This post is a journal entry which is meant to serve as an illustration and testimony to the power of this season!
We just returned from a visit to Denver, Colorado. The goodness of God and the divine order of Holy Spirit marked our every turn. We rented a lovely 3 story duplex in a historic part of downtown Denver called “the art district”. It was filled with charming older buildings which had been refurbished into lovely living spaces. Many of the local businesses hire professional artists to decorate the outside of their buildings.
As I began my first day there with the Lord filled with gratitude for the opportunity He had placed before us, He instantly flooded my heart with His love for the people and region. I saw visions of the Father’s hope for the people there. I felt His love for them and His desire to redeem them as I saw visions of what could be!
Each day before we left the house to begin a new adventure we prayed and beseeched God that everywhere we ventured the glory of God would arrive with us. Our fervent daily prayer was “Lord let Your Kingdom come here!” It was more than a prayer, it was a heart’s cry placed there by God Himself. What followed was astonishing.
I personally witnessed the presence of God infiltrate all the places we entered and draw out the good in people!
As we entered restaurants our ears were immediately assaulted with blaring, obnoxious music, some worse than others. In the past I would have perceived it as a demonic threat and run away but each time I was so overflowing with the presence of God that the music didn’t affect me. It didn’t enter my soul, it didn’t intimidate me or make me feel threatened, instead I felt that I had the power over it to affect that environment dominated by wickedness. Each time I entered I felt that darkness was losing it’s hold because The Kingdom had come!
As we entered their cars, Uber drivers immediately perked up and began many interesting conversations with us always telling us how much they loved their city. One even said “wow this is great, I can feel your energy”. At lunch a manager asked us how we were enjoying our visit. As I recounted to her the wonderful people we had met and the delicious food we had enjoyed in her beautiful city I watched the love of God overflow from my heart and wash over her completely changing her countenance. She walked away glowing with the love of God. At dinner one night we met a sweet couple sitting next to us. The deep longing in their empty souls for the love of their Creator drew them into conversation with us. Being led by the Spirit I spoke to them gently knowing that sometimes we are just called to make an impression for God.
The final day of our visit carried the greatest impact. We found ourselves on a small tour bus with 13 others all from other countries. For the second time on this trip the Lord placed a French speaking person in my path. I’m mostly fluent in French and am almost brought to tears with excitement when I encounter someone with whom I can speak! Trying to contain my excitement I thought “God I know this is You. You are stirring my heart! Why are you deliberately bringing French people across my path?” My mind began to reel.
As we began the return journey from Pikes Peak back to Denver our tour guide continued to repeatedly remark that the day had been such an unusual pleasure for him, everyone was orderly and on time at every stop and what a kind group of people we were. I realized that The Kingdom had come!
The final and most impactful encounter I had was in conversation with three ladies from Holland on our bus. I mentioned that I had always wanted to visit Holland and one responded “oh but it is not as beautiful as America.” This statement deeply affected me. As I puzzled over it, Holy Spirit began to speak:
“We are still America The Beautiful, a nation touched by the hand of God. We are not a God forsaken nation and we never will be! The Great Restrainer, The Holy Spirit, is here working with us, inspiring our words and steps and holding back evil!”
The morning after we returned home I awoke hearing these words from The Lord:
“Greatness is being drawn out of prepared vessels. The destined are rising up into places of appointment.”
My prayer for you the reader is for you to perceive that things are working differently now. Our prayers have great power to affect change. Our very presence on a scene is a stabilizing force because God is with us. This is a season of unmatched power and glory!