I believe we are entering into a new season where the Lord wants to give new divine strategies to show His glory and power. The other day I was listening to Bible audio when the sixth book of Joshua started, I was captured by the first verse.
Joshua 6:1 says ‘Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.’
I felt God got my attention in this verse in light of this season of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in a season where most cities and countries are in ‘shut down’ mode to try and hinder the outburst of the deadly virus. When I heard Joshua 6:1 I thought of all the cities and regions that are ‘closed’ in a way, and then I felt the Lord say He has strategies for this season. Joshua 6 is based on God leading the Israelites to conquer the city of Jericho, where He had given specific instructions in how to take over the land. The people of Jericho were aware that the Israelites were coming so they stayed within their city ‘no one went out and no one came in’.
I believe in this season of ’shut down’ God wants to speak to us and tell us great and unsearchable things as He revealed to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 33:1-3 says ‘While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
The rest of the passage the Lord reveals to Jeremiah His plans and promises of restoration for His people. This is a season where the Lord wants to speak to us about His heart and His strategies in praying for regions, cities and nations. God’s heart is for people, for cities, and for the nations!
Just as the Lord gave divine strategies for Joshua and the Israelites to conquer the city of Jericho, God has creative ways in which He will equip us to pray for places in this season. This is the time to take the land in which God has promised. He wants to reveal His power and glory through His mighty hand.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’
May we seek the Lord and hear what is on His heart to know how to pray for the regions, cities, and nations. For such a time as this.
Elisabeth
