Arise Out of Dormant

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Arise, arise that which lay dormant in thee. Rise from beneath the shadows, arise to the Lord’s summonsing that which lay dormant. The Lord calleth thee,” rehearsed within my spirit yesterday morning.

It’s easy to fall into a rut of despair. I sat quietly, listening to what God had to say. There is tension in the atmosphere. We are on the verge of something spectacular. However, we must shed things of our fleshly nature and shake loose the old, rugged garment of self-will to step into God’s glory.

We are experiencing a shaking, calling us to step out of our comfort zones and draw near to God. If we don’t, we will get lost in the shaking. Hebrews 12:27, “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” I refuse to settle where God cannot reach me or influence my life. To remain unshaken by His word would lead to stagnation, much like water that becomes still and murky when it sits for too long without movement. I seek to grow and evolve, constantly embracing the changes that come my way rather than allowing myself to become stagnant and complacent.

Moses carried something within him—a purpose God intended to reveal at the right time. His mother, recognizing the divine destiny of her son, instilled within him the seeds of God’s promises, nurturing his spirit with hope and faith. Exodus 2:1 (Read Exodus 2:1–10)

As he grew up, the weight of that calling became undeniable, and he could no longer stand back watching the Egyptians punish Hebrew enslaved people.

In a moment of divine intervention, God sought him out in the solitude of the desert, a place where he had retreated to escape his past. He chose that desolate landscape as the backdrop for a transformative encounter that would change the course of a nation.

God’s will is not always easy. God summonsed what lay dormant in Moses’ life.

“Arise, arise that which lay dormant in thee. Rise from beneath the shadows, arise to the Lord’s summonsing that which lay dormant. The Lord calleth thee,”

What is God asking of you?

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish. My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024. This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Your Promise Is Your Weapon

Author Darlene J. Conard

Mary came into alignment for God’s purpose by declaring these words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38 KJV)

Mary, described as highly favored by the angel of the Lord, faced numerous challenges despite her favored status. Rather than leading a life of ease, being highly favored brought her persecution, pain, and a need for sacrifice.

She became a different person the moment When the Holy Ghost overshadowed her, it became clear that a visitation from God had occurred. Similarly, after being in the presence of God on the mountain, Moses had to wear a veil over his face to conceal the radiance of God’s glory that had permeated his face. (Exodus 34:33)

In the depths of Mary’s womb, something more profound than the creation of a new life was taking place. She was told, “Mary, you are carrying a prophecy that the enemy will stop at nothing to obliterate. Evil will emerge from its seat of power. But do not be afraid, for light will inevitably triumph over darkness, swallowing it whole.” It is written, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (I will do a breakdown of these scriptures in depth)

Her position before the earth’s foundations were laid was to carry the promise that the enemy despised. He devised in every wicked way possible to stop her from delivering our Savior. Yes, earthly kings arose in haste to protect their rein. It wasn’t about flesh and blood; it was against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) This battle would only be won by standing tall and strong on bended knees.

Beloved, know that Satan harbors contempt for the promises and calling that reside within your spiritual being. However, take courage, for you have the ability to stand up to the enemy with God’s unwavering declaration that His promises will be fulfilled! His word is an omnipotent, steadfast source of strength and reassurance amid spiritual warfare.

If you seek God with all your heart, you will experience abundant growth and prosperity in various aspects of your life. I pray that God grants you the strength and guidance to bring spiritual blessings and fulfillment. Embracing your spiritual purpose will be essential in unlocking the path to your prosperity and realizing the complete satisfaction of God’s divine plan for your life.

The Enduring Prayer

Author Darlene J. Conard

Let us not limit God, His power, and His ways! Our minds struggle to comprehend the miraculous ways in which He answers prayers. His word expresses that.

For years, I held onto a heartfelt prayer that I would revisit time and again, with a deep longing for it to be answered. Finally, when the moment arrived, it overwhelmed me completely, leaving me in tears of joy that streamed down my face. The weight of fulfillment washed over me like a warm tide, filling my heart with deep gratitude and delight. The emotions of that moment are so intense that they overwhelm me still. I’m not ready to reveal the details of its unfolding.

Job responded to God with repentance and gratitude saying, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:1 KJV

“I know my God, You can do anything!” As I compose this, tears of joy cascade down my cheeks, a testament to His incredible glory and the miraculous ways He answers my prayers! The overwhelming sense of His presence fills my heart with gratitude and awe. It outweighs any hurt, rejection, or hopelessness!

All I can say is that praying for years about my requests makes me say, “Wow, God, now I understand what You mean when You will pour out a blessing I cannot contain!

I want to sincerely encourage you to remember that when you pray about a particular matter, whether it seems monumental or minor, do not for a second believe that any request or concern is too significant or insignificant to bring before a higher power. Every prayer you offer carries significance, and there is no concern so great or so small that it falls outside the reach of divine care and consideration. Every heartfelt plea resonates with purpose, highlighting the depth of your hopes and struggles, ensuring that a higher power welcomes your situation no matter the gravity of your situation.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward, he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Luke 18:1-6 KJV

The widow’s perseverance against exhaustion opened the gates of heaven. Keep knocking on God’s door; He will surely answer, but we must endure the test of time!

Double Minded

Author Darlene J. Conard

While washing the dishes, I wondered why some individuals, no matter how hard I’ve tried, remain unpleased with me. I cannot win for losing, and I’m sick of trying! Lord, why is that? I thought. Frustrated and weary, I drained the few dishes left in the rinse water.

Picture yourself in the midst of an intense race, your heart pounding and sweat pouring down your brow as you push with every ounce of strength to reach that coveted finish line. The exhilarating feeling of victory washes over you as you envision crossing it first. But suddenly, without warning, the finish line stretches further away, taunting you. Fatigue grips your body, and doubt creeps into your mind, making the thought of giving up seem like the only option in that moment of despair.

In the midst of this struggle, I turned to prayer, seeking clarity and strength. Then, the Lord spoke to me, reminding me, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” — James 1:8 (KJV). This wisdom resonated deeply, urging me to remain focused and steadfast, despite the challenges ahead.

Double-mindedness often leads to a state of instability in our thoughts and beliefs. It is a constant struggle between faith and doubt, where one moment, we are fully convinced of our convictions, and the next, we find ourselves gripped by uncertainty. In moments like these, I turn to God and ask Him to examine my heart and mind, seeking clarity and strength. It’s important to acknowledge that many of us experience similar fluctuations in our faith journey. We can find comfort in sharing these struggles, reminding ourselves that it’s part of the human experience to wrestle with our beliefs and seek a steadfast foundation.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6 KJV)

Think about it: The individual has no right or wrong answer. They make rules up as they go or change them whenever they want to suit themselves. I don’t want any waiving within me!

If you are dealing with someone like this, you understand the frustration it causes.

Our only option is to pray without getting tangled up in the confusion.

Rooted and Resilient

Author Darlene J. Conard

Trees thrive in the presence of wind, essential for their growth. As the branches sway and bend with the breezes, they become more resilient, gaining the strength needed to withstand the passage of time and support their weight. This constant movement encourages trees to reach deep into the soil, developing extensive root systems that anchor them firmly as they stretch toward the sky. This rhythmic motion not only strengthens the branches, enabling them to endure the weight of leaves and fruit, but also improves their ability to withstand relentless forces.

These qualities can be likened to our relationship with God. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (KJV)

Life often surprises us with sudden and fierce storms, presenting a range of challenging situations for which we may not be prepared. These storms can manifest in various forms—unexpected loss, personal struggles, or overwhelming responsibilities—that shake our foundation. In these moments of turmoil, allowing the tumultuous winds of life to strengthen our roots in Jesus is crucial. Embracing the test of life’s storms can bring wisdom and knowledge. In the future, we will be wiser and more powerful.

In times of turmoil, let us seek comfort and security by trusting God. Spiritual resilience fortifies our inner strength and anchors us firmly in a foundation of hope that shines brightly even in the darkest moments.

Rootbound

Author Darlene J. Conard

I sank into the cushions at the far end of my sofa, enveloped in shadows, the dim light of the room barely reaching me. My head leaned against the cool, soft backrest fabric as thoughts swirled around in my mind, heavy and suffocating. I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What is wrong with me?” The question echoed in the silence, amplifying my confusion and unease. I wasn’t depressed; God had answered a prayer I had been praying about for almost a year. Yet, something didn’t feel right.

“God, please reveal to me what is wrong with me.” I gently closed my eyes and envisioned a plant struggling in a pot far too small for its large roots. The plant became rootbound. Its green leaves drooped instead of thriving. The leaves reached out in desperation, yearning for support and nourishment, yet they felt lost in the vastness surrounding them. “The Holy Spirit replied, “You’ve outgrown your pot. You’ve become uncomfortable with your usual surroundings. Then the scriptures came to me… “no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves transcending the comfort of our familiar surroundings. The methods of prayer and how we once engaged with our Bibles may start to feel inadequate, leaving us yearning for a deeper connection. This sense of restlessness prompts us to expand our spiritual horizons, to grow and stretch ourselves in preparation for the larger purpose God has in store for us—the new vessel He wishes to place us. We embark on this transformative journey seeking a richer, more fulfilling experience of faith, ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead. My life revolves around the supernatural. That’s who I am; I’ve had to learn to walk in it. We should never be comfortable with a routine!

I understand that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, and personal growth in faith can vary widely from one person to another. Some may feel a deep connection and calling to serve in specific ways, while others might discover their path differently. It’s essential to recognize that not everyone is meant to pursue the same purpose or possess the same gifts. Each individual’s relationship with God is distinct and unfolds at its own pace, leading to a beautiful diversity in how we express our beliefs and contribute to our communities.

I want to encourage you to allow God to replant you on new territory in heavenly places.

Perfect and Pure Love

Author Darlene J. Conard

Room’s quiet. “Lord, help me to love as You love.” I sat still at my desk, the room’s quiet, enveloping me like a soft blanket. As I closed my eyes, I recalled the gentle but persistent knock of Jesus at the door of my heart, a heartfelt invitation to someone so unworthy. Tears began to well in my eyes, spilling over as a cascade of memories flooded my mind—each one a reminder of His grace and mercy. This world needs the deep, transformative compassion that mirrors Christ’s! Every failure reminds me of my dependence on Him; each stumble draws me closer, igniting a deeper love within me. The more I recognize my shortcomings, the more profound my need for Him becomes, and, in turn, my heart swells with an overwhelming love for the One who loves me unconditionally.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 KJV) Jesus’ love can break every stronghold, transforming even the direst situations into a beautiful garden. Our hearts need to be filled with that pure love to see broken individuals through God’s perspective. Instead of perceiving someone as useless, we should recognize them as a soul in mending. God didn’t view us that way; He saw potential in us to be on fire for Him and to reach out to other broken souls.

Early yesterday morning, as I was scrolling through Facebook, someone’s profile caught my attention. I felt moved by the Spirit of God to pray for this person. This individual has experienced significant betrayal and hurt in their life. Pain can drive people to act and speak in ways that seem out of character. The enemy may remind them of their past and point fingers at us, making it seem like we are their adversaries. It’s important to be patient and understand that it’s not personal.

“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 KJV)

The love of Christ inspires a journey toward moral integrity and virtuous living, illuminating hearts and guiding choices that reflect compassion, kindness, and righteousness.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV) When we get into the presence of God we feel an unexplainable love. God corrects us not in a condemning way but in perfect love.

As I conclude, I encourage you to embrace a spirit of compassion rather than resentment. Instead of harboring negativity, surround those who may have wronged you with heartfelt prayers and envelop them in the unconditional love that Jesus offers. Let your response be one of grace and understanding.

Reveal Your Glory

Author Darlene J. Conard

“What now? What do we do? There’s no way out! Why did God lead us to dwell in this destitution?” Fear stole their hope, strangling the fire that God’s wonders brought. We’ve all been in the children of Israel’s state of mind. “No way out of this situation. I don’t see it.” Well, my friend, our perspective is off.

Deep in thought, I’ve often imagined God yawning after the flick of His finger. Nothing challenges Him! “Give me another prayer.” He’s God all by Himself. God promised Abraham he would father many nations. He swore by Himself, why? No one exceeded His greatness. No one or thing ever will. Hebrews 6:13

Isaiah 45:11, one of my many favorite passages, says, … “Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.” Wow! Amazing! Commanding in this verse is not to approach Him disrespectfully. God is inviting us to declare what He has already promised. “God, manifest Your power in this situation. Reveal Your unattainable power in the courtroom. Jesus, reveal Your redeeming power in the life of my loved ones. I declare it done!

“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” (Numbers 23:20). God said in this passage He received commandment to bless: He has blessed, sealed and delivered! I love this! (Paraphrasing) “Ask Me about the blessing reserved for your sons and daughters. Anything concerning them, let Me reveal it to you.” I love God’s invitations to come boldly before the throne of grace Paul wrote about in Hebrews 4:16. Seek His face, not His hand. He loves our adoration towards Him.

“Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?” (Isaiah 43:13 KJV) Not one of them can do what only God can do. Maybe you have situations at work, in a friendship or healing in your marriage, or bad relationships from the past. He’ll do it His way. He knows how to orchestrate people, places, and things. God sees the intent of hearts, the condition of the mind, and the state of our being. We truly believe we know ourselves until He unveils strengths and weaknesses.

“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27 KJV)

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10 KJV

Hebrews 4:12 says, He’s the discerner of our thoughts and intents of the heart. Don’t underestimate your earnest prayers. Fervently

God spoke to Noah in a cramped-up situation He created—animals of every kind, family, and perhaps other necessities. God makes us uncomfortable on purpose to motivate us out of comfort. (Genesis 8:1-8) The unseen cocoon we are experiencing is a time of growth. Use it, ask Him to show His glory as Moses did in Exodus 33:18.

Sitting in my living room and peering into the all-consuming darkness, I contemplated the biblical text I had recently immersed myself in. It struck me how every victory in the text stemmed from unwavering trust in God. I was drawn to the stories of young leaders like Josiah, who ascended to kingship at the tender age of eight, and Samuel, who obediently heeded the voice of God as a simple boy. Conversely, the account of Joseph, Jacob’s son, induced a deep sense of injustice, as his brothers robbed him of thirty-one precious years and deprived him of his mother’s comforting presence. Despite the unfairness, I found comfort in the promise of uncovering the unfolding of Joseph’s life in Egypt, as depicted in Genesis, chapter 39.

Deborah, a remarkable figure, served as a prophetess and a judge of Israel. I realized that the most minor aspects of their lives hinged on their obedience to God’s guidance. The contrast between human imperfection and God’s persistent call to share in His glory never fails to captivate me, drawing me closer to the text and its teachings. Judges 4

Our spiritual growth is involvedly tied to the challenges we face. Through these trials, our faith is tested and strengthened, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s guidance and our spiritual journey.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

The journey of faith is not without its moments of discouragement. Yet, it is in these moments that our unwavering resolve is most crucial. We must hold fast to our trust in God’s plan, knowing He is always with us, guiding us through every trial.

These scriptures deeply resonate with me. They remind us that some prayers are answered swiftly, while others require patience. The passage from 2 Corinthians 1:20 reassures us, ‘For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.’ It’s a reminder that we must not give up but continue to seek His guidance and delve deeper into His word. Our persistent knocking symbolizes our perseverance; we actively participate in spiritual growth through this act. The door will open in His time and never be shut again.

As we persist with unwavering determination, we will navigate the transition into the next phase of our lives. In the face of challenges, let us not yield to despair. Instead, let us confront and overcome Satan’s deceitful tactics with fervor and wholeheartedly embrace the inheritance that is destined for us.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” Luke 18:1 (KJV)

Let’s persevere in prayer and hold on to hope.

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8 KJV

These Words are written in red to signify that Christ is speaking. He is the One Who will set the door before us.

Beloved, stay cheerful, keep praying and obeying Him. Witness how He brings about a glorious outcome!

God Doesn’t Make Mistakes

Author Darlene J. Conard

Years ago, a thirteen-year-old girl opened up about her insecurities during vacation Bible school. I’ll call her Hannah to protect identities. I will call her Hannah. Hannah dropped her head, saying, “I’m a mistake.” Focusing entirely on the sweet young girl, I asked, “Hannah, what makes you say such a thing?” She fixed her eyes on the floor and refused to look at me or anyone else. “My mom told me so.” My heart dropped to the floor as I understood her pain. “Oh no, honey, you are not a mistake!” I’m going to tell you what I told her. I’ve had to tackle the same demon with the word of God.

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb” … (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV). That’s astounding to me! He knew everything about us before we were conceived.

Esther, Samuel, and many more were on time. God used Esther to intercede for her people. Samuel brought order back into the house of God. Jeremiah may have been young, but still, his timing was perfect.

In all honesty, I hesitated to write this message. I prayed for guidance. My friend posted the picture at the top with the scripture in Jeremiah. DNA is the post title. It’s a message to remind humanity that God is the creator of life. He ordained our beginning and our end. He already knew of our failures and imperfections. God uses it to bring forth His will.

Thirteen-year-old Hannah didn’t realize she was born for God’s glory. No one told her that she was born to do what no one else could do or be. Her character was a vital part of this generation.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

God isn’t seeking perfection from us; rather, He desires a heart that is willing to be present and open. What truly matters is our willingness to respond to His call and to say, “Here I am.” This heartfelt declaration signifies our readiness to embrace His purpose and guidance in our lives, acknowledging that we may not have all the answers or be without flaws, but we are committed to walking with Him on our journey.