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.”
David tested the Lord when he counted Israel. Gad, sent by the Lord, gave him three options for punishment. David had to choose his judgment: seven years of famine, fleeing from his enemies for three months, or three days of pestilence in the land.
The most careful decision made by David was to place his trust in the hands of the Lord, as he acknowledged that “his mercies are great.” The Lord ultimately chose to spare all three individuals involved. As the angel poised to strike the people, God relented and commanded the angel, saying, “It is enough: stay your hand now.” At that moment, the angel of the Lord was positioned at the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite, a significant location in this divine communication. (11Samuel 24:16) (Read II Samuel 24:11-17)
David, a devout follower, felt a deep sense of remorse for his transgressions and sought to make amends with God. In a show of repentance, David obtained the necessary threshing instruments, oxen, and wood to meticulously prepare the threshing floor. Upon this sacred ground, he constructed an altar, which he intended to offer up as a symbol of his repentance, knowing that it would be consumed by the purifying flames of God.
In a moment of profound humility, David openly acknowledged his sin of tempting the Lord and fervently requested to be subjected to the Lord’s merciful judgment rather than face the vengeance of his enemies.
In this still and sacred environment, situated on the threshing floor, David encountered a deeply moving spiritual epiphany. It was in this hallowed space that he once more experienced a sense of renewal and clarity, liberated from the weight of wrongdoing.
The connection to the Pharisees and Sadducees is that the threshing floor is symbolic of separating the righteous from the unrighteous. When David purchased the threshing floor, it represented his spiritual separation from those not aligned with his beliefs. It’s a metaphor for distinguishing between genuine people and those not in his kingdom.
A few days ago, as I lay in bed in a state of half-sleep, the Holy Ghost dropped: the concept of contaminated wheat in my spirit. This idea became more significant to me after listening to a sermon about the symbolic meaning of the threshing floor. The speaker explicated that in preparation for a new phase in our lives, we undergo a transformative process similar to the purification of wheat on the threshing floor, where impurities are separated from the valuable grain.
Everything and anything that does not align with God’s values and principles will be eliminated from our lives and mission. This includes negative influences, harmful behaviors, and anything that hinders our spiritual growth and our ability to positively impact the lives of others. This purification process is essential to ensure that we remain true to our purpose of leading souls toward God and living in accordance with His will.
This has caused me to think differently and search myself.
Be encouraged God does these things because He loves us so much.
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!
“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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