Freedom

A.B. Simpson writes: "Brother, are you fainting in prayer? Look up. Your blessed Advocate has already claimed your answer, and you would grieve and disappoint Him if you were to give up the conflict in the very moment when victory is on its way to meet you. He has gone in for you into the inner chamber, and already holds up your name upon the palms of His hands, and the messenger, which is to bring you your blessing, is now on his way, and the Spirit is only waiting for your trust to whisper in our heart the echo of the answer from the throne, "it is done".

We pray with the expectation of an answer, immediately, if not sooner. We search the Scriptures for an answer only to find ourselves questioning and wondering, when will you answer Lord? Impatience leads to frustration, then to weariness and finally to defeat. As our journey into the Underground has resulted in anger, disappointment and silence, the frenzy for radical change echoes among the participants with questions, unbelief and confusion. In Job 6:24, Job speaks to God and says: "Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong." In my silence, I pray that He teaches me the truth and reveals His promises to me. Are we all praying in earnest to learn what He needs to reveal to us? Are we listening for an answer from Him to show us where we have been wrong? We do not share prayer; we do not share our heartaches or joys; we do not share our visions. We need to acknowlege our personal wrongs before God, be willing to confess them, repent, and be accountable to each other. David cries out in Psalm 32: 3-5:

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

Ownership of our sin and repentance in each one of us will bring revival in our spirit and in our church. Striving for the abundant life creates the desire for a daily walk with Him so that we do not grow weary. As we follow our God to an authentic, spirit filled community, we will once again experience the joy that is absent when we gather. The freedom to praise and worship with our hearts and minds, free from sin, torment and darkness, will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit and peace within our fellowship. As believer's we must trust God's Word that we will walk in victory with hope and renewed strength. We have the tools and the authority to reclaim our first love. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to do it's work in our lives! "Do not let your hearts be troubled!"(Jn 14:27). Join me in vigilant prayer that we will become the shining light on the East End, the place where"something" is different, exciting and inviting!