Autumn Rains
We are encouraged. Our Father has spoken today.
In spite of health challenges in our extended family, His nearness is so evident. Although we sense spiritual resistance in the environment and we carry heavy burdens for people to know Triune God in all His fullness, He promises to send spiritual provision for each day and every season.
In the midst of major surgeries, a younger family member’s cancer diagnosis and the heartache of watching an uncle struggle with mental and physical decline, the Spirit’s presence is near.
Our Abba enfolds us in the heartache, in the struggle with weak bodies and disease, and in our longing for more of HIM. His word promises that, regardless of what is going on in our environment, He will renew. We believe He is sending autumn rains to bring life to dead places:
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca [weeping], they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength…”
Psalm 84:5 – 7a (italics mine)
We also watch a younger generation struggle to shake off worldly influences, to know the Lord, and to embrace what their Creator says about them. Our hearts cry out for His healing touch on hearts and minds!
At the same time, we are graced to recognize visible signs of a movement of God’s Spirit among that same generation, to bring the hungry to fullness and the sleepy to wakefulness. Young people are asking, “Isn’t there more to the Christian life?” Individuals are longing to spend time in God’s house rather than on their homework assignments. Students are asking how to lead people into the Spirit’s fullness. This can only be GOD!!!
“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the
autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn
and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.” Joel 2:23-24 (italics mine)
We are blessed to know that Abba has already worked mightily among university students this fall in revival services. And He continues to strengthen them through clear messages of Truth brought out of years of struggle, fasting and prayer.**
Although issues of gender and sexual identity threaten to divide the Church, God wants us to be clear on what His word says. It is quite possible that questions of identity will be one of the most critical issues God will use to purify the Church, AND also to cause us to recover mission to the world!
Young people today face an intense and pervasive deception from the world and the enemy, but we believe He has chosen this same generation to speak Truth to the culture.
We have reason to be encouraged…God has only begun to touch the younger generation!
If you are crying out for salvation, freedom from addictions or deception for a young person you love, a son or daughter, a grandchild, niece or nephew…we stand in faith with you that God hears, and HE WILL ANSWER!
We’re praying for removal of idols in our own lives, in our churches, and in the younger generation of believers. We’re asking for God to send more of His autumn rain to renew us, to give us an insatiable desire for Him, to allow His power and love to bring complete transformation to those who seek Him.
“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the
autumn rains because he is faithful…And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Joel 2:23, 32 (Emphasis mine)
Will you consider investing in a young person today?
Lord, send more of Your autumn “rains”—your Holy Spirit’s wooing--to renew the earth! Let every good word You have spoken over the earth and Your Kingdom people be brought to fulfillment, as we stand believing that You are working, regardless of what we see or feel!
For Jesus’ Sake,
Chris & Julie
**If you want to hear the powerful testimony of Dr. Christopher Yuan on ‘Holy Sexuality’ from ONU Chapel, please go to:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/olivetadmin/portal.htm?eventId=699346&streamType=video