Paradigm Shift-Part Two-- Every Believer Goes Thru Dark Seasons

If you missed the first part, it is here:

Paradigm Shift: A Message When Least Expected

Now to what the Lord led me to write…

Garden of Gethsemane

then Jesus said to His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.

For whosever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mat 16:24, 25]

As in the processes of dying and birthing, a paradigm shift is occurring, from that which was, to that which must be. It begins in your own garden of Gethsemane. Here is where great darkness falls upon the soul and spirit and the travailing begins. The flesh cries out, not desiring to suffer and die.  

This is the point where many give up; they will only go so far, for as the rich man who could not part with his riches, so there are things that many of My people refuse to surrender. Therefore, in love and mercy, I send forth chastisement, to see if they will endure correction. Yet again, I shall purge My people and prune away many branches, to see if fruit will come forth in a new season.

This is where everything and everyone will seem to be against you; and things only seem to get worse – and darker; like a horrible pit full of miry (swampy) clay. This is where you will either cry out to Me, or turn away. Press in, endure, keep in the race, cling to Me, for I AM with you.

Immovable Faith

You will feel shaken, horribly shaken, but fear not. Have I not said that all that can be shaken will be shaken? Yes, you have heard this and you have read it in My word. 

And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  [Heb 12:27] 

This is a good work, if you understand the purpose. The dross must be shaken loose, so it will surface, for dross is skimmed as it surfaces. Your faith must be immovable. Labor and travail, for it shall not be in vain.  Let your labor be done in fear and trembling. Trust Me. 

 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.  [Pro 25:4]

To those whose house is built upon the rock, though the winds blow and the house is shaken, it shall not fall. Remain steadfast and unmovable in faith.  Lo, I AM doing a good work.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. [1Cor 15:58]

 

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  [Phil 2:28]

Who has not gone through these dark times? All My people have gone through great darkness; yet in great travailing, weeping and praying, they persevere and go through. In the shaking, your eyes shall be opened and you shall see all that is not of Me. Will you trust Me through it all?

All that is not of Me shall surface and nothing shall remain secret. Let it go in repentance and believe in Me. Submit yourself to Me, resist the enemy who seeks to keep you in bondage and he must flee.[Jam 4:7] I have chosen this furnace of affliction for you, yet it is for good, as you cling to Me and follow the leading of My holy Spirit in you. Submit My child to the work I AM doing and fear not.

2012-sex and drug scandal
Ted Haggard

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  [Eccl 12:14]

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. [Mk 4:22]

Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.  [Is 48:10]

Cry out to Me and I hear you. My hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor is My ear heavy that it cannot hear. [Is 59:1]

Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. [Is 50:10]

Forgiveness is Crucial

Let no bitterness, no strife, no hatred, no anger, no jealousy, no envying, let nothing that is not of Me be found in you. Let forgiveness pour out from your heart, for it shall be a healing balm to you. 

Think upon Saul and David. Even when David knew he was anointed to be king and Saul sought to kill David, did My servant David rise up in pride? Did he kill Saul when he had the chance?

No, he cut a piece of Saul’s robe one time, to let Saul know that he had the opportunity to kill him, but did not. He submitted himself to Saul, who was still king and trusted Me to work things out.

Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade (told) me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.  [1Sam 24:10]

 

     And he (Saul) said to David, You are more righteous than I: for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil.

And you have shown this day how that you have dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into your hand, you killed me not.  [1Sam 24: 17,18]

Though he spoke fair words and understood the mercy David showed him, Saul did not genuinely repent. Therefore, I say unto you, do not be as Saul. Genuinely repent and believe, forgive and die to self; then shall you be raised up and become the new man. I shall have a holy people, without spot or blemish. Yea and if you fall, I say rise up, rise up again, and cry out to Me.

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Pro24: 16]

Do Not Fear the Darkness

When the darkness comes upon you, as you go through the dark season, I shall shine My light upon your heart and reveal the secret things that you have not known are there. 

Fear not; neither be dismayed or confounded. Be strong and of good courage. I work in the darkness; I work in ways you cannot see.

Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. 

Surrender it into My hands with genuine repentance, believe and I shall heal you; you shall have a new heart. I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart.  Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know my glory in the face of My Son.

                                     

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [1Cor 4:6]

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. [Is 60:2]

My people must go through these dark times. Many have despaired, been troubled, perplexed, cast down and cried out to Me. Those whom I have raised up mightily went through the darkness that came upon them. 

They cried out to Me, yet felt so helpless, alone and abandoned, not understanding the times of My silence. If you fall, rise back up again. Repent and believe and let your faith hold fast to Me.

Think upon My friend Abraham, after I told him about the son that he would have, and that he would be the father of many nations. What happened?

                                  

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.  [Gen 15:12]

 Did Moses fear the darkness or did he know that even in the darkness, he would find Me?

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. [Ex 20:21]

 And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness

Think upon the apple of My eye, David. Did he not travail in times of the darkness that came upon his soul? Did he not feel so alone?

O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?  Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless [Psalm 88:14,15]

You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Lover and friend have you put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness  [Ps 88:6, 18]

 Two godly men who feared and obeyed God wrote about their dark time - their dark night of the soul. Oswald Chambers wrote a poem called, ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, in his book, ‘Abandoned to God’.

[NOTE*: Title corrected. I had mistakenly put "by" instead of "to". It read "Abandoned BY God", instead of 'Abandoned TO God'.  [Words highlighted to show correction] - Hearty 'shout-out' and a sincere 'thank you' to Donna L. for noticing my mistake. Great catch, Donna! Heads up appreciated. Salute - BP2025]

Cut it off. My heart is bleeding,

And my spirit’s wrung in pain,

Yet I hear my Jesus pleading,

Cut it off or all is vain.

So I’ve stopped my ears in terror

Lest self-pity make me quail,

Lest at last I take the error

And God’s purpose thwart and fail.

I am bowed to death in sadness,

For the pain is all too great,

But the dear Lord must find pleasure

In the way He maketh straight.

In the late 1600s, François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (please do not ask me to pronounce that), often called Francois Fenelon [that's better, easier] was a French Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer.  

He wrote: His [God’s] transformation is done on the cross in darkness, poverty and death.

godly men

Think upon Elijah, Job, Moses and Paul. Have you felt as they did? Have you wanted Me to take you away from the earth? Have you despaired desperately? Yes, you have. Lo, I AM with you.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. [1Kings 19: 4]

 

What happened? A paradigm shift… An angel came, touched him and Elijah went on his journey with new strength (new hope) after eating ‘meat’ that I sent.

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [1Kings19: 7, 8] 

Depression is a reality
-
Job, Moses, Elijah, Saul, David, 
all suffered bouts of depression.
It is not always due to sin.

Moses, who was faithful and meek, despaired over the constant complaining and bitterness of the people. Now the Israelites were not satisfied with manna anymore; they wanted meat. It seemed more than Moses could bear because the people never seemed satisfied and were angry with him. He wanted to die.

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if you deal thus with me, kill me, I pray You, out of hand, if I have found favour in Your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [Num11: 14,15]

What happened? A paradigm shift… I commanded Moses to gather seventy men of the elders of Israel, and I put the spirit that had been upon Moses upon them, so that Moses should not bear the burden of the people alone, and the seventy prophesied throughout the camp. Then I answered his prayer and sent meat to the people, but the lust of their flesh did anger me. [Num 11:25, 31-33]

Even the apostles despaired at times and desired to leave this life.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: [2Cor 1:8]

   We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [2Cor4:8,9]

Yet again, a paradigm shift took place, as once again My people were strengthened…

But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  [2Cor 15: 57]

So shall it be with My people who persevere, who go through the dark seasons, who cry out in repentance, if there be need in any area for repentance. Yea, cry out to Me and I shall strengthen you as you go through purging and purification. 

End of Part 2 - Paradigm Shift

Tomorrow will conclude with Part 3

for His glory

Bonita                        dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Baptism by Fire

February 7, 2013 - [o2.o7.2o13] - 6:53 am

Baptism by Fire

Leave all in My competent hands.  I see what others do not see; I see all.  I AM He who tries the heart and the reins.  I know those who believe they are justified and walk in pride and those who cry out in true repentance and humility.  Leave all in My hands.  

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.   [Jer 17:10]

Concern yourself with the things I AM teaching you, revealing to you and purging you of.  Dying to self is a lonely journey and no one can take your place.  Fear not this fire.  Trust Me through it.

The three Hebrew men did not long to go into the fire.  They were thrown into the fire because they trusted Me.  They stood against that which was wrong, for they trusted that I was with them.  In anger, the king rejected their words when they refused to accept that which the king had set up of his own volition.

Enraged within, the king ordered the fire seven times hotter.  His mightiest men were ordered to bind the three and cast them into the fiery furnace. The fire was not comfortable to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego .  Every second seemed an eternity.  Yet, I opened their eyes to see that I was with them.

Endure the Fire

They knew they had to endure, that they had no choice. In that fire, they were strengthened.  They witnessed My power that sustained them.  Their faith grew; their hope was established; their destiny was secure in My hands.

Did they want out of the fire?  Yes, at first they did, deep within they longed for release, yet they did not try to escape.  As soon as they understood that the fire was not consuming them, they walked through the fire.  They were not alone.

They were willing to lay down their lives unto death and for this reason, they overcame by My power.  I walked with them through the fire.  They felt the heat.  It was not comfortable to their flesh, yet it did not consume them.  It did not destroy them.  There was a further purging going on inside of them, yet outwardly, not even a hair was singed.

At the appointed time, they were brought forth out of the fire unharmed, yet stronger in faith, giving glory to Me.  They did not even smell of smoke.  Not one part of the fabric of their clothing was burned.  All who saw them afterwards feared, for those who saw them knew that I had been with them through it all.

Indeed, these men were strengthened in their faith.  They had endured the fire.  They had overcome, not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.

Fear Not the Fire

Do not fear the fire!  Allow this baptism of fire, for it shall cleanse and purge.  You prayed to be strengthened.  You prayed to overcome and love not your life unto death.  How I AM doing it is not how you had imagined.  Yea, but My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, as are My ways.  [Is 55:9]

You have laid down pride (which hurts the flesh), in order to truly forgive.  Let patience do its perfect work. 

But let patience (endurance) have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not (reproves sharply, scolds); and it shall be given him. [Jam 1:4, 5]

I know it is hard; I know the frailty of flesh.  I understand how flesh wars against (resists) the spirit.  Yea, but I see the motives and intentions of even the most awkward child.  Trust Me.  Yea, when you are willing and lay it down, do you see how I open your eyes now to reveal to you that I AM with you?  I did not leave or forsake you.

I AM walking with you through the fire. If you cannot see because of the flames of the fire, then at least be aware that you are not consumed.  You are still here.  Allow My peace that passes all understanding to reassure you of My presence.

In focusing on Me instead of the fire, instead of the circumstances and those that threw you into the fire, then you can rest, knowing that I AM indeed walking with you through this fiery time.  

The crowd sided with the king, declaring that he was justified in doing what he said and did.  He was wise and powerful.  It was said that he was a good king who cared for the people, presenting to them that which they wanted.  He presented to them a beautiful and glorious image of a god, made with the finest gold.

A False Image of God 

He set the image in a place where everyone could see the incredible image of the god that he created; a god that he knew and understood, a god that pleased the people.  How dare these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not regard the king, the people asked.

They cheered when the Hebrews were thrown into the fire, until they saw the king's mightiest men, who were ordered to throw the three into the fire, consumed themselves by the intense heat.

Then the crowd waited, silently watching, expecting to hear the cries of defeat and destruction echo in their ears.  Yet, they heard not a thing but the roaring of the flames.  

They believed that the three Hebrews were properly punished for their words and their actions.  The king is justified, they murmured. Lo, but they did not know how I saw it all, nor did they expect the God of the three men to intervene.  Nor did they expect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to survive.

Baptism by Fire 

This fire is a baptism of fire; fear it not.  You shall come forth as pure gold, for all My people must endure the fire.  You say, 'But Lord, I have been through fire before, more than once.  Is it not enough?'

Is not silver refined seven times?  Is gold not purged (more than once) to bring forth its purity?  Many of My people are going through severe trials right now, a fire of intense heat, yet they cry out to Me, expressing all that is within themselves.  

Remember I AM the Creator, who fully understands all that has been created.  My words are pure; know that I AM with you.

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Which holds our soul in life, and suffers not our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have proved us: 

You have tried us, as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction upon our loins. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but You brought us out into a wealthy place. [Ps 66:8-12]

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  [Ps 12:6]

Answered Prayers

You prayed to be purified and purged, to be without spot or blemish.  You prayed that all unrighteousness and unclean things would be removed from you; that you would be strengthened to endure all the evil that is coming, so that you would endure to the end.  

You admitted that your wisdom is foolishness and sought (asked for) My wisdom; that your faith would be made strong and that I would teach you by My power and by My Spirit.

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  [1Cor 2:5]

You prayed to know My will so that you could obey; that you would overcome all that is of this world and all that is not of Me; that you would not love your life unto death.  I AM answering your prayers.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [Jn 14:26]

Do not be taken aback or fearful of the ways I answer.  Trust Me to bring you through, nothing wavering.  Dying to self is excruciating to the flesh.  Demons, all principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world and all spiritual wickedness mock, taunt and torment you upon your cross, as you endure in your dying to self.

Bitter Cup

A spirit of error has influenced many, but those who truly seek truth shall find it.  Look to Me, for I AM the one who shuts the mouths of the lions.  You drink from the same bitter cup as your Master, though He did not sin.

The drinking of this bitter cup will bring you to your cross, yes, but it will lead you to endure the cross on a daily basis.  All who are Mine continue to die daily by crucifying the flesh.  All sin, even that which has hidden, shall be purged and you shall be cleansed.  

Embrace My love for you, for those that I chastise are Mine.  All My people need reminding of that which they were taught. 

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? [Heb 12:7]


Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered  [Heb 5:8]

Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  [Jn 15:2]

Fiery Trial

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.  But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad with exceeding joy. [1Pet 4:12, 13]

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  [1Pet 1:7]

I have seen the intentions and motives of your heart, fear not. I love the awkward foal as much as the strong horse.

But He knows the way I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  [Job 23:10]

Rejoice, for I AM with you.  Rejoice, for I AM He that formed you.  I AM He, the Potter, that forms and molds the clay.  Rejoice, for this fire has an appointed end.  Be strong - I AM with you.

Go through, go through, go through.  Shut out all the voices but Mine alone.  Woe to the wise man that glories in his wisdom, or the mighty man who glories in his might, or the rich man who glories in his riches.  These things should not be, for I delight in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness. [see Jeremiah 9:24]

Fear not!  This is for your good, but for My glory!  Take upon you the whole armor that I provided.  Stand strong in this time; stand strong with Me.  Do not fear that which is happening.  It is indeed to strengthen you for that which is fast approaching.  

Truth Divides

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened (restricted) till it be accomplished!  

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  [Lk 12:49-52]

My grace is sufficient for you.  Trust Me in all that concerns you...ALL that concerns you.  Though the enemy hates all people, he targets the most those who walk close to Me the most.  Wait, obey, be strong.  Patience...not much longer!

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are: 

That no flesh should glory in His presence. 

Prepare for Victory

Prepare yourself for victory, as you obey and go through. I AM the Lord of the battle.  Victory is in My hand and My banner over you is love.  Be not troubled or afraid; receive My peace and My love.  Yes, again I say, embrace the fire, for it is indeed for your good, but for My glory!  Selah

 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [Jn 14:27]

for His glory alone

Bonita                    dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com