Maldives
With heavy intensity the Lord moved me to keep a detailed travel journal thoughout this experience, leading me even to discover the prophetic significance of even the room numbers we were assigned.
I share this story with the understanding that as you read this account you will perceive how God desires to treat you and illustrate His involvement in your personal stories this year.
The voyage to Maldives and the tiny unmarked island where we would spend the next 6 days was extensive involving 2 airplanes and a boat! Before the second airplane landed a shocking announcement came over the airwaves in English warning passengers not to bring any religious articles into Maldives as they are a Muslim only country. I had not expected this and immediately began to wonder if I was carrying something that could get me in trouble.
Once we arrived on the island named “Hadaha” which sounded similar to “Hadassah”, Queen Esther’s Hebrew name, we spent the first 3 days in a villa within the tropical rainforest portion of the island. Our room was number 11.
The spiritual significance of 11: Personal Growth: Encounters with the number 11 can indicate a calling for spiritual growth and an invitation to deepen your relationship with the divine.
It was an 11 day journey to the promised land. Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob.
In the early hours of our first night there we were awakened by bizarre noises outside our villa discovering later it was the fruit bat. “Flying foxes”, giant fruit bats heavily inhabit the island. We began to search for them each day taking pictures and video of the distinguished creature. Most guests did not even notice but we watched with wonder as they would swoop down to drink from the swimming pool then land upside down in a banana tree.
There was a heavy blanket of oppression in the spiritual atmosphere. I struggled with it for the first 2 days until finally I chose to stretch my spiritual neck above it lifting my faith higher to receive the favor of the table set before me in the presence the enemy. By faith I raised myself up to the abundance of that spiritual table and broke through the oppressive darkness of the lower spiritual atmosphere. The break through resulted from a choice of which truth I would believe.
Each morning before leaving our villa we prayed our verse for this year: “open up ancient gates open up ancient doors let the king of glory enter, who is the king of glory the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord invincible in battle”.
One morning as we were walking down the dust path of the tropical jungle of that small unmarked island in the Indian Ocean I heard singing. Quickly we realized that on the other side of the bamboo wall staff was gathering for the Muslim call to prayer. Immediately my soul came to attention and I had an open vision of Jesus right in front of me. I began to pray in the Spirit with feeling of conquering empowerment. In my heart I declared: “Lord we will out-pray them”.
After the 3rd day we moved to room 44 which was a villa located over the water.
The Hebrew meaning of 44 “my father is help,”
Our entire experience changed with our new room assignment. I draw strength from being around the ocean, knowing that scripture tells us God’s voice is “like the voice of many waters”. My soul begins to flourish and a sense of wonder is renewed when I am around water.
We spent the next 3 days climbing down the ladder of our back porch and exploring the most remarkable reef we have ever snorkeled. Teeming with colorful fish of all sizes, the reef was decadent. We encountered bright purple clams, giant Black Sea slugs and many colorful varieties of fish. Often the swim was vigorous but fascinating.
The people were very kind and gracious but I observed a spiritual hold placed on each of their lives blocking the fullness of joy. It was as though they were permitted to only go so far but were restrained from crossing over into joy.
With each conversation I looked intently into each of their eyes endeavoring to connect with their spirits and pull them into the love of Christ. I could see that some wanted to cross over but each time they were restrained.
Please take a moment to agree with me in prayer that with God all things are possible! Lord, may your glorious hand come to the people of Maldives and lift the veil enabling them to cross over into the joy of knowing Jesus.