While praying in preparation for ministry at “Modern Prophetic Symposium” in Dallas, Texas, the Lord reminded of a prayer time with my friend Matt Lockett a few years ago. He was in prayer with his Justice House of Prayer team in Washington, D.C. (JHOP DC), and a phrase began to erupt in prayer, “God can change America in a heartbeat!” They’ve prayed and declared this during the most stagnant seasons where it seemed there wouldn’t be any pro-life legislative breakthroughs. They kept believing and declaring God’s “suddenlies” and have been praying this prayer for years.
Now, suddenly, many states are passing “heartbeat bills” that prevent an abortion once a heartbeat is detected. There has been strong opposition to the states passing these bills, with even some companies threatening to abandon these states and move their businesses elsewhere. Nevertheless, while in prayer, I saw God moving in spite of the opposition because of the governors of these states who were willing to sign these bills into law. I was overwhelmed, because I saw God moving in every state where heartbeat bills were passed.
I kept seeing and hearing three words, “Abbot! Foster! Govern!” I then saw our Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is an amazing governor for our state. He has sought to fight and resolve many issues in Texas, especially the life issue. At that moment, I realized that “Abbott” means “father.” I then recognized “Foster” means, “to care for someone,” and finally, I understood that one of the original English definitions for “governor” is “someone who stewards over or cares for children” (Gal. 4:2, KJV). As I pondered these words in my heart, I heard the Lord say, “The governors who are protecting the heartbeat of the next generation are ministering to My heart, and because they’ve aligned with My heart. My kingdom governance is being released through them.”
I then saw natural resources, new technologies, innovation, new industries, commerce and human flourishing begin to explode in states where these bills have been passed. I began to see that, regardless of the threats of several businesses abandoning these states, God was not abandoning them. These governors were correctly stewarding the next generation of children in their states, and, due to this proper stewarding, there will be untapped potential and undiscovered natural resources that will come forth as Jehovah-Jireh begins to govern and partner with these states. God is raising up the Abbotts, and He is turning the hearts of the fathers back to the children and turning the disobedient back to the attitude of the righteous (Luke 1:17). Our heavenly Abba is releasing His government to partner with these governors.
I saw churches that have been leading the way in foster care and adoption, like Bennet Chapel in Possum Trot, Texas, and Expressions 58 in Los Angeles, California, providing models for the nation. I saw those who work with special-needs children receive unusual breakthroughs as God used these children in special ways, in spite of their limitations. I saw churches, from storefronts to mega-churches, working together as the spirit of adoption began to move throughout the nation. Governmental authority from heaven is being released to churches and ministries that will partner with God’s heart for the next generation. I saw the glory of God suddenly break out in these churches and ministries. I saw a baptism of love being released that transformed hearts and reformed culture.
The night I publicly shared this word, we had a powerful time of prayer and impartation for all those present who were midwives, involved in foster care or adoption. I was overwhelmed with what I saw, and still I’m moved to tears of joy. All this to say: Church, keep contending in prayer and prepare! Expect the “suddenlies” of God in this season because God is changing America “… in a heartbeat.”
Listen to the following podcasts for more information on states that have passed heartbeat bills:
Alabama Passes Strongest Abortion Ban in US
Missouri Governor Signs Heartbeat Bill
Georgia Governor Signs Heartbeat Abortion Ban Into Law
Ohio Passes Heartbeat Law Protecting the Unborn
Judge Blocks Iowa Fetal Heartbeat Law {eoa}
Will Ford is a minister and author who is passionate about cultural transformation. He travels throughout the U.S. speaking on intercession, reconciliation, awakening and reformation. Email him at [email protected] and visit 818thesign.org.