He doesn’t, nothing will ever stand between us. It’s not enough to believe that He’s still God and still on the throne. I have to also come to commit that I won’t let anything come between us, should I get the suitcase and not the record player.

Even if He doesn’t. . .He’ll still be mine and I’ll still be His…and nothing will ever change that.

(Another in the Fire, Hillsong United: lyrics in comment box)

No Bending

We cannot expect contemporary culture to bend its will, its wishes, or its wants to conform to our biblical doctrine. Only when man is born again of the Spirit of God will the shackles fall off of his eyes. Then he will see for himself what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad. What is sound and what is unsound.  We cannot expect lost mankind to conform to a salvation they have not yet experienced.  Of course, we need to pray for that continually, especially now, and we need to love people as never before so that they see the heart of Jesus In all we do. Let us use words like “grace” and “love” to do the work they were intended to do: win the lost to a beautiful Savior. 

On the other hand… modern culture (and or a political movement) cannot expect the church to bend its will, either. It’s simply not fair for any group, political or otherwise, to make assumptions that the church should somehow conform to the world.  Biblical doctrine is not up for grabs. It doesn’t change from generation to generation to adapt to the culture. It doesn’t get watered down or become lukewarm like we see in the church at Laodicea. 

To the churches that have been reshaping themselves to look and feel more palatable to modern culture, God has a word for you today: It has to stop. Time is too short to preach a watered down gospel and/or sell yourself out. 

Many of you are in churches that are not willing to take a stand for things you know to be true. You’ve stayed because you love the people, you love the building, you love the pastor. You’ve got a history there. And you love that history.  You’ve  prayed that the message will strengthen as we get closer and closer to the return of Jesus. 

Will it, though? Perhaps those pastors, those boards, those denominations are too frightened because they’re being manipulated by people with money and/or by a cancel culture that will ruin them if they speak biblical truth. So they hide. And they use words like “love” and “grace” in ways they were never meant to be used, to excuse sin. 

I believe it’s time for you to get out of those lukewarm churches, friends. Find a church that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard issues without bending truth. Seek out a church where the Spirit of God is free to move. Seek out a church where truth is truth and there are no gray areas. Seek out a church where the people are willing to go down fighting, even if it means they lose all in the process. (This cancel culture can be brutal but the Spirit of God inside of us is so much stronger!) 

We don’t have time to play around right now, church. We don’t. It’s time to wake up, listen to what the Spirit is saying, and get busy. Run as fast and as far as you can from any church that is not allowing you to do that.  And just by way of reminder:

Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says: “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. “The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God! “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors! “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”

(Revelation 3:14-22, The Message)

Stay and Pray

I’ve never been a dreamer. Until a few weeks ago I could probably count on one hand the number of dreams I’d had that were memorable. But a few weeks back I began to really dive into the scriptures and to lengthen/deepen my prayer time. I read that familiar verse in Acts 2:17: 

‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

That verse triggered something in me (in a good way). I’m (obviously) not a man, but the words, “your old men will dream dreams” jumped out at me. I thought, “How cool would that be, to actually have dreams of significance?” So, I prayed for that very thing. And, at the same time I was praying “God, make me a dreamer in these last days,” I was also praying something else: “God, use my writing in new and exciting ways.” 

Dangerous prayers. 

It should have come as no surprise when the dreams started. I did ask for them, after all. But, to “unpack” them (to ask God about the significance of each one) has been the fun part. I’m not one of those “God spoke to me” types, but I do hear His still, small voice in my heart (and especially when I’ve been deep in prayer with Him). So, it’s been lovely to hear it so frequently these days. I don’t know about you, but I really need His input right about now!

All of that was the preface to the dream I’m about to share. I just had it a few hours ago, so it’s fresh on my mind. Here goes: 

In the dream I’d gone to a restaurant late in the evening with several Christian friends. After eating, we were all tired and very full. We couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel where we were staying. The restaurant emptied and the manager walked our way, looking exhausted. He asked if we would consider staying and helping them clean the back rooms (kitchen and beyond) because they were short on help. The other ladies in my group were too tired and wanted to go back to the hotel. I told my friend (who was driving): “Go ahead and take them back, then come back and get me.” 

They left and I followed the manager into the massive restaurant kitchen. I was SO shocked at how filthy it was. The floor was absolutely covered in bits of food and other debris. The manager handed me a small, worn-out broom, and said, “I need you to sweep all of the floors and then mop.”

Do the Hard Work

This place was HUGE, y’all. Like, it went on for miles. I was so overwhelmed. But I took my (seemingly-ineffective, tiny) broom and started sweeping the outer perimeters, saving the kitchen for last. A young man joined me with his larger broom, and together we made a bit of progress in the outlying areas. I kept going, moving from room to room with my broom in hand. Along the way, I kept stumbling into treasures among the debris on the floor. I had the strongest sense that the manager was going to let me keep the treasures I’d found and I was so happy. 

As I continued sweeping, I soon found myself in a small back room and I heard a man’s voice. I looked over to see an important dignitary on the telephone. He was sharing information that was top secret, and there I was, hearing all of it! I just kept on sweeping, listening to all he said, and thinking, “Whoa. I’m the only one hearing this! How cool is this?!”

I kept working until I came back around to the (still messy) kitchen floor.  The biggest job was still ahead of me. That’s when I woke up. 

I stayed in bed for some time in total silence, just listening, thinking about what it all meant. Then, just as clearly as I’ve EVER heard that still, small voice, I heard the words: “Prayer is the hard work.”

STAY AND PRAY.

That was the message of the dream. 

Stay and Pray



Stay and pray when others can’t. Stay  and pray when you’re tired and don’t feel like it.Stay and pray when the situation in front of you is a massive mess.Stay  and pray when the condition of those you’re praying for seems impossible. Stay and pray when your prayers seems ineffective. Stay and pray when it feels tedious. Stay and pray because there are treasures to be found. Stay and pray because doing so will open you up to hearing that great Dignitary’s voice in ways that others will not, (because you refused to give up). 

For the love of all that’s holy and BECAUSE OF all that’s not. . .stay and pray.