Stand Against the Wind

Winds – this word has been on my mind all morning. Actually, it’s been there for about a month, I’ve just finally had enough clarity to begin putting it together.



The last few weeks have been especially difficult. Nothing major, or even worth mentioning, has occurred, it’s simply been a time of internal struggle, wrestling, warring with the enemy…...and yes, a few failures. Quite frankly, I’m beginning to feel the battle scars.



I believe there is a shifting of the winds happening for us spiritually. Things are changing, developing, building - ushering in this new season we’ve all been waiting for expectantly. However, what I forget sometimes is that there is increased resistance in transition. This oversight often sets me up for some scrapes and bruises. Let me explain.



I often get so focused on the new thing, the new season, the next place that I neglect the responsibilities and assignments in my current position, and I’m caught off guard by a strong gust of wind that knocks me on my backside. Can anyone relate or is it just me?



Now let me just say this, in my mind I’m not “rushing” the Lord or getting in His way, I’m simply welcoming the new thing with open arms and running toward it. When in truth, what I’m actually doing is trying to “skip” over some parts of the journey that I know are going to be a tad uncomfortable for me. I begin walking, when He has told me to stand……stand against the wind.



Why would He want me to stand in one place, when clearly walking is the way to get there quicker? Here is what He showed me. Guess what happens when we stand firmly planted in the position He currently has us, facing the winds of adversity, temptation, and transition…….the chaff is burned off of our lives. This is a deeper cleansing and more thorough preparation for the next season He’s bringing us to. When we try to rush through these winds to get there sooner, we are tossed to and fro and stumbling is inevitable.



The anticipation of a new season, of fulfillment, of breakthrough is exciting, and if you’re like me, you are oh-so-ready to enter into the next place God has for you, but remember – His timing is perfect. Allow Him to finish His work in you during this season, so that you are fully prepared for the next one. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….. He has made everything beautiful in its time……” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11)



Let go of the things (chaff) you’re holding so desperately to, open your arms, lift your face, expose your heart to the Lord - He is making you more beautiful than you can imagine, and……..stand against the wind.



Then listen………..



“And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.” – 1 Kings 19:11-12



He will tell you when to move.