I've just started reading a book called "Hiddenness and Manifestation" by Graham Cooke, which explains that there are 2 different seasons we encounter with G-d: one is when He seems hidden from us, and the other is when He manifests / presents Himself to us. Both are part of how He works...in the hiddenness, He is encouraging us in a teachable way to understand His deeper truths. We have to go on our faith that He is present, and learn to trust His Word in greater degrees. When He is manifest, we experience Him and His blessings and joy...but it is hard for us to understand His deeper truths during this time. I think we have been in a time of great manifestation in Riverside, where He has poured out blessing after blessing for us and on us. He has spoken of a Kingdom campus, and we are so excited! I wonder if we are now moving into a time of hiddenness, where He wants to teach us His truths, which can only come when we slow down and humble ourselves before Him. It may be that this must happen before we are to enter the "Promised Land" so to speak.
The women's Bible study going on right now is called Seeking Him--and it's about revival...which is something Scott has often talked about regarding our community. I love the thought! It's exciting to see how G-d is moving among us! This week's study is about humility and 2 Chronicles 7:14 leapt out at me.
" If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:14)
The study question asked, why did G-d put that we must be humble first in this scripture? My thoughts are so that we would raise Him up and put Him first before ourselves. Once that prioritization has happened, then we place ourselves in a position to hear Him more clearly with our hearts.
Proverbs 11:2 was part of the study, and it reads: " When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." The study goes on to clarify that those with humble hearts are candidates for revival! And that is definitely on our hearts!
This could all seem harsh, but I see it as G-d encouraging us to trust Him, and put ourselves in a state of humility, so that His deeper truths may be revealed to us. He wants to teach us more!!! He is so good! With humility comes wisdom. And that wisdom is what Graham Cooke is talking about in the times of hiddenness. It all seems interlocked to me.
So maybe our prayers should begin with placing ourselves in a position of humility, asking for Him for forgiveness and cleansing, for conviction and refining, and then to also pray in agreement that we have heard from Him about the specific plot of land--and would like His clarity. Help us LORD to be patient during this time. We are excited, but will not move forward until You say so.
Let us remember who He is and who we are in Him--and trust that His way and timing are perfect.
Have a blessed day--
Beth
RIVERSIDE: We are called to be a house of prayer. As a part of that calling and gift, this little space is set aside in the world for the prayers of Riverside. Come here for encouragment, shared concern, praise updates, prophetic encouragment, and anything else God wants. Comment and let the praying begin.
