Renewal Church,

I was praying with a small group of folks and I’d like to share a word of encouragement that the Lord gave us for you! That’s right — you...us...our church! First, the way the Lord revealed this to us was really cool. Five people in the group each received a specific word or impression that, when put together, became one specific word of encouragement — sort of like Voltron. The words were: Habakkuk 1:1-5 (you can read that at the end of this), trust, tomorrow, and joy. Also, one of us received the following impression from the Lord. This is what she said she saw: “God as a loving Father welcoming me, not shaming or condemning me for where I am. Resting in that.” Once these people shared these words, I asked them if they would offer a prayer related to what they shared. But one of the participants said, “I see a thread here,” and then volunteered to pray on behalf of everyone. Well, it was obvious that this was more than a prayer — it was a prophecy.

Now, if you’re new to the concept of “prophecy,” allow me to put you at ease by reminding you what the Apostle Paul said about it in 1 Corinthians 14:3: “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” This verse shows us the purpose of any prophecy — that it’s not to “wow” or weird people out. Rather, it is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort God’s people.

Now to the word. I encourage you, before you read it, to stop and pray. Ask God to help you “hear” this with your heart. What you’re about to read won’t necessarily blow your mind. I mean, I hope it does! But it probably won’t, and that’s not the point of it anyway (remember “strengthen, encourage, and comfort”). The Holy Spirit can use these words to deeply encourage you if you just sit with it. So here’s the prophecy-prayer that we feel the Lord wants to use to strengthen, encourage, and comfort you today and into tomorrow...

“God, you see that we may be bogged down in the miry clay of the challenges and divisiveness of today. But during this time you are reminding us that we should keep our trust in you. Remind us that you are a good, loving father who has not forsaken us. Let us see the struggles of today through your lens, which is a much larger view...a view of the centuries before and the centuries after today, well into tomorrow...Remind us of your word from Habakkuk 1:1-5 that you are working during this time and that your glory will be seen. You are working amongst us and you see something beautiful happening that our eyes cannot yet see. When we change our perspective to see through your eyes, joy will replace sadness and our faith will be strengthened knowing you are greater than our current circumstance.”

Consider going back and reading that again...maybe a few times. Let it sink in. I truly hope this little message encourages you as it did me. Pray about this. Ask God what he might be whispering to you right where you are. Who knows, he might surprise you like he surprised us.

Grace and peace to you,
Chris

Habakkuk 1:1–5 (ESV)
[1] The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

Habakkuk's Complaint
[2] O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
[3] Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
[4] So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted.

The LORD's Answer
[5] “Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.