“Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and the later rain.” - (James 5:7-8)
I believe this passage of scripture is speaking of the last great outpouring of God’s Spirit before the return of Christ. He is not willing that any perish but all come to the knowledge of salvation. God’s divine intervention is desperately needed in the world today.
There are three main elements needed for this End-Time Revival:
- The Sovereignty of God
- The conditions in the world and in the church
- The preparedness of man and of the church
Often it is our preparedness that is the key to God’s timing. Sometimes it takes years of preparation for overnight success. When man is prepared, God moves in His sovereignty.
When God calls you to do something, he prepares you for it in advance. With Moses, the front steps of the palace and the backside of the wilderness were both necessary to fulfilling his calling. This preparation period can be the most difficult time in your life. Very few people will stand with you during this time. Don’t forget those who do.
God never wastes our experiences, good or bad. Handling adversity is what qualifies you for achievement. It’s what gives you the compassion and understanding to be a good counselor. “God… who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the same comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God always begins with your character and then he works on your calling. Usually He does this in obscurity-you are a work in progress. "In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me and made Me a polished shaft; In his quiver He has hidden Me." - Isaiah 49:1-3
Without strong character you will not endure.
"Often it is our preparedness that is the key to God's timing."
A vision must first be born in the heart of one person before others can catch it. (Habbikuk 2:1-3) God always gives the main vision to the one who has the main responsibility. And He will never give you a vision you can fulfill alone. If it is bigger than you, you are going to need God and others. We are part of a body and function most effectively when we work in conjunction with others.
It’s normal to become emotionally invested in the work God has called you to do. Nehemiah wept when he heard of the condition of God’s work and God’s people. People are passionate and compassionate about those things that touch their heart. It’s what makes you sad and what makes you mad. What stirs your passion? What touches your heart? Is it family, politics, business, youth, music, multimedia, leadership, church growth/planting, missions? The Lord instills within us a passion for those things He has uniquely called and gifted us to do. (Psalm 37:4)
The key to willpower is want-power. You must want it enough to get up earlier, stay up later, and do whatever it takes. God knows what you are being trained for and, when the time is right, He will make it clear to you. In the meantime, stay in school and keep learning. If we will get ourselves ready, our time and opportunity will come!
Yours for End-Time Revival, World-Wide harvest of souls, and the Return of Christ!
Dr George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International