by Carol Kelley
I am excited about the beginning of a new year and a new season. Last January and before, the Lord spoke through numerous prophets saying that 2007 would be a year of change and transitions for many. Bobby Conner prophesied, "Expect swift and rapid change" (ElijahList, January 23, 2007). I don't particularly like or welcome change, but a year ago I embraced these prophetic words and asked God to help me to, through His strength, be able to adjust to changes ahead.
The Lord has been faithful to answer those prayers amidst all the changes 2007 held for me and my family. There were joyful, milestone events--our oldest son's wedding, his brother's college graduation, our youngest daughter's 18th birthday and high school graduation--all within two months of each other. There were swift, rapid changes in my mother's health as she struggled with Alzheimer's, broken bones and life-threatening infections. She graduated to Heaven on December 4, 2007.
Releasing Others
Earlier this month, the Lord spoke to me that the many personal changes in my life in 2007--wedding, graduations, children going on to new chapters in their lives, my mother's decline and death--all had to do with releasing others into their destiny. In 2007, this releasing of others took place mainly in the natural realm. The Lord showed me that in 2008, releasing others into their destiny will accelerate in the spiritual realm. What has taken place in the natural realm during the past year will serve as preparation for what is about to be released during this new season. I Corinthians 15:46 says, "However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual."
God is releasing the Holy Spirit and His gifts in greater and greater measure. Does this cause us to rejoice or to respond by feeling threatened and overlooked by God? Romans 12:6-10 exhorts us, "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let each exercise them accordingly (prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy). Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor."
Paul also writes in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. Don't merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Jesus told His disciples not to hinder others who sought to follow and come to Him, including little children (Matthew 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-14; Luke 18:15-16). John, one of the twelve disciples, tried to stop another man from casting out demons in the name of Jesus because he wasn't one of John's group. Jesus told John, "Don't hinder him, because he who is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:49-50).
John was not only competitive with others outside his own circle; he and his brother James wanted special places, above the other disciples in God's Kingdom (Matthew 20:20-24; Mark 10:35-41). But the Lord was at work in John's life as He is at work in ours. Many years later, John became known as the "Apostle of Love" because of his great love for the Lord and His children.
Joshua's Life
We know Joshua as a great leader of God's people, but we don't always remember that he had insecurities. While he was still "in training" as Moses' servant, Joshua tried to prevent others from prophesying (Numbers 11:24-29). In verse 29, Moses told Joshua, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that He would put His Spirit on them!"
Being jealous of others, their abilities and gifts does not serve God's purposes. The Lord told me that when I feel twinges of jealousy, it's time to release others into their destiny along with my "right" to feel jealous or threatened if they receive more notice than I do.
The Lord was at work in Joshua's life as He is at work in ours. God spoke prophetically to him, informing Joshua that he would give his people possession of the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6). Joshua helped others find their destiny as they crossed over the Jordan to find their unique, ordained place in the new land (Joshua 1:13, 15; chapter 3).
Joshua was an explorer. He was sent by Moses with eleven others to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13). Almost 40 years later, Joshua himself sent out spies to view the land and the city of Jericho (Joshua 2). Before pioneers and settlers, explorers come who go before, look ahead, and tell others about what they've found so strategic plans can be laid for victory.
Not all of us will lead a nation like Joshua, or a church, or even a Bible study. But all of us can help release others into their destiny. We do this by setting them free to be all God has called them to be; by showing honor, love and support; by blessing and encouraging them in all the Lord has for them. Joshua received encouragement and support from other people, as well as the Lord, to fulfill his call.
Moses told Joshua in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land. The Lord is the One Who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). God told Joshua three times, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-7, 9). The people also told him, "Be strong and courageous" (verse 18). Joshua took heart at this, rose to his destiny and conquered Jericho. Later he charged his warriors, "Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 10:25).
Seeking Him Together
As Joshua didn't find his destiny apart from being actively involved in the lives of other believers, neither will we. Expect the Lord to give more corporate direction to the Body of Christ during this new season, which has been prophesied as a year of new beginnings. Recently our church completed a corporate seven day fast. God has been speaking powerfully, both to individuals and to us together as a congregation waiting on Him. The Lord led me to write a song about believers seeking Him together:
"Lord of all, to You we raise
Our songs of joyful praise.
You are worthy, You alone are holy.
Lord of all, on You we call.
You lift us up every time we fall.
Fill us with the glory of Your presence.
We offer our hearts, a living sacrifice.
We lift up our minds to the mind of Christ.
With our hearts and our minds,
We give You our lives.
We offer our plans; may Your will be done.
We lift up our dreams; may our hearts be one.
With our plans and our dreams,
We give You our lives."
Word of the Lord
The Lord recently said to me, "I am about to release you into your full destiny. Release others into theirs as well. As you release them, you will find more guidance, direction and freedom in your own life. You don't need to fear change in either the natural or spiritual realms. Be willing, open and obedient. I will open doors and gates in My time and way. You can't open these doors yourself, but you can ask, seek and knock, and they will open at the right time" (Matthew 7:7-8).
"I will give you a place of usefulness and service. Release your expectations to Me. Don't try to recreate something from an earlier time in your life; but be open, seek My leading, and obey what I say. Behold, I am making all things new!" (Revelation 21:5).
"Your identity must not be in your job, children, spiritual gifts, ministry, or anything else but Me. Don't hold things too tightly. I will filter your dreams and expectations. Don't think your time of usefulness and service is all done; I still have something new for you!"
"I call you to exchange your limited dreams for My expanded ones. Allow Me to revive your dreams that have died and give you new ones. I will give you the desires of your heart as you delight in Me" (Psalm 37:4).
"When your schedule is hectic and you feel confused, seek Me. I am still with you. When it seems that I am silent, listen for My quiet voice (I Kings 19:12). I will come to you in ways you do not expect (Matthew 11:3, 24:44). When change floods in and threatens to overwhelm you, remember that I am the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overflow you" (Isaiah 43:2).
"If friendships fluctuate and relationships flounder, remember that I have promised never to leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). Don't be dismayed; I am your God (Isaiah 41:10). My presence will go before you and give you rest" (Exodus 33:14).
Jesus said, "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatever you loose (release) on earth shall be loosed (released) in Heaven. If two of you agree on earth about anything that you may ask, it shall be done for you by My Father Who is in Heaven" Matthew 18:18-19.
"I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven" Matthew 16:19.
"...what I open, no one will shut; what I shut, no one will open. I have put before you an open door which no one can shut..." Revelation 3:7-8.
Be strong and courageous, and walk confidently through every door He opens in your life!
Carol KelleyEmail: opendoor2009@gmail.com
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