Yesterday, there was an urgency for me to post the message “Be Encouraged, There is a Bright Side” and it was given to me around seven am. I was writing so fast trying to get the message out that scriptures were not added; which is quite unusual for me. The plan was to continue with “African American” history.
My story- Sunday morning, I was planning to attend church, but a couple of things transpired that prevented me from going to the house of the Lord. I started feeling like something was going to happen; that I would be told some bad news. I was talking to myself and was wondering what it could be. Finally, it escaped my memory. The message to be posted was put aside.
Upon rising early that morning, there was some apprehensions about the message for that day. I attempted to do something different with the message, but it just wasn’t working. So right at the end of the message that I finally felt should be posted, the phone was ringing, but I didn’t answer the call. After posting the message I called the person back, and Oh’ my God!, which is the proper way to say that about our God. My answer and confirmation came through the conversation as to why I had those feelings.
I was empathizing because of what the person was going through. I felt her pain and began to weep. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4) The Word of God also tells us to encourage one another. but exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13a) A mature intercessor is on call twenty-four seven and they passionately intercede on behalf of people and circumstances.
If you understand the ministry/service of an intercessor, then you will understand that empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of another): this also comes with the call. Prophets also intercede, and many times the prophets are alone and many times they are misunderstood. A few months ago, the Lord placed another prophetess in the building. We understand each other, although there have only been a few times that we have come in contact with one another.
This is pivotal- the Lord will never put any of us in a place where we are without having someone who can identify with us, although we may not know it at the time, it will eventually be revealed. Both of us are from distant localities; God is setting the stage for a change. Some people may not know this, but others are blessed because God has His people in the same place or area.
Example - Elijah thought he was all alone; And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”
Then the Lord said to him: ......... Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not
kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:14-18)
Example: Abraham - And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Genesis 18:20-23)
If the children of God understand that we have ministry to help and serve others, they would be edifying one another with their gifts to encourage and build people up in the faith. We are never in any situation alone; God is always with us, and he also puts others in our lives.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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