Recently, I found myself feeling breathless. I wondered if the spirit of anxiety was trying to creep up on me again. I wondered if I was feeling the stress of someone around me…it happens that I often physically feel other’s emotions as part of my discernment gifting. I wondered if we would ever truly find our way out of this wilderness journey…are we destined to wander and struggle forever?
The answer came in a vision a short time after…but not my vision…it was the vision of one of my children. How sweet is that?!
The kids and I gathered to pray over Chris. We felt a struggle in the spirit, and I determined that our best course of action was to come together, pray in the spirit and see what God would show us…so we did. At the end of the praying time, I asked each child what they saw, heard, or felt…one had this vision.
“I see dad and he’s climbing a very steep mountain and has boulders of doubt on his back.”
Wow! That was a powerful moment.
But I realized that as they spoke that vision, I too was struggling with the same thing. Then the Lord began to speak to me…
“Lisa, when you climb a mountain…at first it is fairly easy and the air is normal, and breathing comes without effort, but as you reach summit…suddenly things shift. The air is thin, and the landscape is much steeper and more treacherous. You are reaching the summit…that is why there’s a sudden breathlessness and struggle. Keep taking one step after another…you will get there!”
I receive that, Lord. Yes and amen.
My encouragement to you is the same today. If things in your life have felt suddenly breathless and harder, don’t simply think you’ve made a mistake or that your faith is waning. Check in with God, because you may just be reaching summit.
Friend, few people ever truly summit…in real life and even fewer reach summit in the spirit. So, if you happen to be where I am, be extremely grateful. It’s a privilege.
God has given our family the privilege of growth, perseverance, maturity, faith, hope, love and steadfastness. He’s given us the gift of being rejected by those He never intended us to join up with long term. He’s given us the gift of removing our comfort, so we wouldn’t stay where we are not supposed to be, and would follow Him anywhere. He’s given us the gift of finding our true Comforter. He’s gifted us with the knowledge of who He says we are; and the separation from “normal” ways, so He can establish His ways in us.
Our struggle is our privilege.
Our lack is leading to the fulfillment of the greatest promise of our lifetime. We are about to see God manifest the entirety of many dreams, visions, and promises that He has given us. Because we chose to follow Him anywhere.
Every day, I feel Him opening my heart and mind to look further outside the box. The more I do, the more peace I find…peace and contentment.
He is my portion. He is my prize. He is the only One worthy.
Friend, if you find yourself in the struggle…thank your lucky stars that He chose you.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Do not dread the disease that stalks the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. when they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation. Psalm 91
365 Days in the Presence 