A New Season

The Elevation Church, Lagos, Nigeria

A NEW SEASON

In the second book of Kings, chapter 7, verses 1 to 5, Elisha delivers a powerful message from the Lord. He proclaims that by the next day, there will be an abundance of food available in Samaria, despite the current famine. This message is not only a promise of provision but also a demonstration of the power of the spoken word. Elisha emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of the Lord, as it has the ability to bring about significant changes in one’s life. The spoken word has the power to create and recreate, as seen in the biblical account of creation and the sustenance of all things by the word of God’s power.

However, Elisha’s message is met with skepticism by an officer who questions the possibility of such a miraculous provision. This officer doubts the feasibility of the promise, suggesting that even if God were to open the windows of heaven, it would not be enough to fulfill the prophecy. This response highlights the importance of having faith in the word of God and not allowing doubt to hinder the fulfillment of His promises. Elisha’s warning to the officer serves as a reminder that disbelief can prevent one from partaking in the blessings that God has in store.

As believers, it is crucial to approach the spoken and written word of God with faith and reverence. The prophecy of scripture holds the power to guide, transform, and bring about new seasons in our lives. By aligning our attitudes with the truth of God’s word, we can avoid unnecessary delays in our journey and step into the blessings that He has prepared for us. May we heed Elisha’s message and embrace the power of the spoken word, trusting in the Lord’s promises and walking in faith towards our new season of abundance and fulfillment.

In the subsequent passage, there were four leprous men positioned at the entrance of the gate. They engaged in a conversation, questioning why they were merely sitting there until their demise. One of the men expressed his frustration, having shared this sentiment multiple times before. He pondered aloud, questioning the rationale behind remaining idle until death. The men deliberated on the options available to them, contemplating the consequences of entering the city where famine prevailed. They acknowledged that staying put would also lead to their demise. Consequently, they made a collective decision to surrender to the Syrian army, reasoning that if they were spared, they would live, and if not, they would meet their end.

Subsequently, the men embarked on a daring journey towards the Syrian camp at twilight. As they approached the outskirts of the camp, they were taken aback by an unexpected sight. To their amazement, the camp appeared deserted, devoid of any presence. The men were filled with surprise and disbelief at the eerie emptiness that greeted them. This unforeseen turn of events left them bewildered and uncertain of what lay ahead. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of astonishment and intrigue as they navigated through the deserted camp, unsure of what awaited them.

To provide a deeper context, the events described in the passage can be linked to the preceding chapters of 2nd Kings, specifically chapter 6. The city of Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army, leading to a complete lockdown that isolated the inhabitants. The strategic warfare employed by the Syrians involved cutting off all access to the city, resulting in a dire situation where resources dwindled, and starvation loomed. The extreme conditions forced the residents to resort to drastic measures, such as cannibalism, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The intervention of the prophet Elijah brought a message of hope and transformation, emphasizing the importance of divine timing, specific instructions, and the promise of change in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

The concept being conveyed here is that God’s plans and instructions may not always align with our natural understanding. Sometimes, when God speaks, it may seem absurd or illogical to our human minds. The message being delivered is that in order to comprehend and follow God’s will, one must shift their focus from mere intellectual comprehension to a deeper spiritual connection. This shift in perspective is crucial for embracing the Word of God, whether it is communicated verbally or in written form.

This emphasizes the importance of believing in the Word of God with one’s spirit rather than relying solely on rationality or logic. It is highlighted that the human mind is limited in its capacity to fully grasp the depth and intensity of God’s message. The message encourages individuals to tap into their spiritual essence in order to truly understand and internalize the spiritual truths being conveyed, even if they may not always make logical sense.

Furthermore, the narrative underscores the significance of spiritual growth and maturity in comprehending God’s divine plans. It is suggested that as individuals mature spiritually, their capacity to absorb and apply spiritual truths expands. The analogy of the officer leaning on the king’s arm is used to illustrate the imbalance between intellectual prowess and spiritual discernment. Ultimately, the message urges listeners to prioritize spiritual alignment over mere intellectual comprehension when it comes to interpreting and following God’s will.

It is important to have a change in attitude towards the prophetic and the spoken word of God. When we receive the divinely granted word of God, it is crucial to view it as inspired and to take it seriously. Those who fail to do so end up being mere onlookers when God is moving, rather than active participants. This is illustrated by the story of Elijah, who told someone that they would see something but not be able to partake in it. It is crucial to understand that when God speaks, it is specific and certain, just as the speaker is sure that certain things will happen as a result of the Holy Spirit’s words.

I am confident that there are specific individuals who will experience life-changing events before the end of the year. They are certain that at least 10 people, whether present in person or online, will enter into a relationship that will lead to marriage before December 31st. Additionally, they are confident that someone who is not currently pregnant will give birth before the end of the year. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude when receiving such prophecies, as it is crucial to believe in the speed at which God can move and the miraculous nature of His actions.

The speaker acknowledges that their words may sound similar to those of Elisha, who prophesied a 24-hour miracle. They emphasize the need for faith and the right attitude when receiving such prophecies, as God’s timing and ability to act are not limited by human understanding. The speaker also addresses potential doubts or calculations that may arise, emphasizing that they are simply a mouthpiece for God’s message and that it is not their place to question or doubt the fulfillment of the prophecies. It is crucial to approach the spoken word of God with faith and openness, as it is a powerful and transformative force in the lives of believers.

It is essential to alter your perspective towards the prophetic, the spoken word, the divinely granted word of God, and the inspired word. Failure to do so may result in becoming a mere observer when God is at work, rather than an active participant. Elijah once warned an individual that they would witness a miracle, but not partake in its blessings. This serves as a reminder that merely witnessing divine interventions without embracing them can lead to missed opportunities for personal transformation and growth.

The specificity of God’s messages, just like the certainty of the speaker’s words, is undeniable. There is a profound conviction that certain declarations made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will come to fruition. It is believed that before the end of the year, ten individuals, whether present in person or online, will transition from being single to married. Similarly, another revelation suggests that someone who is currently not pregnant will give birth before the year concludes.

The urgency and immediacy of God’s promises are often underestimated or doubted by individuals, even within the church community. The story of Elisha’s 24-hour miracle serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to swiftly transform situations. Despite skepticism or calculations based on human reasoning, it is crucial to trust in the prophetic messages delivered, recognizing that they are not bound by conventional timelines or limitations. The role of a prophet is to convey divine messages faithfully, regardless of human doubts or limitations, serving as a conduit for God’s will to manifest in the lives of believers.

Elisha’s knowledge of Economics was quite limited, as he did not understand concepts such as GDP or exchange rates. Despite this, he was prophesying about market indices and the stock market. It was intriguing how he spoke about the rate at which goods were bought and sold, predicting what would happen in the market. Elisha, being a prophet, delivered these messages as commanded by God, even though his attitude towards the subject matter seemed somewhat humorous.

Elisha emphasized the idea that the windows of heaven were always open for those who believed, especially for givers, tithers, and individuals with faith in God. He stressed that it was our attitude that often limited us, preventing us from receiving the blessings that were readily available. This perspective on the open windows of heaven was a recurring theme in Elisha’s teachings, highlighting the importance of faith and generosity in unlocking divine favor.

Elisha’s teachings resonated with his audience, as evidenced by Brother Rotimi’s testimony about a broken relationship that was attributed to overspeeding. Elisha’s emphasis on the power of God’s word to hasten its own fulfillment was a key message that he shared with his followers. This belief in the efficacy of God’s word to bring about desired outcomes was rooted in the conviction that God was always ready to perform His promises, underscoring the importance of faith and obedience in receiving blessings.

It is essential to have the correct attitude towards the word of God and the challenges that the nation of Israel faced in Egypt. The book of Isaiah, chapter 12, verse 13 in the Bible highlights the significance of prophets in the history of Israel. The text emphasizes that the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt through a prophet and that the nation was preserved by a prophet. This prophet, as mentioned in the text, was Moses, who did not claim the title of a prophet for himself but faithfully conveyed the inspired word of God to the people.

Moses, despite not being officially recognized as a prophet in the Bible, demonstrated a remarkable ability to hear from God and deliver His messages to the Israelites. He confronted Pharaoh with the divinely inspired word of God, and each time, God supported His word with miraculous interventions. The text underscores the importance of having the right attitude towards the inspired word of God, as Israel faced challenges when they grumbled against Moses’ instructions. Moses, acting as a conduit for God’s word, guided the nation through their trials and preserved them with divine guidance.

The prophetic word, as emphasized in the text, is a powerful tool that believers should embrace with confidence. God’s promises for the future, such as providing marvelous help and resolving long-standing issues, are meant to be believed and trusted. By running towards God’s word with the right attitude, individuals can find assurance that God will fulfill His promises and bring about deliverance in challenging situations. Just as David ran towards his problems with faith and courage, believers are encouraged to face their obstacles head-on and trust in God’s ability to overcome any adversity.

The passage from 2nd Kings chapter 7 highlights the importance of God confirming His word through unlikely individuals. In this case, the four lepers, who were not connected to the prophecy, were chosen by God to carry out His plan. Despite their lack of knowledge about the prophecy, God instilled unusual courage in their hearts to take action. This serves as a reminder that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, even those who may seem insignificant or disconnected from the situation.

As we enter the second quarter of the year, it is crucial to recognize that God may be preparing to use unfamiliar people to bring about positive changes in our lives. It is essential to be open to receiving help and guidance from unexpected sources, as God works in mysterious ways. By having faith and trusting in God’s plan, we can witness miraculous transformations in our circumstances, just as the four lepers experienced when they stepped out in courage.

Additionally, it is vital to be mindful of the words we speak over our families and loved ones. Words have power in the spiritual realm, and what we say can either build up or tear down. By speaking positive affirmations and declarations of faith, we can align ourselves with God’s will and bring blessings into our lives. Just as Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord,” we must choose to speak words of life and encouragement over our families, knowing that our words have the power to shape their destinies.

It is emphasized that when individuals have guests in their home who are not following the ways of the Lord, they are engaging in a spiritual battle by declaring their commitment to serving God. The belief is that through this declaration, God will work to bring those who are distant from Him back into His fold. This includes husbands, children, wives, and other family members who may have strayed away from God. The key is to maintain a steadfast resolve, as exemplified by the statement “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” By continuously affirming this commitment, individuals can witness the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lives.

Drawing inspiration from the attitude of Mary in the biblical account found in Luke chapter 2, individuals are encouraged to adopt a similar approach in their own lives. When the shepherds shared the divine revelations about Mary’s child, Jesus, the Bible states that Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart. The Amplified translation further elaborates on this, emphasizing that Mary carefully considered and valued the information she received. The analogy is made to treasuring expensive jewelry, indicating an emotional attachment and recognition of the significance of the revelation.

The example of Mary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing and reflecting on spiritual truths. By valuing and pondering the word of God in a manner akin to treasuring precious possessions, individuals can deepen their connection to divine guidance and promises. This practice involves not only holding onto these truths but also periodically reflecting on them to maintain a strong emotional and spiritual bond. Just as Mary’s contemplation of the shepherds’ message revealed her deep investment in the revelation about her son, individuals are encouraged to approach their faith with a similar level of reverence and reflection.

If you have received a message from God, and you are holding onto a specific word, such as “none shall be barren, none shall cast their young,” then you are declaring that you cannot be barren and will no longer miscarry. This word becomes something precious to you, something that you hold close to your heart. This was the posture of Mary, who treasured the word she received, unlike the officer, the Minister of Finance in Samaria, who dismissed the Man of God’s message as rubbish. Mary listened to the angels and the Shepherd, treasured the message in her heart, and kept it in a safe place, just like you would with expensive jewelry. When you treat the word of God as something valuable, you know exactly where you have kept it, and when the occasion arises, you can carefully bring it out. When doubt is brought into your heart, you know how to carefully bring out the word that God has spoken to you.

At the Night of Increase in March 2019, God spoke to me and shared His message. I have countless testimonies of people who have held onto the word of God in their hearts and have come forward with their testimonies. This further reinforces the belief that God is faithful. I recall a lady who approached me after a service and shared how three things she held onto from the Night of Increase in March of the previous year had been fulfilled in her life. When we see people who treasure the word of God in their hearts and come forward with their testimonies, it strengthens our belief in God’s faithfulness.

In closing, I want to emphasize the importance of waiting for God with faith. Abraham waited for decades for a child, but it wasn’t just the waiting that brought about the fulfillment of God’s promise. It was the faithfulness of God. We encourage ourselves to wait with the words that we treasure in our hearts, just like Abraham did. Waiting is not in vain when it is accompanied by faith and the treasured words of God.

Occasionally, one may find themselves waking up in the morning feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. It can be a time when it seems like everything is going wrong, and the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You may find yourself shedding tears and questioning why certain things are happening to you, wondering why you have to wait so long for things to improve. These feelings can be compounded by comparing your life to those of others, feeling like everyone else has achieved milestones while you are left behind.

During these challenging times, it is common to feel a sense of despair and hopelessness. However, it is also a moment when one can draw strength from their faith. Just as someone would present a title deed when confronted about a property they have not seen, faith can serve as a tangible substance in the face of adversity. The concept of faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, as mentioned in the Bible, can be a source of comfort and empowerment during difficult times.

In times of struggle, it is important to turn to the written and spoken word for guidance and inspiration. Both the written word of God and the spoken word have the power to be prophetic and transformative in one’s life. By paying attention to these sources of wisdom, one can begin to see positive changes and the movement of God in their life. This serves as a reminder that faith, combined with the power of the word, can bring about a sense of hope and renewal, even in the darkest of times.

The scripture contains prophecies that are not subject to personal interpretation. These prophecies are not mere human thoughts or ideas, but rather they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. The written word of God, as found in the Bible, is a collection of these prophecies that have been spoken by men who were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is important to understand that these prophecies are not open to individual interpretation, but rather they are divine messages that must be treasured and meditated upon.

It is crucial to have a reverent attitude towards the scriptures and the prophetic word. The word of God should be cherished in one’s heart and brought out regularly for reflection and meditation. By treasuring and meditating on the word of God, one can witness the fulfillment of these prophecies in their lives. It is essential to be open and receptive to receiving God’s word, as it has the power to transform hearts and lives.

Are you prepared to receive God’s word today? Lift your hands to heaven and declare, “Lord, my heart is open.” By opening your heart to receive the word of God, you are inviting His divine presence and guidance into your life. Embrace the scriptures with a humble and open attitude, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the written word. Let the word of God dwell in your heart and guide you in your daily walk with Him.