Habakkuk 2: 2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Comfortably, my calico Patches sat on the small step ladder in front of an open bedroom window. Perfectly elevated, she scanned for movement outside the apartment. Occasionally, tension sat in her haunches, indicating something caught her interest. Snorts followed the beat of her thudding tail as if saying, “No nonsense!”
Sitting in front of my computer, a blank document stared back at me. Words, thoughts, and feelings were generated. Where do I find the turn-on valve so what’s inside can flow and become a message? For a moment, I sat with my eyes fixed again on my calico’s warrior mentality.
So, it began. The blanket document became clothed with a message of hope. My cat revealed her territorial instinct when something unwanted became too close to our domain. God is very protective of His children.
Trials, temptations, and closed doors aren’t abandonment. Trials become a soldering tool that seems valuable to kingdom warriors. Temptation escalates a resilience in us we’ve never encountered. A friend and I discussed drawing closer to God and regaining ground. Desolate places become sacred ground, holy ground. Now, I understand more than ever how important our spiritual deserts and valleys are. Ruble, deadness, and absence are swallowed up when we invite Jesus on the journey. Stagnation flees when we speak, “God, I’m weak, but You are strong in me.” The overpowering stench from the drought will fade upon the arrival of The Lily of the Valleys.”
Beloved, it’s going to look as if nothing good is emerging. Speaking from experience, I understand. Overwhelming circumstances target every ounce of hope, swollen eyes reveal a broken heart, numbness sets in dulling senses, and desertion continually screams, “You are all alone! Nobody Cares!” Don’t entertain it, not even for a moment!
Jesus says, “I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.”
We must declare, “I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.” Song of Solomon 2: 1-6 KJV Make these places Holy Ground; it’s your domain. One day, you’ll be able to see evidence of God’s power when you didn’t!
He walked up and down the path of burning stones, each step resonating with a song of praise that escaped his lips. Lucifer, in a cloak adorned with precious jewels, radiated a glow of God’s brilliant purity. Sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle, and gold adorned his celestial attire, mirroring the splendor of God’s magnificent craftsmanship.
With timbrels and voice, he poured forth his devotion, his voice echoing through the heavens. Up and down the Holy Mountain he danced, a symphony of joy and reverence. His every movement proclaimed the glory of the One who sat upon the throne. “Glorious is the Lord, He reigns! He reigns! Oh, He reigns! Holy is He!” His jeweled torso shimmered, capturing, and reflecting the brilliance of God’s divine light, a spectacle akin to the sun’s rays on fragmented glass.
Yet, within the depths of his heart, a yearning stirred. He longed for more than mere adoration and exultation towards the Holy One. A seed of ambition germinated, entwining its roots around his very being, consuming him whole. “I am an anointed cherub,” he whispered to himself. “Why should I not be the one on the throne?”
But in the heavens above, the Almighty One saw through Lucifer’s desires. “Lucifer,” His voice thundered, shaking the very foundations of eternity. “You have arrogantly set yourself against the One who created you. Your beauty and talent, once adorned in glory, now lay in the depths of the grave. You will never overpower the Almighty One! Your fate is sealed, for you are destined for the depths of hell!”
And so it was, in that fateful moment, that the fallen cherub’s rebellion came crashing down. No longer a favored and illuminated being, Lucifer was cast into darkness, forever to dwell in the depths, a fallen star that lost its heavenly gleam. Ezekiel 28
We know that God always wins!
Jesus said, “ I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 KJV
I laugh inwardly completely understanding where Dutch Sheets was coming from. The Lord wanted him to read about the lame man at the Gate Beautiful. Leave me alone, I‘ve read that before, he thought since he didn’t want the Lord to hear him. I suppose Dutch in that moment, didn’t realized God is a discerner of our thoughts. Again, I laughed, been there done that. He went on to explain that he read it over and over until he caught on to what the Lord wanted to reveal to him.
God reminded me Gideon doubted that God could use him to win the war with the Midianites. What Gideon didn’t understand is that God wanted his willingness. (Judges 6:13-15) I’ve asked the Lord many times, “Why did you put me in the position of being an author, artist or a leader since I struggle with certain things so much?” He replied, “That I may be glorified.” It sounds foolish that God would position a dyslexic, A.D.D. person in that position. Must not believe I have a struggle with those. But I can tell you it’s all due to the Holy Ghost. Moses stuttered, slow of speech yet he experienced the presence of God like no other. (Exodus 3:11)
“God, I know those stories. I don’t want to read it again.”
“Read it again, embed it in your soul, until it’s no longer a stumbling block satan can use.”
I’m grateful that we can hear God speaking in our spirit. He promised to lead us and guide us in all truth.
The Lord may be speaking to you about something as well. Understand it’s our Heavenly Father loving us unconditionally.
God uses the impossible things and weaknesses of man to reveal His glory through.
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV
I know I need to, but I don’t want to. This is the part I say earnestly, “The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing! Pulling everything out of my utility room meant finding what was junk, yet it would make an excellent treasure for someone else. My foyer is going to look like a hoarder’s paradise. Dust will settle on another few inches of dust, making my apartment look like the sweeper blew up. Digging for space to create a path to and from rooms is a pain! God only knows how long it will take me to organize everything neatly.
So much truth is in that! Chaos creates an overwhelming atmosphere.
What if I told you that chaos is a tool for God? “No, He isn’t the author of confusion.
(1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV) He works in it.
In the book of Esther, Haman’s lust for power drove him to deceive the king. All it took was the right strategy since he was the king’s righthand man, no problem! “Here is the plan. I’ll convince King Ahasuerus that the Jews are enemies.” Mordecai knew Esther was in the right place at the right time. He depended on his niece, whom he raised as his own, to intercede on their behalf. (Read the book of Esther)
Arrogance led Haman straight into the very snare he built for Mordecai. Chaos ceased in God’s time. Israel was spared.
Jesus, when coming into Bethsaida, was stopped, for there was a need for a miracle by a blind man. “Touch him, my Lord.” (Mark 8:22-20) First, He touched his eyes with his spit. “What do you see?’ The blind man looks up. I see men as trees, walking.” The first time, he didn’t truly see. Remember getting your eyes examined? Drops are put in your eyes to dilate them. It’s overwhelming wanting to see clearly. Jesus, the second time, placed his hands upon his eyes. His eyes were restored as though he could always see. Chaos only lasted for a moment, then, by the touch of the Master’s hands, order.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
God puts things that are out of order in proper order. Before that can be done, everything has to be out of place and in the wrong place. Don’t worry. He had already made a path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105 KJV)
Our natural sight betrays us. Focus on what God said He would do. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8 KJV) His eye is our compass. It says eye. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” Single vision is a term that throws me in a loop when ordering glasses online. It taught me something valuable, though. The two lenses are created for optical correction for a single distance, meaning only one. Focus is one way, not two, three, or four. Jesus says, “But if thine eye is evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness; how great is that darkness!” Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” To have an open vision, we mustn’t be blinded by our circumstances and believe in a physical manifestation of God’s order.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Our human habits get in God’s way so many times. During my time of prayer, I asked the Lord to help my unbelief like the Centurion did when he asked the Lord to heal his servant. He is being a man of authority felt unworthy for Jesus to come into his home. “Just, say the word and it will be done.” (Matthew 8:5-9) Just say the word and it shall be done.
For several weeks, the intensity of spiritual warfare felt too much. One night I envisioned a page containing sentences, but certain details were left out. I saw myself as the enemy whispered in my ear accepting words of fate to fill in the blank. Then I saw the Lord’s finger blotting them out. “No, Darlene, those are not the right answers.
“God I’ve heard what everyone else has said about these situations. I want to know what You say.” His answers were wholesome, full of life and an expected end. He will answer!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. … ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV
We must remind ourselves multiple times, “I am not fighting against flesh and blood. We are beating the air getting now where but worn down. Learning to not fill in the blanks of our life story is taking the pen out of God’s hand. I want to encourage you to meditate on things that are from above.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4:8 KJV
… “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1 KJV
Tosha Cobbs Leanard wrote a song titled, “You Know My Name.” The song reflects God’s desire to be intimate with us. Responding to His presence creates a strong bond.
What more could we want than God Himself calling us by name? It’s one of the most beautiful acknowledgments! So many sorrowful nights as tears streamed down my face, I could hear the Lord whisper my name. “Darlene, it’s going to be all right. Trust Me, I’m working it out.”
Abraham and Sarah were known as Abram and Sarai at first. (Genesis 12:10-20) Abram means, exalted father, and was the name given to him since he lived in Mesopotamia. After Abram fell into a deep sleep God revealed His plan to Him. Abram then became Abraham, which is a Hebrew name. His name then changed meaning, father of many nations.
He gave him a new name and so did Sarai. Sarari means, my princess but when God changed it to Sarah it had greater significance. Sarah which commonly translates to “chief”, “ruler” or “prince”. It is also related to the verb שָׂרָה, which is also the basis of the name Israel. In Modern Hebrew, Sarah (שָׂרָה) is the feminine form of the word for “minister”.
Jacob means supplanter which means someone who takes another person’s place. Supplanting is a deliberate action of taking the throne. The Hebrew meaning, akab means catcher of the heel. Jacob received redemption after wrestling with an angel. Refusing to let go, he continued wrestling declaring, “I will not go until you bless me.” The angel asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob, “he replied.
Your name shall no more be Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince you have power with God and with men, and You have prevailed.”
He no longer carried the identity of a deceiver but a prince, having power with God and man.
The angel grabbed the hollow of his thigh to weaken him, still he continued. Genesis 32:32 says, … “the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.” Keep in mind that Jacob meant grabber of the heel. This is significant since the children of Israel didn’t eat that part of the meat.
Satan even knows our name: if we are grounded in the Word of God, with a dedicated prayer life, we are a threat to him. (Acts 19:15 KJV) The seven sons of Jewish priest took it upon themselves to cast demons out of possessed individuals. The traveling exorcists called upon one who was possessed by saying, “We charge you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” The evil spirits in the man replied,” Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” The evil spirits physically attacked them. Acts 15:16 says, they leaped and prevailed over them. The exorcist fled torn, and their clothes ripped off. Jews and Greeks dwelling at Ephesus heard about it and they magnified, Lord Jesus.
Saul of Tarsus’s name in Greek translation is the adjective σαῦλος conveyed “effeminate” or “conceited,” and the cognate verbs σαυλοπρωκτιάω and σαυλοόμαι could mean walking in an effeminate .
Saul’s identity represented a tyrant with barbaric actions towards Christians. On his way to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus. Radiant light surrounded him literally knocking him off his high horse, blinding him. (Acts Chapter 9) After the powerful manifestation Jesus spoke to several disciples to go to him. Saul converted to Christianity and his name became Paul. Saul couldn’t do the work of God; people were fearful of that name. (Acts 26:12-23)
Paul means, small, cessation, stopper, a small whisper that propagates into a roaring multitude, extraordinary.
Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Another scripture is Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.”
A good name is more than good, integrity follows with it.
While researching the revelation came to me. A person who is under conviction is being called by name by God. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16 KJV)
What happens when we are summonsed to jury duty? We come forth; our identity is programed into the system.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:16 KJV
Engrave means in this scripture The word “engraven” is chaqaq. imprint, engrave, and also means to imagine. To imagine means that our identity specifically came from His thoughts before man exists.
These are only a few compared to what the Bible contains.
Keep in mind that through Christ alone changes are made. Jacob is a name that couldn’t be carried on because of its meaning. All these name changes came through redemption.
He even knows how many hairs are on our head. (Luke 12:7) Our God is personal.
As I stood there, lost in the depths of my reflection, I saw a damaged Darlene. Her eyes, once filled with certainty and strength, now danced with uncertainty and defeat, the highlight of faith within her destroyed. Detest filled my blood as I said, “You’re nothing! You’ve failed to learn several lessons, “You trusted to easily and you liberated your heart to care.” At this point I didn’t care. How did I get to this point? I pondered, still unable to tear my gaze away from the mirror. My life had become a battleground, a relentless onslaught of wars fought on multiple fronts: spiritual, mental, and physical. And they had left their mark, indelible scars etched upon my soul.
Weeks ago, I stayed in bed, sleeping to numb away the pain.
Betrayal sliced through me with a seared blade tearing my heart from its place of refuge. Someone who I had trusted, someone close to me, had woven a web of deceit through their lies, causing severe damage. What made this betrayal all the more bitter was my belief in this person’s Christian morals. Like two wounded souls seeking solace in each other’s company, we had shared stories of church hurt, of pain inflicted upon us by those who should have been our spiritual guides. I foolishly thought that such shared experiences would shield me from harm, that she would never be the source of my wounds. Bitterness filled my cup instead of God’s spirit. Not everyone who say they are in ministry is for our best interest. Jealousy is as cold as the grave. (Song of Solomon 8:6) Believing it was time for me to go forward, I pushed my years of church abuse in the back of the closet of my soul. Why didn’t I heed the signs? Why? Oh, why God!”
Even through the darkness I prayed defying my affliction, knowing I’ve had past experiences with it. Believing God when He promises, … “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV) I’m going to be honest I loathed my calling, wishing that God would have chosen another. Through the past several weeks it has been hell on earth! It literally is.
One night the Lord said, “Get up Darlene, arise and do what you know to do.” I grabbed my Bible laying beside me, threw the blankets off and stood to my feet and began declaring the word, “God this book contains You’re promises! This is Your Heart God and You cannot lie!” Heaviness began breaking as I clearly heard Him make promises of restoration in friendships and other mends. “You are my defender!”
Beloved I am here to encourage you to hold on and keep fighting the good fight of faith. God reminded me that His timing is perfect that in the chaos He is doing something. I believe Him! Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. Here is the revelation, Judas didn’t do damage. He paved the road to a prophesy being fulfilled. In the Chosen series by Dallas Jenkins, Quintus who is a Roman soldier implicated that Jesus’s followers were a threat. Something needed to be done. Nicodemus without flinching replies, “Some florals spread their seeds when trampled.” Those words rang in my spirit as the Lord reminded me, “What others use for harm only causes a spiritual flourish.
The Darlene in the mirror may not have been triumphant, but she was determined. Determined to rise above the scars, to rebuild what had been shattered through the word of God, and to reclaim her spiritual sovereignty. And as I finally turned away from the mirror, my reflection locked in an unspoken promise, I stepped forward, ready to fight the battles that lay ahead on her knees.
I feel in my spirit there are many who are facing the same thing. Stand firm! Seek the Lord with everything in you! He’s working in secrecy. This is one of those situations God is going to have to fix.
“For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Hamon hung on the gallows he created for an innocent man. It’s a matter of time. Esther 7:10
Confusion is an invisible enemy that sneaks in through twisted conversations. No wonder, I thought, there is great confusion upon the earth. Continuing in my research, my own understanding began unfolding. One doctor’s claim eating certain foods is a danger while another claims a breakthrough discovery: that unhealthy fruit we were told causes arthritis reduces it. Recycle to save our earth. Some have documented recycling is costly and the process releases poisonous chemicals into the air. Reduce waste by using cloth napkins, save on water though. On and on the list continues. It sounds like we can’t win for losing, doesn’t it? One end in the loop whole over another multiple times becomes a tight knot. Confusion and an unsettlement bare heavily upon this generation. Yes, college degrees can be presented verifying their major; however, it doesn’t relinquish the inward tug of war.
The point that I’m making in this is, in a sea of obstacles truth is an anchor. Isaiah 9:6 foretold a Counselor would come. Not just any counselor, one who is omniscient. He is also referred to as the Prince of Peace. Uncertainty is banished by His holy presence. Darkness is swallowed by His marvelous light. We do what we know to do, the things we don’t He’s guiding hand will steer our feet in the appointed destination.
Society pushes their belief system hoping that we fall prey to it.
One Truth, with forever and always stability is God’s word. Isaiah 55:11 declares, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
If you are seeking a truth about a matter pray, seek the counsel of God. You will find not a truth but the Truth.
… “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 KJV
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 
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