For several draining weeks my family had been downed with Covid. I was at a low point. To be brutally honest, I was struggling with severe fatigue and was beginning to question God...
How long will this last? Why had He allowed my family to go through this sickness?
Then, I had a dream on September 4. In it I believe my loving Father was revealing the state of my heart. I was not as ready to go through hardship as I thought myself to be. I considered my faith to be strong....until it was tested by difficulty.
UNPREPARED FOR THE RACE
In the dream, I was about to run a marathon, but to my chagrin I had not fully trained for it. I was unprepared. I was behind. Quickly, I rushed to catch up with a group who had gathered in a home to train. These were preparing by ministering to the Lord and waiting in His presence. I knew them to be mature people of faith and prayer who knew God's voice and carried His presence. They were ready and waiting for the signal to start the race. As I looked out a window, I saw that the sky was growing darker and darker. All at once, the revelation hit me that when the night fully came...the marathon would begin. We would be running in the dark.
When I sought the Lord about this dream and confessed the condition of my own heart, He began to speak to me about the times that are coming...
TRAIN FOR THE MARATHON AHEAD
"It is time for laser vision. It is time for clear focus. It is time to put away childish things. It is time to awaken and arise for the night is coming. THE NIGHT IS COMING!
It is time to be sober, alert, and prayerful. Now is not the time for sleep. It is a time for vigilance. TRAIN while you still can. PREPARE while there is still time. COLLECT YOUR OIL at all cost. The night is coming when no man can work. The arm of the flesh will be useless to you."
Next, I saw people trying to lean on "the arm of the flesh".* This was their own strength and understanding. These people were putting their trust in "man" and turning their hearts from God. As they began to shift their weight onto this "arm of the flesh", it collapsed underneath them, and they fell to the ground. No progress was being made. Again they tried to prop themselves up by this "flesh arm" and again it buckled underneath them. These couldn't begin to run the race in this condition.
"Those who have been trained by the Spirit will run by the Spirit. Those who have trusted in the strength of their flesh will not be able to stand. Prepare! for the marathon is ahead. Who will have the stamina to endure the race to the end? But I am your helper and your strength. Be renewed and strengthened in your spirit man."
TORCH BEARERS TAKE YOUR PLACES
Then a vision opened up to me. I was standing at the starting line of the marathon. In my right hand I held a torch high above my head. Oil fueled the flame. The path before me was dark as the night had fallen. I resolved myself to persevere at the grueling task ahead. Yet, in all honesty I felt overwhelmed, daunted, and very much alone.
In that moment the Lord spoke to me, "Who said that you would be running alone?"
Suddenly, it was as if my eyes were opened and my vision expanded. To my right and to my left I saw many determined torch bearers taking their places beside me along the starting line. Rippling with muscles, their legs were honed from countless hours of training. Blazing together our raised torches pierced the darkness around us.
Immediately, my spirit was bolstered and encouraged. I felt a deep comradery and unity with the other racers. Singleness of purpose griped my heart as we turned our faces like flint to take on this marathon before us. Though the road ahead would be difficult, we would support one another.
Then, my vision changed so that far ahead I could see other people along the path waiting with unlit torches for us to light them. This was not a relay race. For as we lit the torches of others, they would join us. Our light would increase and expand outward pushing back the darkness.
DIFFICULT DAYS AHEAD
Friends, I am sensing in my spirit that difficult days are ahead. I don't think that it takes any gifting to see we are in troubling times. Over and over I continue to hear in my spirit that the night is coming. I do not see fully what is ahead, but I do believe that the Holy Spirit is emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared. Now more than ever we need to press in know God's voice, read the Scripture, pray, develop intimacy with Jesus, and be in fellowship with other strong believers. Don't delay! Don't let distraction rob you of your daily times with Jesus. We are in a critical hour.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR WHAT IS TO COME
For weeks after having this dream, I was burdened by the possible implications of what is coming. Through this time I felt Jesus' nearness and heard His whisper of encouragement in my spirit.
"Remember where your help comes from. I have equipped you to soar. Do not rely on the arm of the flesh. It is time to rise up in the spirit. The night is coming; but lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. You will not be running this race alone for I will be your light and be your guide. I will strengthen you. I will sustain you. Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Be not anxious for I am your God. Surely I will help you.*
Do not fear the darkness for darkness is as light to Me. Look through My eyes for My eyes pierce the darkness. My glory is reflected even brighter off of you in the dark. Remain in Me steadfast and secure. I will not take you into what I cannot bring you through."
* Jeremiah 17:5, Psalm 121, Isaiah 41:10
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