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"Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision and make [it] plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry." (Hab 2:2-3 NKJV)
The word vision in the Hebrew language means: a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle: —vision. Many think that the word “vision” is only what is received by seers, but that is not the case. It can be a promise that you can see with your mind’s eye – the Lord has “shown” it to you. It is still speaking.
I declare to you it is time to advance into what God has shown you! There is an open heaven over you and even now there is a shift in perception and new light coming on your path to reveal the next steps. This happened recently with me, and I sense sharing it will bring encouragement to many.
The Lord gave me a vision (mental picture) some years ago for a new ministry He wanted me to start, but not much else. I had the word, I had a picture of what would be the outcome, but did not yet have the blueprint. He began over the next few years to add pieces to it, and then bring others along who could also “see” it.
This process happened in the workplace nearly 20 years ago where the Lord gave me a vision of a regional project that developed into a non-profit agency that is still operating and providing a vital transportation service in San Diego County. I learned how to wait on the Lord and let Him lead me and bring the people, wisdom and resources necessary for the vision to become a reality.
Now it is happening in ministry. Let that encourage you – God may use what He is teaching you even in the secular arena for His Kingdom building purposes in the future!
During the waiting for the ministry vision to move forward, God has been building up a structure in my husband to carry the vision as well. I knew it would not be successful in the way God wanted it to be if my husband wasn’t a part of it. This may be happening in your delay – God is equipping others who will come alongside you!
We began taking the next steps and came to a point where we had a location that lay nearest. I just could not commit to it in my heart because the room layout was not like what I had seen. In a moment of time, the Lord shifted my view from seeing the focal point of the room 90 degrees, from facing north to east. It was a paradigm shift and made a huge difference. It was like I was trying to fit a puzzle piece in place but had to turn it slightly.
It was the breakthrough I needed! Facing east is prophetic; it is dawning of light for the new day! The darkness breaks and the way becomes clear; and so it shall be for you!
You are standing on a promise, have seen it in your mind’s eye, made steps toward it and seem to be at a stopping point but know you are to keep moving forward. But how? I decree and declare that the Lord is shifting your view; what you need is right in front of you! The promise is speaking, and this is the appointed time! The way prepared for you is being made visible to your sight!
My husband reminded me of the story of Hagar and the revelation I received from it that I wrote about in my first book. (I often need to be reminded of it!) As we re-read the account, the Holy Spirit began revealing fresh revelation that relates to our (and perhaps your) current situation.
"So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting [it] on her shoulder, he gave [it] and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down across from [him] at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, "Let me not see the death of the boy." So she sat opposite [him], and lifted her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, "What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he [is]. "Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation." Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink." (Gen 21:14-19 NKJV)
Abraham represents faith. Rise up in faith; you are being sent out by God into the new. Hagar certainly must have felt that this was unjust, and wondered how the promise she had received for Ishmael (Genesis 16) could possibly happen now! It is easy to fall into a victim mentality when you feel you are being forced out into a realm that is not comfortable, where it no longer looks like you thought it would look. It may even seem that the enemy has done this to you. I declare an opening of your eyes to see that God is with you in this, for this is a new season and there is a reason.
He sees all, He knows all, the end from the beginning, and He will use this to expand your borders! Embrace the change with faith in Him! Through faith and patience you inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12).
Abraham sent out Hagar with bread and water on her shoulder. Shoulder represents burden – the weight of the promise given to Ishmael is now upon Hagar, but she is being led to a place where the burden is lifted and so will you! They had to leave the old to move into the new. He is working all things together for your good (Rom. 8:28); trust Him in your trials!
They wandered in the wilderness - the seemingly barren places where you know not where you are going but you will be walking step by step with the Holy One – hearing His voice, being led by His Spirit and receiving new provision. It is in the wilderness we hunger and thirst in a new way; we learn that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4)
The water and bread ran out – the sustenance of the old season (provision from Abraham) was finished, just like the manna ran out for the Israelites when it was time to enter the promised land (Josh. 5:12), and so it is with us. There will be provision for this new season as you go forward in God’s appointed time. Provision is found on the pathway of purpose! The Lord always sustains and brings to completion what He has promised. As you continue forward in faith, you will have access to Living Water and the Bread of Life; God provides all that you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)!
Hagar cast Ishmael “under a shrub,” far enough away that she wouldn’t have to see him die. She had lost hope in the fruition of the promise because of the circumstances. At times we do that with promises when we can’t see a way for the outcome to happen, and if we aren’t careful that becomes a place of unbelief leading to death of the promise in our heart. This can blind us from seeing reality. God has ways above ours! When we only see from our perspective and the immediate situation, we discount that God can shift our view and our circumstances in a moment of time. I declare your perception is shifting, even right now hope is coming alive and vision restored!
Hagar gave drink to the lad, refreshing and reviving the promise. I declare despondency break off; the Spirit of the Lord is bringing refreshing and reviving waters of life to the promise! All the promises of God in Christ Jesus are yes and amen (1 Cor. 1:20)! God is moving mightily to establish what has been pre-ordained for your life (Eph. 2:10)! What He has ordained for your life shall come forth! He is the author and finisher. Keep believing and trusting Him, listen closely for instruction and move forward as He leads.
Remember Paul’s exhortation in Hebrews 12:12-13:
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."
What I hear in this is keep your hands active and lift them in praise. Make faith paths for your feet - acknowledge God is in your midst and He will make your path straight (Prov. 3:6)! Paul tells us in Romans 4:20 that Abraham grew strong in faith as he gave glory to God! God is moving to bring about His determined purpose, give Him all the glory and praise and grow strong in faith!
I heard by the Spirit of the Lord: “The promise is speaking; it is yours for the keeping – move forward!”
Alane Haynes
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