sword of the Spirit

Have you let go and stepped out only to hit a massive roadblock? If so, read on. When God gives you a vision and leads you into something new, He’ll do it according to His Word. Then when the test comes, His purpose will stand.

Beyond the dreams, visions, and promptings I’d had throughout the process (see my last five blogs), I knew God was at the helm because my husband and I were one. In Matthew 19:5, Jesus said, “…‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined inseparably to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'” I could rest assured that I was walking in God’s vision concerning my career because He had revealed and confirmed Himself to us—to me and my husband.

I haven’t said much about this wonderful man, but he was always there. From the time we started making weekend trips from Houston to Dallas, we were walking in agreement. Then we both quit our jobs to go back, and we both received the promise from Mark 10:29–30 (click here to read it)—but he didn’t have a new job yet. One day while we were at home shuffling through moving boxes, my husband got a call from his old boss. It was a job offer—in Atlanta.

For me, it was easy to tell him to turn it down. God had clearly confirmed His will for us to return to Dallas. But now, my husband was having second thoughts. A few days passed, and the rift between us widened. He wanted to pursue his opportunity, and I was beyond understanding it. In fact, we had come to the point where we were barely speaking.

God Steps In

Then my spiritual mother called and went right to the heart of the matter. She spoke in depth with me, firmly centered on God’s Word, and then with my husband. The air began to clear. The next day, we came to a compromise. We agreed for me and the kids to go to Dallas (since I had a job and all the arrangements for them were taken care of), and for him to go to Atlanta and get established. The kids and I would join him later when he had everything in place.

Soon after, I had another dream. It was ominous…and it was about my husband. From the towering height of a skyscraper with walls of glass, I saw everything that happened. I banged on the glass, trying to warn him, but he couldn’t see or hear me. The next morning, I woke up, shaken. Burdened by the weight of what I’d seen, I couldn’t even speak. So, I silently went about my day. But later, my husband and I had to take care of something together. When we had finished and were almost home, he parked the car on the side of the road.

Breaking the silence, he turned to me and said, “Paula, I can’t go to Atlanta. I had a dream that I went there and got shot.” My eyes widened and I caught my breath. He then told me that he felt strongly in his spirit that if we separated and he went to Atlanta, he would die. My heart was racing. I forced out the words: “The Lord gave me a dream last night…” I told him every detail through when I had seen a white sheet pulled up over his body.

At this point, words were no longer necessary. We looked deeply into each other’s eyes, in awe of what God had done. And, of course, there was peace. He had made it plain, once again, what He wanted us to do. Our family was back on the same path. After hitting a roadblock, we would be heading to Dallas together. Like I said, this transition wasn’t just about me. My husband had to take an even bigger step of faith. God was shaping his future, as well. Although we couldn’t see everything that was in store, we knew the Lord was leading us.

God’s Vision & Word Are One

When God gives you a vision, it isn’t just about you. It touches everyone around you, and as you follow Him, it reaches out to the world. Even if you’re single, He has placed His Word and covenant relationships in your life, through which He’ll confirm His will. The question is: Are you seeking Him in prayer and in His Word, so that you can identify His confirmations when they come? Jonathan Cahn explains this perfectly in The Book of Mysteries, “The Word of God will give you the overall direction and leading for your life. As you follow the direction of the Word, you will be led to walk into the exact and specific will of God that is your destiny.”¹

God made sure that my husband and I didn’t separate. Though our plan to temporarily live in different cities seemed like a good compromise, it wasn’t His will. The Word of God is the “…sword of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17). So, when the Spirit leads you, it will be according to the Word. And when God’s vision for you is tested, His Word—not your own plans or emotions—will stand.

Now, if God’s vision is being tested in your life, would you pray with me? Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. It is a mighty, two-edged sword that changes us from the inside-out. Thank You that Holy Spirit uses Your Word to strengthen, guide, comfort, and lead us into all truth. Thank You that when the vision You have given us is tested, Your Word continues to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word abides forever and empowers us—not only to do Your will, but to stand when our test comes. Amen.

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God…it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Ephesians 6:17 & Isaiah 55:11)

¹ Jonathan Cahn, The Book of Mysteries, Day 310/“The Josiah Principle.” Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group, www.charismahouse.com. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.