[TIMES & SEASONS] Stepping Stones In Transition

Tue Aug 16 23:10:05 EDT 2005

Dear Friend,

Greetings in Christ Jesus!  I offer this timely article for your enjoyment
from our archives.

Miracles & Favor!
Bret Wade

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STEPPING STONES IN TRANSITION
by Bret A. Wade

These are great times of transition in the Body of Christ!  There are major
things happening that we have prayer for and prophesied over the years.
These are exciting times, but they are also stressful times. The old wine
skin is not able to take us where God is heading with the Church.  We are
making a paradigm shift to a new wine skin. It's a new model that is
forming.  We have waited on it with expectancy!  How we respond in this
"now" prophetic season will determine our effectiveness in the future.

This is a time where there is major rearranging happening.  Those who were
not considered capable for the task at hand are surfacing as qualified and
being strategically placed by the Spirit of the Lord.  They are the hidden
company of believers that have been waiting in the wings.  What has
qualified them?  Their faith, patience and the process of God have qualified
them.  Though others would disdain them for how they would do things, they
are the cream of the crop.  They are Joshuas with a heart to possess and
divide an inheritance to the people of God.

If you are one who is in this hidden company, I am writing this to you as
one modern day Joshua to another. While in the process of transition, there
are some stepping stones to follow that I have found to be trustworthy. They
will keep you from being hindered in forward progress.  The enemy would like
nothing better than to distract you to cause you to lose your direction
during times of transition.  If he can keep you from advancing, he can keep
you from getting into position to displace him.

DRAW CLOSER TO GOD
We must all make a choice when arising into that which God has prepared for
us.  It involves either following the direction that God has placed in our
heart or giving into the desires of others.  Draw closer to the Lord.  Be a
worshipper of God.  There will be a rock solid assurance in your heart when
you do this. It will come down to "but one thing I do" Phillipians 3:13.
You must have a determination to press forward before setting out to do so.

FOCUS
It is vital that you get yourself focused and keep yourself from all
distractions that would pull at you.  Remind yourself that leaders never
lose their focus.  Someone will be following even though you may not
consider yourself a leader. Lead yourself well and others will follow in
your steps.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things
above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

In transition, things change rapidly.  Be careful what you get involved with
at this time. Don't make long-term obligations without absolutely knowing
that it is God's direction for you at this time.  If in doubt, back up and
pray until you know.  Romans 8:6 says "to be spiritually minded is life and
peace".  God's direction will bring peace.

Everything the enemy will send your way right now is intended to pull you
off course.  Choose your battles wisely.  Move forward and maintain course
in spite of conflicting opinion and who chooses to stay behind.

KEEP PEACE
Maintain and keep peace at all costs.  Understand that often the enemy will
use those around you.  Do not burn bridges. You will just have to go back
and rebuild.  Your effectiveness in the future will be determined by how you
respond now.  It will either be with a forgiving attitude or bitterness.

Beware of anger and bitterness.  It will set you back in your forward
progress.  Bitterness is an indicator of pride yet to be dealt with.  Repent
now.  Bitterness will only fuel an unruly tongue.  Watch that little member!
Pass up opportunities to give a piece of your mind!  Only say what is
needed, do not try and justify your direction or come against another's. It
takes a response of humility to agree quickly with your adversary at your
expense.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see
the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest
any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become
defiled. Hebrews 12:14-15

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your
brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar,
and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and
offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way
with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you
over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:23-25

Do not choose sides on issues.  Try and resolve issues if possible but not
at the cost of relationships.  In times of transition, it is difficult to
resolve issues because change is likely being resisted. If it is justice
that is sought after, you must discern the condition and intent of your
heart.  What spirit are you operating out of?  Can this wait?  If you can
wait, attitudes will often change.

You can differ, but do it in love. It is very easy to see hypocrisy in
others.  We must repent for the hypocrisy that we see rather than attacking
our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Stay in a repentant state before God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast
me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore
unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm
51:10-12

GET YOUR HEALING
Before entering into that new thing that the Lord has for you, get healed
and delivered of the past.  Whatever it takes!  Don't let past hindrances
become present hesitations.  Enter into the new with wholeness!  There is
something about being free that causes a refreshing for possessing the next
thing ahead of you!

If you'll do these things, you'll come through much easier.  Follow the Lord
and possess!

Until we meet again, we are...

Reaching For Heaven & Touching The Nations,

Bret A. Wade 

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PERSONAL ITINERARY ~ http://www.bretwade.com/itinerary.htm
Bret ministers regularly at Global Impact Church when not itinerating.
October 20th - 22nd ~  Heart Land Gathering of 5-Fold Leaders, Tulsa,
Oklahoma, 
Christ The King CitiChurch, Conveners: Apostle Tammy Chism & Apostle Joshua
Fowler

GLOBAL IMPACT UPCOMING EVENTS ~ http://www.globalimpactchurch.com
September 1st - 3rd ~ Arts Afire, Weekend Arts Intensive
October 1st & 2nd ~ Apostle Richard & Barbara Wright, Eagles Wings
International