“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)
Recently I had a very long, intense and painful dream. It seemed to last all night. It went on and on and on. It was very personal as I was rejected and betrayed by loved ones, abandoned and isolated from those closest to me. I was stabbed in the back and left alone in a foreign country with no identification, no money and no weapon. Two strongmen harassed me as I wearily passed by them. But finally (and believe me this was after a long painful journey) I remembered who I was and what I could do. In my dreams I often can fly and I flew up the coast out of the foreign country!
Early that morning, as I sat with the Lord I knew I did not represent myself, though because it was me, I felt all the pain! He quickly spoke to me saying REMEMBER! And then unpacked four specific things to remember in this hour…
Remember who I am
I am a blood bought child of God, I am Jesus’ bride, I am a king and priest, I am a co-heir with Christ, I am an ambassador of the kingdom of heaven, I am dearly loved, I am called, I am chosen. I am an overcomer! I am not abandoned, or rejected or an orphan. I am adopted into the family of God!
Remember whose I am
I belong to God! Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. This life I now live is completely yielded to Him! I am in a covenant relationship with the LORD, the Most High God! He is mine and I am His!
Remember my authority
All authority on heaven and earth has been delegated to me through Jesus Christ! I have His authority over sickness, demons and more!
Remember what I can do
God has abundantly given me gifts, anointing, a calling, a destiny to fulfill, a purpose for being here right now! I am filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do even greater things. I can crush the devil and every demon underneath my feet! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I believe this has widespread application! Whether you’re a pastor, leader, parent, student, etc., this has been a very hard and painful journey, especially these past few years. But the Lord is saying to you; “Remember who you are, whose you are, what authority you have been given and what you can do!”
Ask God to quicken in your heart who you are, whose you are, your authority and what you can do! Pray for this for your pastor and church. Ask God to remind His kids across this city, who have had a very challenging time these past years to remember! God is about to take what we’ve been through and release His promotion. Ask Him for Him to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it into good in your life, your family’s life, your pastor, your church and the Church across Athens!