Prophetic Intercession

The Time is Now

Somewhere in the distance, a bell is ringing out a warning. Those who can hear the repetitive toll, may find it hard to turn away. For the ominous clanging repeats with prophetic clarity: Where we are heading, is not going to be easier than where we have been. But the Lord has already provided everything we will need!

If we were a battleship, our destination would be the frontline of an end time confrontation. Though the war is unseen, it must be fought with courage and faith. To have victory in such a conflict, we need the discernment of the Sons of Issachar. These were an anointed group of people who understood the changing of a time or season. They knew when a move of God was ending and another was beginning. “From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do - 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;” 1 Chron. 12:32. They were unafraid to take risks and often sided with the underdog in leadership; like Deborah the Judge over Israel, who ruled in a time when few women held any place of authority over a nation. The sons of Issachar discerned it was her time to rule and they seized the opportunity to fight and win a great battle for Israel under her command.

Using our discernment, we can perceive the times we live in from God’s perspective. Then, if we are willing, we can take some risks and capitalize on the great opportunities that lie ahead. Risk taking may be uncomfortable and unsettling, and often demands that we embrace change, but it usually results in growth. Even if we decide to change our methods, that does not mean we should change our message. We need to re-engage, reconnect and reach out. We can be a voice of hope and encouragement in times of fear and hopelessness. Many have experienced loss, or an abrupt change in one or more areas of their lives. If we persevere in generously helping them in the rebuilding process, e.g., through mentoring or parenting, we will eventually enter a new season of fruitfulness and a time of great reaping. Events that occurred in past seasons, have heralded the beginning of a new season. And in every new start, there is always an opportunity for transition and transformation. It may seem too difficult to shake off weariness, grief and disappointment but how can we soar like eagles if we continue to hide in our place of comfort? Change that suits our desires does not often come quickly. The process that takes us through the transition is often a long walk on an uneven road. Let us embrace change for it is a constant method of advancement and increase. The children of Israel experienced a process of transition for a period of forty years. They endured trials of many kinds and through the process were taught perseverance and faith. But they grumbled and complained through the long periods of testing. And many of us do the same when going through trials. James, the apostle, encourages us to persevere and even be joyful in our trials. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Though breakthroughs seem sudden. We must not forget they are really a culmination of what has happened to prepare the way for that moment to occur. Before the great cry of victory, there are often long seasons when it seems like our enemy has prevailed and the battle is lost. In those times, there is always a remnant who will not surrender to defeat. They are the watchmen who prevail in prayer for their nation and for their loved ones. These are the prayer warriors who have strong discernment of the times they live in and the pitfalls up ahead. They know endurance and patience are key factors in their breakthrough and are often reminded of Gal. 6:8 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Jesus warned his disciples to be watchful discerners of the times. “He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ “and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matt 16:2-3.

When should we be fervent discerners of the seasons? Seize the day, for the time is now! ✽

❝ Even if we decide to change our methods,

that does not mean we should change our message. We need to re-engage, reconnect

and reach out.❞

Ann Marie Hemmings

Eagle Worldwide Ministries Canada

Psalms 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”