Come Alive

For several years The Lord has been speaking out of Isaiah encouraging His people to arise and shine … for behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people. The events of the world have made that scripture alive and real in this day. In the vernacular, “arise and shine” has been interpreted “wake up” and in 2021 we have seen the church and the world waking up to the enemy’s plan for the globe. As 2022 dawned, the Holy Spirit has begun speaking a new word: “come alive”. It is resounded in a song by Brandon Lake called “House of Miracles.” The chorus of the song beckons us to “come alive in the name of Jesus” because within us and around us are miracles. Let’s explore what is being revealed with His instruction so we can heed the call and experience the miracles already available to us.

It is the season of Spring, and everything is coming alive. The transition from winter to spring can give us clues how to come alive. For new life to come, the old must be laid to rest both in nature and in our lives. The disappointments, the fears, the frustrations, offenses, weariness, bitterness, and despair of 2021 need to be repented of, forgiven, and let go. The door must be closed, and our attention must be turned forward with our eyes on Jesus. The Lord is saying “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” The process happens when we become honest with ourselves and God, bring it to him in prayer, and leave it at the cross. Then choose to close the door and when tempted to think about and relive the feelings, declare out of your spirit to yourself, to God, to the angels of heaven, and the demons of hell: No, this is my life, and I am going forward.

Transition Conflict

The transition conflict in season changes shows us that the process is not a “one time” event. Just when it seems like Spring has arrived, the frost, the cold North wind, and snow squalls reappear. It seems like a tug-of-war, and we are left to wonder who will prevail. But God is the master controller of the times and seasons on the earth and experience tells us that Spring will win out in the end. In applying this clue to our lives, remember keep believing, keep looking forward, keep listening for the sound of the Kingdom, and keep watching to see where God is moving in your midst. Give God the place of master controller. Declare complete trust in Him and His ability to lead. The Psalms are full of revelation, encouragement, and declarations of who God can be if we will operate the principle of confessing with our mouth and believing in our heart. They also reveal God’s perspective on the ways and outcome of the wicked and His plan for the righteous. Keep choosing life and spring will come.

Identity

Knowing who we are is vital in moving from one phase to another. It feels like a barren land, an emotional void, and a place of insecurity in the move forward. The enemy and the world challenge our beliefs, our gender, and our truth. Knowing that we have, by choice, been translated into a new Kingdom and therefore a new identity gives us courage to stand and believe. Knowing that we are not who we used to be but are a new creation in Christ gives us boldness to resist the lies and propaganda and be bold. Knowing that we are not alone nor are we left to our own devices gives us strength to push past the swirling mass of thoughts, ideologies, philosophies vain hopes and control of this age and become confident.

The Word is clear and encouraging. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price and this is our opportunity to glorify God in our bodies and spirits. Jesus has begun a good work in us, and He will complete it. He is the author and finisher of our faith. The life we now live, we live by the faith of the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us. We are His workmanship, poem, expression of His goodness. We are complete in Him.

So, hold steady. Do not be taken out of your position in Christ. In God’s Kingdom when we transform to become more like Jesus, He makes us more of the unique person we are meant to be. Rise above the chaos and come alive. Be strengthened with might according to His glorious power. Enter the victory that overcomes the world. Overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of your testimony and don’t love your old life, let it go. We can change. We can grow. We can move from glory to glory and experience the supernatural life that is available in Him.

Everybody loves Spring! There is new growth, new life, fresh color, and clean smells. The animal world is busy creating life. The plant world is waking up and expanding. God beckons us and says “I know the thoughts that I think toward you. They are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will call upon Me and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, and I will bring you out of captivity.”

So, come alive. Turn your back on last year. Trust the process. Be who you are in Christ and move into increase, new life, and a new chapter in your journey with Him.

Scripture references: Isaiah 60:1; Isaiah 43:19; Romans 10:9; Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:2; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:10; Colossians 1:11; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 12:10; Jeremiah 29:11-14