No matter how far into the year we are, it just seems right to consider the month of August as a “New” season because it’s the eighth month of the year. And many of us are familiar with the biblical meaning for the number 8. It’s new beginnings. And this August is no different for us here at The Gathering. So what should we focus on? What should we expect in this new season?
First, we prepare for the new season by continuing to pray what we believe. According to Hebrews 11:1, FAITH is the substance of the things we hope for. It’s evidence of what we do not yet see. And it’s what we must do as we stand waiting for the LORD to bring forth the new beginning we’re believing for. Romans 4:17-21 shows us that Abraham believed in spite of what he saw. He stood waiting for the son to come from his own body, although his and Sarai’s bodies were old. Those of us who are his seed by faith have the same opportunity. In spite of what our circumstances look like, we can not only believe, but speak the opposite as though it already exists.
Second, we can pray what is known. According to Numbers 23:19, GOD is not a man that HE should lie or change HIS mind. We have an entire book of promises in HIS Word that we can declare, and do so with confidence, because HE has never gone back on HIS Word. As we wait, we can pray according to HIS promises, and know that they will come to pass – in HIS timing and in the way HE wants to do it. We don’t have to waver in our faith, because we can see GOD’s track record established in the lives of the saints that we read about.
Third, we can pray what has been experienced. Do you have a journal? We challenge you to start keeping a log of prayers that GOD has answered. As time goes by, you will be convinced – if you aren’t already – that GOD doesn’t fail, and you will not hesitate to share your faith with those who aren’t quite as confident yet. You will have a testimony of how GOD delivered you and your loved ones time and time again.
Next, we can pray what we expect GOD to do. As you look at your needs and the needs of others around you, you can look in GOD’S Word and see how HE delivered certain ones in specific ways. You can pray that HE will deliver from the Red Sea (no matter what form it’s in). You can even declare that HE will make a way through it, because HE did it before, and HE can do it again. You can pray that HE deliver loved ones, friends, and acquaintances from the lion’s den and from the fiery furnace. You can declare that HE is STILL able, and stand with them, encouraging them to do the same.
Finally, we can pray what is WRITTEN. There has never been a time like the present when we need to take GOD at HIS Word. Whatever HIS Word says, we must believe it and repeat it until we see it come to pass. We don’t have to re-write contracts. GOD’S Word is already established, so we can follow JESUS’ example by declaring, “It is WRITTEN.” No matter what the trial, temptation, or battle, whatever is WRITTEN is going to come to pass. With this mindset, watch how what seems like the same old, same old turns into the new beginning that GOD has been preparing us for all along. Of that, we can be sure.
