Much Turmoil, Much Opportunity, by Krista Dunk

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. —Isaiah 60:1-3

The strongholds of darkness are being shaken, and the polluted waters are being stirred up. It's like the winter garden being tilled and turned, making a mess, but it's required for the garden's health and future harvest. The mess is actually a good sign. We have prayed for years for hidden darkness to be exposed and driven out, and now it's happening, but it will come at the cost of our status quo and complacency. Difficult circumstances will challenge us.

This will be a season of darkness showing its hand, revealing itself, which will cause much turmoil. However, alignment with God and walking in His light will bring much opportunity for His Kingdom to advance and become very attractive. Authentic light will be seen as extremely valuable and will be looked to for solutions. Solutions will include things like hope, resources, and strategies. Church, are we ready for this?

Two words are being highlighted: Vigilance and Prepare. Are we ready spiritually? Are we ready practically?

There is a spiritual preparation. Awaken to the season we have entered and align with what God is doing and saying. Staying close to Him is walking in the light. Relinquish and renounce anything in you that is not of God. Get His vision for what He is doing on a grand scale and in your local area, then ask Him what piece of/role in His vision is yours to run with. Put on the full armor of God and take up your offensive weapons. Know your authority in Christ; understand the power you carry to bind, loose, love, decree, pray, rebuke, etc. Be in tune with the Spirit wherever you go. See the opportunity in this turmoil and take territory.

There is a natural preparation. People tend to look to the Church in times of trouble. Something deep inside of people believes the Church/God's people have answers. And we are meant to have answers! So, ask the Lord how to prepare your own house (your finances, supplies, practical necessities, etc.) and how your local church community can prepare to minister to and be a storehouse for resources should your city need it. Get ready personally and corporately to serve our communities with hope, prayer, resources, salvation, supportive community, wisdom, and the strategies to solve problems.

Church, this is our hour! Get ready to arise and shine!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9