Christian denominations and institutions have been losing large numbers of people in recent decades. However, in the last few years, this has accelerated after national and international crises like the COVID pandemic. Though this may sound counterintuitive, this is a sign a great move of God is nearing. This is the pruning of God’s tree, so it can bear the greater fruit that is coming.

        The greatest revivals and movements in Scripture and in history were always preceded by spiritual malaise, widespread apostacy, and largescale backsliding from the faith. The greatest moves of God have emerged during times of great spiritual darkness. Thus, the increasing darkness of our time should not discourage us, but rather awaken us to watch, wait, and prepare for the great things God is about to do.

        As we ready ourselves for the great wave of the Spirit that is fast approaching, let us use our time wisely to do everything we can to prepare to be used in it. Every skilled surfer knows they must first discern where the wave will break, then position themselves in place and be moving in the right direction when it arrives.

        The first and most important thing we can do to prepare is to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we need fresh manna from heaven at the beginning of each day. Jesus said He was the Manna come down from heaven (John 6:49-51). We need a fresh encounter with Jesus each day and a fresh revelation of His glory to change us into His image, so we can be like Him and do His works. “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing” and pursuing, knowing, and following the Lord is “the main thing.”

        The second most important thing we can do to be a part of what God is doing in these times is to find our right place in His body, the church. We cannot rightly relate to the Head without being rightly related to His body. To be rightly related to the body means being in the right place and functioning in our role and calling.

        If we cannot find our role and calling, we are in the wrong place. Most Christians who cannot find a church body where they can fit are in the wrong geographical location. That is because they chose to live there for a myriad of reasons other than the main reason they should make important life decisions—to seek first His kingdom.

        When we who follow the King make major decisions based on reasons other than our primary purpose, we will never find our place or true peace and joy in His kingdom. We may still receive many blessings. However, the Lord will bless many things He will not inhabit. There’s a big difference between a life lived in His presence and one that receives some of His blessings.

        Always remember, the Way is not a formula or path to follow; the Way is a Person. And Truth is not just having accurate doctrines, though we should pursue this. Truth is also a Person we must come to know and follow. And most importantly, this Person is called to be our Life. If this Person is not our Life, it is doubtful whether we also know the Way or the Truth.

© 2023 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.