This Pentecost Marks the Beginning of a Harvest of Hope
This message is for you if:
- If you have been hoping and praying for a specific breakthrough for years.
- If you feel like you are walking in circles, and have ended up right back where you started.
- If you have grown weary in waiting for God to answer your prayers and have lost the hope you once had.
- If you feel you are in a transition and you are uncertain of where you are headed.
- If you believe there is a greater calling on your life and are seeking direction on how to get there.
The Lord has put it on my heart that we have entered into a very significant time in history. He is doing something different – do you not perceive it? We are entering into the season of Song of Songs 2:11-13. Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air” (Song 2:13).
11 The season has changed,
the bondage of your barren winter has ended,
and the season of hiding is over and gone.
The rains have soaked the earth
12 and left it bright with blossoming flowers.
The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived.
I hear the cooing of doves in our land,
filling the air with songs to awaken you
and guide you forth.
13 Can you not discern this new day of destiny
breaking forth around you?
The early signs of my purposes and plans
are bursting forth.
The budding vines of new life
are now blooming everywhere.
The fragrance of their flowers whispers,
“There is change in the air.”
Arise, my love, my beautiful companion,
and run with me to the higher place.
For now is the time to arise and come away with me.
WE ARE COMING FULL CIRCLE
The Lord has been speaking to me for many years regarding the topic of coming full circle. It is a word I have treasured and pondered in my heart. Recently I felt the Lord revisit this word. Like a familiar book on a shelf, He picked it up, blew the dust from the cover and placed it in my hands again. As He did I felt the whisper of His heart – “blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45).
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45, NKJV)
When the Lord speaks a word, it is always full of hope, promise and fulfillment. While coming full circle may at first glance look like simply coming back to where we started, it is far greater than that. The path around a circle has a starting point and an ending point that are one in the same. Yes, it may appear to be the same circle, but despite its familiarity, each journey is unique and unknown. With each new circular journey of life, the assimilation of the knowledge obtained from the prior journey flows into the new territory and impacts its surroundings. As we process and digest one season, we grow in our ability to enter into the new season. We can only enter into a season we have been prepared for. Skipping ahead, though we may try, would prove to be futile. Your return to the start is never void of having accomplished God’s purposes and plans for your life (Jer 29:11). Rest assured knowing that each journey is designed by an ingenious Creator who knows what He is doing, and who is in charge. We are entering into a season of reaping the bountiful harvest of hope that has been planted.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11, NIV)
CIRCLES IN NATURE
God is circular by nature, having no beginning and no end. He is infinite, eternal, complete and whole. Creation, much like its Creator, is also circular in nature, and is a complex rotational design that revolves off a center axis which is God Himself. There are endless circles found in nature, all of which are evidence of a brilliant Creator at the center.
“God is a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference nowhere.” ~ Unknown
The Universe revolves in circles, it is one of God’s many unfathomable and magnificent designs. The earth spins on its axis each and every 24 hour day, while simultaneously making a 365 day journey around the sun. The moon is also spinning on its axis, while circling around the earth every 27 days. Meanwhile, each planet has its own rotation around the sun. The universe is alive and whirling much like ballerinas on a stage dancing pirouettes to the most profound orchestration every written.
Some circles are grand like the universe, others are small like the butterfly; each is significant and designed with great intention. We are all familiar with the captivating dance of a butterfly who through a series of metamorphic events transforms from a caterpillar. From seed or egg, life begins, grows, and transforms, only to begin again and again. ‘Great and small are on endless round known as the circle of life,’ a stunning design by a miraculous God. This phenomenon is so eloquently captured by the song Circle of Life in the Lion King.
From the day we arrive on this planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There’s more to see,
than can ever be seen,
more to do,
than can ever be done
Hmm, there’s far too
much, to take in here
More to find,
than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small,
on the endless round
It’s the circle of life!
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
The very existence of the circle of life depends on yet another circle in nature, the complex system of the water cycle. Rain or snow fall from the sky and nourish the land, only to evaporate back into the air to be released again. Yes, the water returned to where it started, but everything is different because of its journey! A beautiful analogy between the water cycle and God’s word can be found in Isaiah 55:10-11 where we are encouraged that the words of God, like the snow and rain that fall from heaven, will only return once they have accomplish their purposes and plans.
10 “As the snow and rain that fall from heaven
do not return until they have accomplished their purpose,
soaking the earth and causing it to sprout with new life,
providing seed to sow and bread to eat.
11 So also will be the word that I speak;
it does not return to me unfulfilled.
My word performs my purpose
and fulfills the mission I sent it out to accomplish.”
(Isa 55:10-11, TPT)
The balance of our eco system here on earth is dependent upon so many other complex cycles found in nature including carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen. “For decades, farmers have believed using chemical fertilizers increases their output of plants. Like a line, they believe one always leads to the other, failing to consider impacts on the rest of the ecosystem. The eventual result is a breakdown of natural cycles on their farms.” (1)
When we begin to think of life in terms of circles rather than linear destinations, we begin to see the bigger picture of our design. Coming full circle is the design of our planet. Cycle after cycle, the prior impacts the later, either positively or negatively. If you need a clear example, just look at the dustbowl where the earth joined in chorus pleading with its inhabitants to restore balance. It tried to get our attention before it was too late – to no avail. As we changed the natural cycles through farming practices we changed everything – most of which we have yet to recover from. The health of our bodies and the health of our environment depend on it.
When we are responsible with the resources we are given and steward them well, the resultant outcome is renewal and refreshment. When God created the earth, He created it to be a self-sustaining cycle of regeneration, with each generation empowered with the ability to sustain and even change future cycles. That can be encouraging or discouraging depending on how you look at it, and how well you understand your role here on earth. You alone can make a difference. You alone can restore balance to the circle of life. God is counting on us to know our identity as sons and daughters of the King and to use the authority that has been given to us through His son Jesus. We can change cycles in our families, in our communities, in our country and on our planet! We are not victims of our circumstances. It is time to step up and do something. God is raising up a generation of pioneers to step out of their comfort zone and to step into what He is doing on the earth!
CIRCLES IN THE BIBLE
There are multiple stories in the Bible that help us to better understand the circular patterns of our God and to obtain a clearer picture of what it means to come full circle victoriously. One of the best examples is the 40 year journey the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the Israelites exodus from Egypt (Exod 12), Moses was leading them to the Promised Land. As they came to the gates on lap one, God was prepared to send them in with victory (see Num 13-14). He had already paved the way, their job was to trust and obey. Easier said than done, especially since their focus was on the giants in the land rather than their great and mighty God. God was ready, they weren’t. It is important to remember that we too will always magnify what we focus on. Is your focus on the giants in the land or your great and mighty God?
The resultant outcome of their lack of focus on God was a 40 year period of walking in circles in the wilderness. At last, the 40 year wait is over and God’s people are brought full circle, back where they had started, the same promise staring them in the face. God’s promises are reliable. The promise hadn’t changed. God hadn’t changed (Heb 13:8). The people and the season had changed. The 40 year journey had equipped them, and this time their focus was on their mighty God. The Israelites could have entered the Promised Land on lap one… but instead they entered on lap 40 (Josh 1). God always knew they would enter on lap 40. They didn’t mess up His plans. The 40th lap was always the victory lap. My spirit is burning with the message right now that we are entering the victory lap for the promises we have been contending for.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb 13:8, NKJV)
Another familiar circular journey in the Bible is the story of Jericho. Here we have the same people who just said yes to God’s invitation to enter their Promised Land. As they begin their journey they encounter battle after battle with the giants in the land. Their fierce focus on God results in victory after victory, and the battle at Jericho is no exception. Jericho is highlighted in the bible in Joshua 6 as a fortified city with high walls in the land of Canaan. In order to conquer Jericho, the Israelites were given specific instructions by God. They were instructed to circle Jericho day after day for seven days and the walls would fall. As they did as God instructed, they effortlessly took over the land of Jericho. No matter how futile walking in circles may feel – circular paths are victorious!
2-5 God spoke to Joshua, “Look sharp now. I’ve already given Jericho to you, along with its king and its elite forces. Here’s what you are to do: March around the city, all your soldiers. Circle the city once. Repeat this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven ram’s horn trumpets in front of the Chest. On the seventh day march around the city seven times, the priests blowing away on the trumpets. And then, a long blast on the ram’s horn—when you hear that, all the people are to shout at the top of their lungs. The city wall will collapse at once. All the people are to enter, every man straight on in.”… 20 The priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the blast of the trumpets, they gave a thunderclap shout. The wall fell at once. The people rushed straight into the city and took it. (Josh 6:2-5, 20, MSG)
RUNNERS… TAKE YOUR MARK
The promises of God are before us today. What was once impossible is now becoming possible. We are on the victory lap. Whatever the race you have been running, whether you are on lap 1 or lap 40, run victoriously (1 Cor 9:24-25), with perseverance and your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:1-2).
24 Isn’t it obvious that all runners on the racetrack keep on running to win, but only one receives the victor’s prize? Yet each one of you must run the race to be victorious. 25 A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. (1 Cor 9:24-25, TPT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Heb 12:1-2, NIV)
In order to run a victorious race without giving up, it is imperative that we know what it is we are running for. We must have a vision. Ponder what the Lord has promised you and write it down (Hab 2:2). Without a clear vision, we quickly wander astray (Prov 29:18). Yes, it is easy to lose hope when we fail to see our dreams fulfilled. “But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul” (Prov 13:12). We must not lose hope! “It may seem slow in coming, wait. It is on its way. It will come right on time” (Hab 2:3).
“Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run. 3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay long. (Hab 2:2-3, NASB)
And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. (Hab 2:2-3, MSG)
When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. (Prov 29:18, TPT)
When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul. (Prov 13:12 TPT)
God’s timing isn’t our timing. We often think we should have been there by now, and lose hope. We are like small children in the back seat on a long (or short) road trip asking for the 100th time “are we there yet?” When the journey takes longer than we expected we lose hope and often even resign ourselves to the belief that we are never going to get there. The good news is that we are going to get there, but we mustn’t give up (Gal 6:9)! I feel the Lord whispering to my heart that the Harvest of Hope is here! The harvest of the seeds of hope we have planted is here!!
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9, ESV)
And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming! (Gal 6:9, TPT)
MAIN CHARACTERS: IT IS TIME TO ADVANCE
We must move forward, uninhibited by fear with our eyes on Jesus. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” Fear will always stand at the gate of a promise, imploring us to step away. Fear will attempt to divert you. Fear is “unreasoning, unjustified terror” that stops us in our tracts.
“So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
As we enter into May this year and approach Pentecost, God is calling us to convert retreat into advance. What has been static is now becoming dynamic! The season has changed and we are now prepared to be active participants is receiving what the Lord has promised us.
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— (Ecc 3:1, AMP)
There is a reason you are the main character in your story. Your dynamic story is unfolding and it is victorious. Why? Because you have a Savior who bled and died for you.
In a story, a static character remains the same while a dynamic character undergoes significant internal change (2). Many of us have been in a season of growth, pruning and refining. Let us rejoice! For “we know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope” (Rom 5:3-4). When silver or gold are refined, they are heated to very high temperatures which cause the dross or impurities rise to the top so they can be removed (Prov 25:4). The result is a beautiful and pure vessel. God has been molding you into the most extravagant vessel. Why? So He could bring you full circle to enter into your land of promise. Your dynamic story will have God’s fingerprints all over it. When the world see’s your victory, they will see Jesus. There will be no explanation… but God (Zech 4:6)!
3 And that’s not all. We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. 4 The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. 5 And hope will never bring us shame. That’s because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. This happened through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Rom 5:3-5, NIRV)
Take away the dross from the silver, and there comes out [the pure metal for] a vessel for the silversmith [to shape]. (Prov 25:4, NIRV)
Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of armies. (Zech 4:6, NASB)
You are the protagonist, or leading character, in your story. A protagonist is an active participant in an event (3). They tend to be dynamic characters (like Ebenezer Scrooge), while the antagonists tend to be static characters (like Captain Hook)” (2). Think total transformation versus refusal to change. Ebenezer Scrooge became a hero because he was willing to change. Captain Hook on the other hand refused to change and wound up in the belly of a crocodile. This is your chance to become the hero of your story. The Joshua’s and Caleb’s, the pioneers of the new land, are arising now.
CONCLUSION
Join me in advancing into the leading role of your story and running a victorious race. What we have been prepared for is now before us. It may be something for which you have prayed and prayed, and maybe even given up on. Do not give up friend! Do not shift your focus to the giants in the land. What you have dreamed about is right before you. The gate is open. It is time to enter. Pentecost this year (May 16-18) marks a changing point as God is releasing a fresh anointing of His Spirit on His people to accomplish His purposes and plans on the earth. Pentecost marks the beginning of this new circular journey into unchartered territory. What God has been preparing you for is before you now! What was impossible is now becoming possible (Matt 19:26).
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7, ESV)
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:12-14, NIV)
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt 19:26, ESV)
No matter the length of the circle you have been journeying, they all orbit effortlessly, by the power of a great and mighty God. The purpose of the journey is the beauty and impact we leave along the way and the new growth that comes as a result. Take courage and be of good cheer. Your harvest of hope is before you. With a fierce focus on the Lord and a clear vision, you can prepare to enter your promised land.
STEPS TO FLOURISH IN YOUR STORY:
Prepare to celebrate Pentecost with your family. Click HERE for your families guide to Pentecost. (I will have this posted within a couple of days, so check back.)
DAY 1:
- Study the words of Habakkuk 2:2-3 in both the Message translation and the NASB. Ask Holy Spirit to give you clarity on what the vision is and write it down. Pray over your vision and ask the Lord to bless it and breathe new life over it.
- “Write down the vision and inscribe itclearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run. 3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay long. (Hab 2:2-3, NASB)
- And then Godanswered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. (Hab 2:2-3, MSG)
DAY 2:
- Read the scriptures from Job 22:26-30 in the Amplified and Message translation. Look over the promises you wrote down and decree that they will be established for you.
- 26 Then you will have delight in the Almighty, and you will lift up your face to God. 27 “You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will pay your vows. 28 “You will also decide anddecree a thing, and it will be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways. 29 “When you are cast down and humbled, you will speak with confidence, and the humble person He will lift up and 30 “He will even rescue the one [for whom you intercede] who is not innocent; and he will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands.” (Job 22:28, AMP)
- “You’ll take delight in God, the Mighty One, and look to him joyfully, boldly.
You’ll pray to him and he’ll listen; he’ll help you do what you’ve promised.
You’ll decide what you want and it will happen; your life will be bathed in light.
To those who feel low you’ll say, ‘Chin up! Be brave!’ and God will save them.
Yes, even the guilty will escape, escape through God’s grace in your life.” (Job 28:26-30, MSG)
DAY 3:
- Study the following scriptures and memorize the one that speaks most to your heart. Place it in a prominent place in your home so you will be reminded of it daily.
- When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. (Prov 29:18, TPT)
- When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul. (Prov 13:12 TPT)
- And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9, ESV)
- And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming! (Gal 6:9, TPT)
- Blessed isshe (he) who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her (him) from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45, NKJV)
DAY 4:
- Review the quote on converting retreat to advance by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Ask Holy Spirit to help you identify any fears or lies that may be diverting your focus from God to the giants in the land. You can use the following list as a guide. Write them down.
- We are believing the lies of the enemy rather than the promises of God.
- We are focused on the giants of the land rather than our great and mighty God.
- We are looking at the impossibilities, rather than at God with whom all things are possible.
- We have equipped ourselves with weapons of the world, rather than relying on God to equip us.
- We are holding on to things we need to release, in order to receive what God is trying to give us. Our hands our too full!
- Faith, hope and trust have been displaced by fear, doubt and what if’s.
- Now ask Holy Spirit to help you replace the lies with truth and life. Boldly declare the truth over your circumstances (see scriptures from Day 2).
- Formulate a prayer utilizing the truths revealed to you by the Holy Spirit to encourage you in advancing toward the promises.
Sources:
- The Circle of Life: How the Carbon Cycle Powers our Ecosystem (Joyce Farms)
- Dynamic Characters vs Static Character (Masterclass)
- Merriam Webster
