SHIFT.
We are hearing this word a lot lately. It's a word that sometimes summarizes the sizable or slight adjustments we make as we seek to follow the Master's plan for our lives, our families and our destinies.
To shift means to move or cause to move from one place to another. It can also mean a slight change in position, direction, or tendency.
One of the things I appreciate about the ancient sons of Issachar was the compliment they received in 1 Chronicles 12:32 where it states, "the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do".
HOW TO SHIFT INTO A NEW SEASON
AGREEMENT. Agreement is about the surrender of our will to His will. It's about our submission to His bigger story. It's about coming into agreement with God's word and God's ways. Last week, in our Sunday Night Worship Gathering here in Jerusalem, one of our friends, Kim Bischoff, had a prophetic vision of a storm, winds and a boat. The initial response of those in the boat, was to "brace themselves" because of the storm. As Kim continued to watch, it was revealed that the storm and the wind were actually brought about by the Lord to bring the boat, and those inside, to His appointed destination. "Embrace", rather than "brace" was the clear revelation in the vision. May the Lord give us all greater discernment so as not to misinterpret the circumstances and events that are coming into our lives. Faith and trust are all about agreeing with God's word, God's work and God's ways. The first step in shifting into a new season is coming into agreement with God's word and trusting in God's ways.
ALIGNMENT. Agreement brings alignment. Ephesians 2:10 states, "for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." There is a preordained path to walk and a sovereign purpose to fulfill. Yeshua told Saul, on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, "that it is hard to kick against the goads". In other words, being out of alignment is difficult. Pushing our own agendas, white knuckling our own efforts and demanding our own way in fulfilling Gods work is exhausting and ultimately fruitless. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The second step in shifting into a new season is walking in divine alignment in our spirit, soul and body.
ASSIGNMENT. Right alignment enables us to fulfill our divine assignment. This is the activation part of our calling. This is when we are in the right lane at the right time, partnering with the right people to fulfill God's righteous purpose. Forward movement in divine destiny creates supernatural momentum and magnetizes others to participate in God's plan as it unfolds in our lives. This is when extreme joy kicks in. Eric Liddell was a Scottish athlete, and missionary, who chose his religious convictions over competing in an Olympic race held on a Sunday. The epic film, Chariots of Fire, tells his story. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.” The third step in shifting into a new season is discovering the pleasure of the Lord in fulfilling our divine assignment.
Feeling the shift?