Prophetic Word: There Is a Time and Season for Everything

Is it time to let fear rule our lives?

The problem is that what we focus on becomes what we worship, and who wants to worship fear? Instead of focusing on fear, recall the command Jesus gave us in John 14:1 (NLV), “Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also.”

Is it time to be disillusioned?

That depends on what you’ve put your faith in. It’s possible that some prophetic voices may have misled you. But are you going to put your faith in the words of man or in God? Look, this is a confusing season for everyone. Forgive others just as you would want them to forgive you. Work on your own discernment and ask the Lord to guide you with truth. Do not allow the enemy to use misdirection to cause you to be disillusioned or fall away.

Is it time to pray?

Yes, call out to God on behalf of America and the world. Call for mercy and grace. Call for the salvation for all who would believe. Pray about your role in these times. You should know that your role is not to panic. Your role is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to follow his lead. As Job once said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” (Job 13:15a, NIV)

Make sure your own life is in order. Go deep into your heart, and let go of grudges, forgiving those who have wronged you. This is a wonderful way for you to create a clean heart before the Lord.

Fill your lamps with oil. We may have a long road ahead, and we cannot lose heart as we wait on the Lord’s return. Stock up on the presence of the Holy Spirit and do not let your light go out.

Do not let fear of man prevent you from sharing the Good News. Stop thinking this gospel mission is for someone else; it’s also for you. Abandon your fear and tell others how you were once blind and, because of Jesus’ death and Resurrection, you can now see, and they can too. Still need help? Read a book like Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay. But however you share your faith, share it in the love of Jesus.

Pray for the church to rise up and be a great light, and pray for revival. It may take darkness to help people see the light. This means the darkness the enemy means for evil will be used by God for good. Praise Him for that!

Is it time to trust God and rest in His love for you?

Yes, if you feel called to fill your pantry or top off your tank, by all means do so. But whatever you do, do not tremble in fear or give in to panic. Stop hating your neighbors, even if they are corrupt politicians. Pray for them, asking the Lord to bring them to Himself. Psalms 46:2 says, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

We are the people who belong to God. We know who we are and where we are going; whether we leave in a twinkling of an eye, through a natural death or even succumb to persecution, we know that one day we will all be in heaven, our real home, immersed forever in His unquenchable love.

Pray With Me

Dear Lord,

Our position is not a position of fear but a position of peace because we are in You, and You have overcome the world. We do not put our hope in politics or the powers of this world. Our hope is in You and in You alone.

I pledge not to fall or turn away from you in evil times, but I will stand in Your strength for You. I will stand in your power, anointing and strength. This means I will continue to give You my disappointments as well as my hope deferred.

Help me not to be ruled by fear but by the peace that passes understanding as I keep my eyes on You. Help me to purchase more of the oil of your Spirit for the dark night ahead.

And finally, Lord, You once asked Your disciples, “Remember Lot’s wife?”

Help me not to look back, but to look forward, in and through You.

I trust You with my whole heart, and I know that even if difficulties come, You’ve got this.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

Check out a video from my new book, Praying Through Your Every Emotion, which releases Feb. 2, and share it with a friend who needs some encouragement: “The Fear Prayer.” {eoa}

Linda Evans Shepherd is the author of Praying Through Every Emotion and is the leader behind the Arise Esther Movement, the upcoming Arise Esther Virtual Conference and Arise U. She publishes the multiple EPA award-winning Leading Hearts Magazine, as well as Arise Daily. Learn more about Linda, her ministry and books at lindaevansshepherd.com.