Prepare – Prepare – Prepare

On Tuesday of this week, I wrote and posted on social media a short Psalm-like poem. Reminiscent of Psalm 150 it began, “Sound the Trumpet”. I include it now, and will afterward explain its relevance.

As America Goes to the Polls

Sound the Trumpet

Soar, Oh Angels.

One speaks of Your Righteousness

One You have chosen – beyond reason.

Your Glory prevails over all the Earth.

Let Jerusalem arise.

Let Peace arise.

Let Truth arise.

With the TRUMPet.

I was in a time of prayer and fasting when I wrote this. I felt the LORD lead me; He impressed upon me that Donald Trump was His choice and that he would win the election. I had a hard time having the faith for it, because the media preached opinion polls that were contrary to that, but I surrendered as best I could for that outcome, prayed and waited, watched as the results came in.

Donald Trump has indeed won the November 8th, 2016 US Federal Election. The aftermath, I see, is a deeply divided public, with some rejoicing and others deeply distressed, not only in America but around the world. Both main presidential candidates spoke on the 9th and used words of encouragement, asking for a coming together – a reuniting of the nation. Some follow this suggestion. Sadly, in the United States, some are not.

With America as a powerful nation who has voted for change, and the British people voting likewise – for Brexit – and even following Arab Spring which has brought with it much chaos, from the Middle East across to the West, the once silent majority are now speaking out for what they believe is right and it is contrary to what has been issued by their respective media and leaders. As a result tension is mounting and over-spilling.

Some people are in despair over the result of the American election, but rather than hearing Hilary Clinton’s words to give Donald Trump a chance, there are protests in the streets and some nasty words and pictures posted on social media. We need to pray for them: for their safety, for them to find peace, and in some cases, for their deliverance.

There is deep animosity – often fanned by the liberal press – between conservatives who have put up with political correctness and liberals who have demanded to have freedom of choice even beyond common sense.

Now, for Believers, we need to prepare, irrespective of where we live in the world.

I believe the American election result emphasises this time in our world as particularly significant in the history. So, I believe it is time for the people who follow Jesus to prepare. Millions of people, some who believe in the Bible and some who do not, are recognising and defending what is right in God’s eyes. The enemy is not willing to let go, any more than Assad is giving up control over Syria. It is time for Believers to be ready. There is an almighty spiritual battle going on; there always has been, but it’s just been given a huge injection of fuel.

The Gospel in Romans 1 comes to mind: man knows right from wrong. Some turn their backs, but some face reality and accept that there is a code of common sense and righteousness that humanity must stand for. Otherwise there is little humanity left.

^“18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Romans 1 goes on to identify further consequence for their refusal to acknowledge Him. The point for this post however, is to prepare and equip.

An onslaught of division, like never before, is coming upon us. And those who defend righteousness will need comfort, support and knowledge in order to discover Jesus and to walk through this season, fully equipped.

What are we to do to prepare?

Search the scriptures to find your calling. Seek out prayer partners for confirmation. Ask, seek, find the fullness of your identity in Christ.

When you know your calling, practise it to hone your skill….

For example, if you know you are called to preach, preach to the trees for practice. If you are a worshipper, sing, dance and play to the houses. If your greatest power is in your pen, write letters to the LORD as practice. The audience will come if you are prepared.

Next, if you are asked to serve, say “yes”. Pray for discernment but be ready to take the opportunities presented to use your gifting.

Finally, Praise God. This may be a type of End Time preparation for Jesus’ return. Or it may be the real thing. One thing is for certain, time is short and getting shorter (Matthew 25) and woe to any who are unprepared or unwilling to hear His beautiful voice.

Be blessed, stay blessed. The Master has called us and we have responded. Now, it is time to be ready to serve.

Blessings in Jesus’ name, Amen.