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.
Each challenge we encounter serves as valuable preparation for the trials. Reflecting on my past experiences, I’ve realized that these moments were not just random obstacles but divine lessons intended to shape my character and guide my journey. They have improved my understanding and offered me opportunities to support and uplift others during their struggles.
“God’s ways and thoughts are passed finding out” is a sentence we hear often, but do we let it sink into our spirit? I can say for me, no, I haven’t.
In every circumstance that unfolds, I often find myself reflecting, I never expected it would turn out this way. Take, for instance, the journey to Canaan. Instead of choosing a direct route, God led the people on a longer path, purposefully avoiding the detour. It’s remarkable to consider that what could have been a swift passage turned into a prolonged journey of 38 years. Yet, through this unexpected detour, God was pursuing a greater purpose, one that surpassed immediate understanding. (Exodus 13:17) I understand that you’re feeling exhausted from your prayers, and it may seem like your patience is wearing thin. Yet, I urge you to cling to hope—there is a light on the horizon, and help is on the way!
Psalm 121:1-8 KJV
“ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
As I continued my morning walk, I savored each step, inhaling deeply to fill my lungs with the familiar fragrance of fall that infused the crisp morning air. With every step I took, the sunlight on the sidewalk was a beautiful reminder of God’s light. New beginnings, I thought, reviewing the downfalls and uprisings of my walk with Jesus. Through every one of them, I’ve increased in godly wisdom.
We find ourselves in an extraordinary and unmatched situation in the present era. We are encountering many difficulties, ranging from personal betrayals to broader general challenges, and the prevailing atmosphere is saturated with a sense of hopelessness and hopelessness. But there is a greater power!
Omnipotence -All Powerful
Psalm 115:3, “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Omniscient- All-Knowing
Isaiah 55:8-9,“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Omnipresent- Ever Present
1 Kings 8:27, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?”
God’s attributes are genuinely remarkable and awe-inspiring. Nothing and no one can come close to matching His greatness.
In the King James Version of the Bible, Hebrews 6:13 states, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,” emphasizing God’s unmatched greatness as the all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful being. He proclaimed with absolute certainty that the promises made to Abraham were nonnegotiable. It’s truly remarkable that God already knew Abraham’s unwavering commitment, even in moments of human frailty.
Be encouraged by the knowledge that the same God who was with Abraham is the same God who is in control of your situation. After praying and seeking guidance, take the time to praise Him and express gratitude, for His promises are true and unwavering.
In their journey, Paul, John, and Barnabas encountered an intimidating sorcerer in Salamis as they fearlessly preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. Despite facing brazen intimidation from the power of darkness through false prophets, deceitful teachers, and persuasive evangelists, they stood firm. In today’s world, where confusion reigns, the strength of the truth becomes even more evident.
Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall wrestling with an initial resistance to the overwhelming sense of conviction. I was highly aware of my deep-seated belief that I could never break God. However, as time passed, it became evident that it was not me breaking God, but rather God breaking me. This profound realization left a lasting impact on my spiritual journey. I eventually surrendered to the Lord’s power as He broke through my stubbornness and pride.
Sergius Paulus, the region’s leader, eagerly invited Barnabas and Saul to share the teachings of the word. Thus, Barjesus, a country deputy, sought to create divisions and disrupt the divine work. Despite his attempts to redirect the ministry in a different direction, Paul, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, confronted and bound the deceptive spirit. As a consequence of his actions, Barjesus brought a curse upon himself.
Then Saul (who is also called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. … “O full of subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” … immediately, there fell on him in darkness, and he went out about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
On that particular day, numerous individuals were in search of redemption. Amid the resurging spirit of revival, the forces of evil were still lingering, yet the prevailing power of Christ triumphed. Barjesus was struck blind for a period, symbolizing a tangible victory of truth over evil.
This triumph serves as a firm reassurance of the strength of God and instills confidence in His truth.
Throughout Barjesus’ period of blindness, he was constantly reminded of his dire need for humility and redemption. (Read Acts 13:3-12)
In this hour, we must seek the truth and not let go. We must stand firm because a global rebirth is currently underway.
One of the most inspiring stories that has made a difference in my prayer life is the story of Blind Bartimaeus. He lost his ability to see the world but didn’t lose his spiritual sight. He wouldn’t have attempted to get Jesus’ attention by crying out if he had. Spectators whose hearts were in the wrong place tried to shut him up by throwing words at him, such as “Be quiet!” or even “He doesn’t have time for you!” However, the depth of his faith exceeded those lies as Bartimaeus’ voice rose above them. Jesus stopped, His attention caught by the cry, and then He drew near to Bartimaeus. That kind of pleading was rewarded. He not only received his sight but also proved those voices wrong. (Mark 10:46-52)
I do not doubt that every one of us needs a miracle. We should never stop seeking His face. We should continue to cry out to Him, and He will draw near. Our greatest breakthroughs are behind our hunger for Him.“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:Job 5:8-9 KJV
“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Job 5:8-9 NKJV
“We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth.” –Andrew Murra-
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 KJV
I had no idea what greatness meant! One morning slowly awakening from a deep slumber the scripture, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” rehearsed in my spiritual ears. God’s voice was loud and fluent! “Darlene, you have no idea who you are. You’ve been searching to understand why adversity is great in your life. You’ve believed that multiple betrayals are misfortune. The enemy has made you believe you are a curse altogether and that the talents within you are a curse. People have altered your character because they have no understanding.” I have felt very angry and bitter about being confused. “God, I want to believe, but I am afraid too. I’m afraid of pride. I’m afraid that I’ll fail. I’m afraid of a lot of things.” I assure you that pride is nothing to worry about, you will go through quite a bit of buffeting! By the time it is said and done you feel like you’ve been through the wringer. Yes, we are going to fail, we are human, not God but we have God to direct us and pick us up. Another reason why we fear to acknowledge our calling is requirement.
“God, You said, You are no respecter of persons.” That’s true, He isn’t. A reel of memories played through my mind of all the evangelists, prophets (ess), and a few good preachers who declared, “God’s going to use you in a mighty way.” I brushed it off sad to say since I thought everyone was used greatly. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me explain this the way it’s been revealed to me.
I’ve noticed that many of us who struggle with identity, have had a lot of traumas in our lives especially physical and verbal abuse, and are gifted. I am an artist, I write books, I sing, and write songs now and then, and I have found that I have a knack for electronics. I adore children! I’m drawn to children and they are drawn to me. Too many times I’ve seen children put aside and ignored. Not in my presence! I love to make people smile and chase away their sadness. But I go through secret battles! I have dreams, see visions, and see in the spirit realm, and God has given me wisdom. It’s high priced! I believe that’s why so many run away from it.
Being called into greatness means God will separate you from people for a season. If we don’t, He will do it. Yes, you are going to get stabbed in the back. Yes, you are going to experience heartache to a degree that you believe it’s going to kill you.
Joseph, Esther, Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, and many more were called into greatness. Look at their lives, it wasn’t easy by no means! The Bible is evident they were set apart from the rest.
Being called into greatness is not easy but God said He would help us through all things!
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. “Isaiah 49:15 KJV
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more, but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” (John 14:18-31 KJV)
In the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 22-24, we read about the disciples who were hiding in fear. At this point, Jesus had already been crucified, and the disciples were feeling lost and uncertain about what was to come. However, Mary Magdalene had an encounter with Jesus in His transformation. She had gone to the tomb where Jesus had been laid after His death, but when she arrived, she found that the tomb was open and empty.
Tears streaming down her face, Mary bitterly wept at the opened tomb. Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you seeking?” she heard. Believing that the voice belonged to the gardener, Mary answered, “If you have moved Him, tell me where He is, and I will take Him away.” But then, something remarkable happened. The voice spoke her name. And in that moment, Mary realized who He was. It was Jesus – alive and standing right in front of her. This encounter changed Mary’s life forever, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. His voice-activated consciousness as it does when a child hears their parent’s voice. “Rabboni,” which means teacher, came from within her. He instructed her to tell His brothers.
As the news reached their ears, a sudden surge of fear gripped their hearts, rendering them helpless and vulnerable. To seek refuge, they locked themselves in, hoping to feel safe and secure behind locked doors. However, to their surprise, even the locked doors couldn’t keep Jesus out. He miraculously appeared before them, showering them with his divine presence and offering words of comfort, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21 KJV).
Locked doors didn’t stop Jesus from getting to them. Appearing in their midst, He then breathed on them, imparting the Holy Ghost, making it the only scripture in the Bible where anyone received the Holy Ghost before the day of Pentecost. The fear that had previously crippled their spirits now gave way to a newfound sense of hope and purpose. As they basked in the glory of his presence, they realized that their previous sense of abandonment had been replaced by a profound sense of belonging once again.
Abandonment is a feeling that can leave us feeling unloved, uncared for, rejected, and worthless. It can make us believe that there’s something fundamentally wrong with us. Even after becoming a born-again Christian, we may still be subject to these emotions. However, when we receive the Spirit of Adoption, we are no longer separated from God. According to Romans 8:14-19 KJV, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
If we are born again of the water and Spirit, we are no longer wanderers. We belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan will try to deceive us with the lie that God has abandoned us, but we must hold on to our faith and refuse to believe it. As children of God, we are no longer orphans. Instead, we have Jesus as our shepherd and guide, taking care of us and leading us on the path of righteousness.
Whatever happens, hold on to His promises and refuse to take on other than what God tells us to.
I decree Romans 8:15 over you, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
I declare that the chains of rejection, fear, and abandonment are broken from you. I declare that the Spirit of adoption has fallen on you. Right now, you will feel our Heavenly Father’s love and mercy, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!
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
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 KJV
No one likes to suffer! Yes, many in the Bible rejoiced that they suffered for His namesake. I asked the Lord this question, “Why God do I go through so much? Show me exactly what You mean when You say, “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25 KJV) What does it mean to fellowship with Your suffering?” This was His reply, “It’s more than just knowing I bled, died, and resurrected. It’s important that you truly know I felt your pain before you did.” I’ll explain. Thomas was known as doubting Thomas. He refused to believe the other disciples’ report, “Jesus has risen.” He remained as a doubter until he saw and touched the Lord’s wounds. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (NIV) (John 20:24-29) That’s who Thomas was, Doubting Thomas.
Time passed; Jesus appeared to them behind locked doors. “Peace be to you.” He looked at Thomas and said, “Reach here, with your finger and feel my hands. He rubbed his finger over the scar then slipped his finger into the nail hole. No blood nor raw flesh. “Now take your hand and reach inside and feel within my wound and be not faithless but believe. “Thomas slipped his hand in the hollow made by the sword, and he declared, “My Lord, my God!” He no longer doubted it. His identity changed because he fellowshipped with His scares. The wounds of Jesus defeated his unbelief. The intangible became tangible.
Fellowship is more than Christian followers coming together. I did some research and here is what I learned. Students and businesses plan events so that participants can relate to the same interest. “Jesus I’m hurting.” He comes to where we are so there can be fellowship about that suffering. … “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
Our hearts get so broken that mending seems impossible. I’ll never forget the Lord’s response when I said, “Lord, my heart is so broken.” He replied, “My heart was broken so yours could be mended.” Relief and comfort swallowed feelings of abandonment. Occasionally I remember the pain I felt when my dad unmercifully whipped me with a belt. Blood welts covered my legs, hips, and arms. I couldn’t breathe and I had to lay in bed the best I could without them stinging. I had no choice but to get dressed and go to school. Praying with rivers of tears spewing from my eyes I asked Him, “Why did I have to go through that suffering?” I saw a vision of Christ being whipped with a leather strap with claws on the end. In response to my pain He answered, “I felt your pain then.” It diminished shame, hurt and loneliness. My suffering was affliction to His pure, innocent body before I was conceived.
Paul suffered under the buffeting of satan due to constant revelation and seeing visions through the Holy Ghost.
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” (2 Corinthians 12:1-8) More than once I’ve pleaded with God to remove the thorn from my flesh, because my flesh would rather be comforted. But without the pain there would be no fellowship between us and God. Think about it, would we fall on our knees at the foot of the cross? How could we eat of His broken body and less we’ve tasted it, through trials? We became broken. Let’s not forget the cup the shedding of His blood for remission of sins.(Matthew 26) His blood washes us white as snow. Satan accuses us during our suffering the blood cries out. Blood does have a voice. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24 KJV)
Abels blood cried out from the ground for vindication. Jesus’ blood did vindicate. The flow from His side became an umbilical cord from heaven to us.
And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon. (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Ephesians 3:7-11 KJV
In every moment of our suffering we can know that He absoluetly understands our pain.
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 
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