Patience: The Key to Words of Destiny

“Perseverance (patience) must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” James 1:4. Patience is fascinating in that it is both the facilitator / promoter of maturity, and the distinguishing mark of it. The impatient soul is far from being seasoned in the Word he carries. Still believing the word is just supposed to happen to him, he bemoans every setback as persecution or cosmic interference. In immaturity, he misses the point.

Any prophetic word given, is powerful to recreate us in its likeness. Instead of happening for us, it first happens in us. The timetable for the fulfillment of any prophecy lies in how long it takes for the word to renovate our own mentality and behaviors. Of course, this takes time… and patience. Should your destiny be greatly removed from your current state, more time will be needed for this word to recreate you from the inside out. Joseph, regent over Egypt, was decades in process. As a dreaming teenager, he couldn’t be further from the sophistication and regality of the night visions he received. However, the distance between teenage Joseph, and fully matured Joseph was more than geographical… it was also developmental, psychological and spiritual in nature. Why did God reveal the promise of such grandeur to an adolescent? I believe it was because it would take years of Joseph’s life to cultivate the compassion, wisdom, savvy and sophistication needed to preserve nations during famine.

It is spoken of Joseph in Psalm 105:19, “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Tried is the Hebrew word, tsaraph, meaning to purge, test and refine. The word of the Lord literally purged Joseph, tested him and refined him for His purpose. More specifically, the word given to Joseph set in motion certain circumstances that would precipitate change within him. Any adverse circumstances surrounding his story were merely tools of purging, testing, and refining.

Prophetic Purging

The Hebrew word for tried in Psalm 105:19 also includes a reference to smelting. Smelting is the process of melting down metals for the purpose of separating it from other metals or impurities. Joseph’s separation from family at an early age, was just the beginning of the smelting process in his life. The later separation from Potiphar’s household and society at large, was part of the continual work of smelting. Joseph was isolated for the purpose of identifying and cultivating his character and gifts. As this process happens in our lives, it may feel that we are the ones being tossed aside or purged out of the picture. Friend, this is the path of destiny.

Prophetic Testing

Any accurate prophetic word of destiny over your life with test you… every day of your life. No doubt, Joseph daily revisited his boyish dreams of regality and authority. In the worst of circumstances, his dreams played over and over again in his head – challenging his resolve and sanity. In our immaturity, prophecies will first test our faith in self. The arm of the flesh will generally try to muscle a prophetic word into existence. This is guaranteed to fail. Until we flunk the test of the flesh, we cannot begin to be tested in our reliance on Father God. Once our resolve to make it happen wanes, we discover our resolve to follow His faithful leading.

Prophetic Refining

Because a prophetic word has refining power, it must be rehearsed often in our hearts and minds. Write, frame, or speak out your promise. In doing so, you are subjecting yourself to the chisel and hammer of the master sculptor. Not only is the heard word overwriting your former, flawed expectations, but it is creating the capacity to believe in the new.

The very act of declaring your promise is powerful to set in motion certain circumstances that will hasten its fulfillment. As in the case of Joseph, these happenings bring refinement of character and much-needed experience for the days ahead. WIthout these tests of refinement, we would never arrive at the expertise or confidence needed to walk our out destiny. Refinement brings mastery in matters of skill – and humility in matters of heart.

In closing, allow me to encourage you in your prophetic journey. You may feel time has ruled you out of your promise. Your destiny, however, has never been nearer. Ironically, the development of patience requires the manifold exhaustion of composure and fortitude. How else will we learn that our times and seasons are in His hand? Persevere in believing against all hope. The word is making something marvelous of you.

Who knew transition could last so long? The distance between these definitive seasons was greater than we anticipated. Protracted travel between seasons has many second guessing the voice that directed them into the wilderness. Just as Jesus was directed into the wilderness before His day of power, so you have been called out of one season into another (Matthew 4:1). Continue to walk along this desert route, friend. You are not alone in your pursuit of the coming day of visitation.

The fullness of transition is upon us. A season in its own right, transition has come into its zenith for the Body of Christ. I was reminded of a word that a trusted prophetic voice delivered over a decade ago. “We are in transition… prepare for the head to crown!” Speaking in terms of childbirth, this prophetic word spoke of the coming season in God. As is the nature of the prophetic, words come well ahead of their fruition. I took this word to research, as Holy Spirit re-invigorated me with it this weekend. For the benefit of my gentlemen readership, transition is a medical term for one of several stages in childbirth. It comes between the first and second stages of childbirth, as the baby moves fully into the birth canal.

Let us examine the signs of a woman in the fullness of transition during childbirth. The following information is courtesy of www.birth.com.au.

1. Frequently feeling hot and cold.

The mother may feel hot one moment and cold the next. Haven’t we felt flashes of intensity in the moving of the spirit? We feel the nearness of Him one moment, and the coldness of the desert night the next. These swings in our spiritual temperament can certainly frustrate us at times.

2. Feeling nausea and/or vomiting.

The dramatic changes taking place within the mother may cause her to vomit or experience extreme nausea. There is a strong urge to regurgitate the word of the past season. Rather than focusing on what Father is about to bring forth, some are growing unsettled with the nourishment of the prior season. Mothers in this state are told to sip on water at this stage. It is time to refresh ourselves in the Holy Spirit. We need His strength in the coming push.

3. Feeling tired or exhausted. 

As the woman’s body produces endorphins, she feels overwhelmingly exhausted. The pain-relieving endorphins give her the ability to momentarily rest before the pushing begins. This is interpreted as sleepiness or exhaustion. Believers are experiencing this weariness of spirit. Some call it apathy or burnout. It is the rest that facilitates the baby’s crowning.

4. Grunting, screaming, swearing, emotionalism.

The pain of transition requires release. A good scream can help the mother to release the pain that is racking her body. Many are “crying out” about the current state of the church. The cacophony is typical of this stage in birthing a new season.

5. Great internal pressure.

The mother will feel pressure within causing great pain and discomfort. Within the body of Christ, there is great pressure to know, to define, to declare what is happening. Truthfully, we have not yet laid eyes on the season that is to come. It’s premature to say some things about what lies ahead.

6. Involuntary shaking.

As the mother’s body experiences fatigue, her muscles will shake and quiver uncontrollably. Personally, I recall this phenomenon during labor with my daughter, Madeline. My entire body convulsed for a period of time. This extreme shaking is now taking place in the body of Christ. “This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain,” -Hebrews 12:27. Do not fear the shaking you are witnessing in the church. From it, a birthing is about to transpire.

At the conclusion of these things, the head of the child will crown and the pushing will commence. Though you may feel the exhaustion that comes with the fullness of transition, get ready to bear down. We are in the natural progression of what must come.

The Lord has quickened me with a word of encouragement for those who have taken a few fiery darts in this latest shower of enemy fire. It’s time to raise your shield of faith which is powerful to extinguish every fiery arrow the enemy has sent your way (Ephesians 6:16). You have been discovered by your enemy. Because of past success in the Kingdom, you have been painted the target of hellish accusation and disparagement. The proof of this demonic scheme lies in your thoughts. No doubt you’ve had to war against tormenting mind traffic, lately. Do any of these statements sound familiar?

• You don’t know what you’re doing.
• Someone else could do this better.
• You’re washed up.
• Your best days happened long ago.
• What do you have to show for years of service?
• It’s time to step aside.
• God has moved on without you.

More than I hated typing those satanic words, it was necessary to bear witness to the warfare many are enduring. Each of those statements is a lie. Satan will waste no opportunity to discommend you through the criticisms of others, your own insecurities, or the deceptive winds of circumstance. No matter how ineffectual you may feel, the fact is you’ve been chosen. Now more than ever, you need to nail down your call.

Declare Your Call

Stop trying to talk yourself down from the high call of God on your life. You have climbed to heights in Christ that others have dared not scale. From that vantage point, you saw glorious things (past, present, and future) from Father’s perspective. It appeared nothing could derail the plan that Heaven handed you. In that high place with Him, your call was discovered. Your identity in Christ was set – chiseled onto the tablet of your heart where no human hand could erase.

Then, time and events passed. The plan has not unfolded like you thought it might. The unexpected turns have caused you to question the glorious things you saw. Worse yet, recent developments have you questioning your identity (the person Father has said you are).

Am I talking, yet?

Friend, you must declare that high call. Let your lips bear witness to the etchings of God on your heart. Say aloud, “I am called of God.” “I AM CALLED OF GOD!” Understand, anyone who has been marked by Heaven will suffer attacks of a most personal nature.

The Apostle Paul took cruel criticism from without. 1 Corinthians 9:2-3 NLT, “Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. This is my answer to those who question my authority.“

Later imprisoned for the gospel’s sake, the attack intensified. 2 Timothy 4:16 NIV, “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” If the Apostle Paul suffered in this manner, so will you.

• Now is not the time to back off, shrink away, or bow to blasts of intimidation.
• Draw the deepest breath your lungs will allow.
• Muster your courage.
• Now, let loose a roar of determination.
• Satan! It is ON!

Since satan cannot get you to quit, he’ll settle for displacing you. He will prey on your every fear and insecurity in an attempt to dissuade you from your authority.  Now is not the time to demote yourself or downsize your vision. It is time to nail down your call.

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1

Your calling is of a heavenly nature, not an earthly election. You were not qualified, nor can you be disqualified by any earthly criteria. This calling is founded in and authorized by Heaven. No living being or demon in hell can touch that call. It is yours eternally.

Therefore fix your thoughts on Jesus. He is your commissioning Apostle. What is He saying about your future?

• No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
• For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
• The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because your salvation is nearer now than when you first believed.
• If you love me, feed my sheep.

Apostolic Alignment

Certain “tribes” or groups are already primed for this move. These have a New Testament government already in place (consisting of ordained elders, deacons, and five-fold offices). Other groups will have to swim upstream to taste of the new wine Heaven is pouring out. Certain denominational (and even non-denominational) church governments are aligned in direct opposition to Holy Spirit’s leading. New Testament-based reform will be necessary for such churches to experience the fulness of Apostolic ministry. Without that reform, soulish men and women will eventually oppose the emerging government of Spirit. Prophetically speaking, there will be a tidal wave of apostolic signs and wonders that will touch many traditional churches through new media and broadcast television. This flood of apostolic demonstration will stir up hunger in many churches that have had success in areas of soulish ministry. Soulish speaks of ministry that can be accomplished through natural means. Churches who operate soulishly are quite content to have service without the Holy Spirit. Once the apostolic ministry of supernatural signs and wonders knocks on their door, however, people will be stirred. Either they will choose to align with apostolic ministry, or to quench the move and return to church as usual.

Apostolic Adjustment

Among those already aligned with New Testament apostolic church government, there must be adjustment in the coming days. For many of us, the form is in place. The mindset, however, is a bit askew. Some presuppositions concerning the apostolic move have us facing a few degrees off course. Perhaps, if we picked up our biblical compass, we’d be surprised at the simple adjustments that would direct us to true north. Maybe our post-modern minds have deconstructed the office of the apostle, dismantling it beyond recognition. Homework: Let us regain a holistic understanding of apostolic ministry by revisiting the New Testament apostles in Acts and the subsequent epistles. My prior post: Characteristics of an Apostle is a great starting place.

Part of the tweaking needed, is to reconsider what it means to be an apostolic people. The tidal wave of apostolic signs and wonders will certainly produce supernatural demonstrations of the 1 Corinthians 12 power gifts of 1.) faith 2.) healing 3.) miracles. These, the church have become somewhat accustomed to in bygone periods of renewal and revival. These are the manifestations that attest to apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 12:12). In the coming move, however, the people of that move will become signs and wonders, themselves. According to the Isaiah 8:18 account, “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in mount Zion.” Not only should we prepare to experience signs and wonders, we are to become the signs and wonders attesting the Lordship of our God and King.

We must expect that a true apostle will raise up apostolic people. Again, the word Apostle (apostolos) means: delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. An apostle will raise up other “sent ones” or those he or she can send out.

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21.

Apostolic people are sent ones. Where are they sent?

Jesus prayed in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Expect to be dispatched, my friend. Apostolic ministry only begins in the four walls of the church! It reaches fulfillment when expressed in “secular” society. What happens inside the church, is but the seed for marketplace manifestation. Apostolic people should be demonstrating the Kingdom in businesses, schools, media, the health industry, government, entertainment, etc… “Out there” is where the apostolic ministry gains traction.

Before we get to societal and global demonstration of the Kingdom, there must be a change in ethos inside the four walls of the church. An apostle creates an apostolic environment or ethos, by preparing people for action.

The traditional church ethos is more contemplative. It’s more about the individual believer and their personal devotion to God as demonstrated by contemplation of the gospel. It’s a very private inward experience which leads to a more individual, private and exclusive expression of faith. This faith is defined by what one thinks or feels about God, and how one relates to God as an individual.

The apostolic church ethos is action-oriented. Rather than contemplating the good news, the apostolic church exhibits the good news through application of spiritual principles in the marketplace (outside the four walls of the church). As a result, the dividing wall between the sacred and secular life is torn down.

“The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof!”  1 Corinthians 10:26.

Apostolically speaking, every “secular” job is a knot in the net for the reaping of the end-time draught. Therefore, an apostolic believer sees their job as a divine call – a place of ministry.

Before pressing forward, we must be certain of foundational truths concerning the office of the apostle. May this article be somewhat of a refresher on the characteristics of that office. Of late, this title has been granted all too easily. Alarmingly, “apostle” has trended more secular in application – encompassing anyone who demonstrates governmental authority in realms outside the four walls of the church. Depending on which teacher you follow in the prophetic/apostolic community, you might define an apostle in any number of ways. As will be described in the coming posts, I hold to the idea that there is a definite office of apostle as described in the New Testament. That office is demonstrated scripturally within the organized church government. An apostle will raise up apostolic people who manifest apostolic qualities in every realm of life. These apostolic people will rise in governmental authority wherever Father sends them. Whether or not they are officiating “apostles” in the true biblical sense of the word will depend on certain criteria.

The title apostle comes from the Greek word (apostolos) meaning a delegate, messenger, or one sent forth with orders. An apostle is a pioneer, one who is destined to build in terra nova, or rebuild in places of desolation and ruin. Let us rehearse what we see apostles demonstrating in scripture in the following acrostic for the word APOSTLE.

A – Affiliated.

A true apostle will affiliate with other apostles and with other ministries within the church. The first twelve apostles remained affiliated after the birth of the church. In Acts 8, Philip the deacon held a successful revival in Samaria. The apostles in Jerusalem heard about it and sent both Peter and John to look in on the move. They discovered that Philip had not been praying for the new believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. As a team, they imparted what was lacking. Apostles confer with one another, and work together for the benefit and growth of the kingdom. Those who refuse to network are not demonstrating true apostolic behavior.

P – Power.

Paul wrote in 1 Cor 2:4, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” According to Strongs, this refers to the dynamis power of the Spirit of Jesus present in Paul’s preaching style. There is something dynamic about the preaching of an apostle – which reminds the listener of the authority of Christ.

O – Order.

An apostle creates order, in a fledgling work, or in an existing work that is dealing with a spirit of chaos. Ephesians 2:20, “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” The spirit of wisdom and counsel that operates in the apostolic mantle creates order – which is foundational to building any lasting work.

S – Signs.

2 Corinthians 12:12 “The things that mark an apostle–signs, wonders and miracles–were done among you with great perseverance.” Perhaps, the most significant mark of an apostle is the ministry of signs that corroborates his or her office and kingdom mission. Many have assumed the title of apostle, but fail to consistently demonstrate the miraculous.

T – Teaching.

2 Corinthians 12:1 “I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.” Apostles bring revelatory teaching to the body of Christ. The epistles are written chronicles of revelatory teaching which came through the first apostles. Such revelation is given to establish the Kingdom in places of darkness. The teaching of an apostle is the key to undoing specific enemy strongholds and to expand the borders of the church.

L – Leaders.

As builders and founders, apostles have an anointing to identify, mentor, and mature leaders. Acts 6:6, “They presented these men (who would become deacons) to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” A large part of their ministry will be geared to instilling and developing leaders within the body of Christ to manage Father’s household. The true apostle will also mentor men and women leaders in the community as the Lord grants them great influence beyond the walls of the church.

E – Entrepreneurs.

The Apostle Paul was a tentmaker in Acts 18:3. He joined Acquila and Priscilla in Ephesus, and made tents alongside them for his own maintenance. (In other words, the ministry could not fully support him at that time. He had to financially rely on his secular trade.) Interestingly, this was not the only time Paul worked to support himself during his Apostolic ministry. We have record that Paul worked outside of the church to support himself and others as an apostle in Acts 20:34 and again in Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 3:9-10). Apostles aren’t afraid of hard work, neither will they shy away from secular work, considering it “beneath them”. Because of the entrepreneurial anointing that resides in the apostolic mantle, often they will bless and mentor other businessmen and businesswomen.

We must be cautious before titling one as an apostle. A label cannot lend credence when it is cheaply given. More tragic than the misnomer, is the abuse of God’s people. Those who follow a misnomer will only become disillusioned and disheartened at the waste of their resources and time.

Although the call to the office can only come from The Apostle, and chief cornerstone – it will be easily recognized by these marks. We all, however, are called to be apostolic people – who will demonstrate great signs in the days ahead. More on that in the coming post