Recently after listening to the Lord, He brought to mind a clear exhortation, meant to help you take possession of the new things God is giving you in this season. This exhortation appears in the Bible in both negative and positive forms. It comes as a warning and as a promise.
Jahaziel prophesied the promise to King Jehoshaphat, saying, "Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful" (2 Chronicles 20:20 NIV).
One hundred years later, we can see this prophecy echoed in the form of a warning. Isaiah prophesies to King Ahaz around 734 BC, saying, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (Isaiah 7:9 NIV).
These exhortations, both containing the same play on words in Hebrew, are repeated in other Biblical passages as well. To understand their significance, we need to examine the contexts in which they were given.
One Who Did Not Stand: King Ahaz
At around 734 BC, Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel allied, and threatened to capture the southern capital, Jerusalem. Isaiah 7:1 discloses in advance that this particular attempt would be unsuccessful.
As the story unfolded, Isaiah was sent to prophesy to King Ahaz of Judah. He found him inspecting Jerusalem's water supply, anxious about the impending invasion, and not trusting in the Lord. Ahaz stood between the aqueduct and the road to the Fuller's Field.
The water in the aqueduct was essential for wartime survival. The Fuller's Field was the place where linen was washed, bleached, dyed, and stretched out to dry. The significance of the location for Isaiah's prophecy is not to be missed!
Both king and country were terrified of the enemy's threat: "The hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind" (Isaiah 7:2 NIV).
King Ahaz, whose name means "possessor," stood symbolically between a source of living water and a field known for cleansing and refining. Isaiah urged Ahaz to listen and not to fear, to be settled and quiet in his spirit. He was meant to see his enemies as God saw them—nothing but smoldering, smoking stubs about to be extinguished. (Photo via Pexels)
Although Isaiah encouraged the king with positive words and significant signs, he also gave a clear warning. Ahaz had a choice to make. Would he believe God's word and be successful? Or would he fail to possess what God has promised him?
His decision did not impact whether God saved Jerusalem (He did!). His decision impacted whether God supported him.
Isaiah told Ahaz, "If you do not stand firm in your faith [Hebrew 'aman'] in your faith, you will not stand [aman] at all" (Isaiah 7:9 NIV, brackets added).
Note that the same Hebrew word "aman" (Strong's H539) is used twice. It means to "believe," "trust," "to build up or support," "to confirm," or to "endure."
Note the use of this word in the following translations:
• The ISV notes the implied continuity of this action: "If... you don't keep on believing, you'll never remain loyal."
• NASB says, "If you will not believe, you surely shall not last."
• MSG reads, "If you don't take your stand in faith, you won't have a leg to stand on."
Sadly, even after God gave Ahaz significant signs of success, including the famous "Immanuel prophecy" in Isaiah 7:14, the king chose fear and idolatry over faith. He rejected the living water God offered to him prophetically. His ending was not good.
One Who Stood: King Jehoshaphat
Roughly 100 years prior, another king of Judah, Jehoshaphat (whose name literally means "Jehovah has judged"), had faced with a similar threat, but from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In prayer, he asked God, "Will You not judge them?" (2 Chronicles 20:12).
Prophet Jahaziel was sent to assure Judah that victory was predetermined: "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you?" (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV).
We see a similar play on words as what Isaiah spoke, but with a positive twist: King Jehoshaphat responded, saying, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith [aman] in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld [aman]; have faith [aman] in His prophets and you will be successful" (2 Chronicles 20:20 NIV, brackets added). (Photo via Pexels)
This translation of the same verse, rendered in Hebrew, is "Put your trust [aman] in the Lord your God, and you will be established [aman]. Put your trust [aman] in His prophets and succeed" (NASB 1995, brackets added).
In this occurrence, Judah did trust, and their victory was firmly established!
Significance for Today
I believe many people are being asked to choose between fear and faith right now. The enemy has worked on a large scale to cloud vision. Yet I believe one of the gifts God is releasing this year is crystal clear clarity.
That which has been obscured is now coming clear. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed! Destinies, intel, resources, and relationships the enemy has tried to hide or steal are being brought into plain sight. As with Judah, Believers' victories are already assured. God is moving in ways you may not see now but will appreciate later.
I hear the Lord saying that the process you have been enduring has a good end! While it seems to delay you, it really serves to mature you. Do not fear anything the enemy tells you; he is a liar and a deceiver. Natural images are poor depictions of what's true in the spirit. What you see is not what you're getting!
Your continued trust in the timing of God's process is a precious commodity as He works behind the scenes on your behalf, setting the stage for what's next. The storyline—the process—is important so that you can appreciate the ending all the more!
A Refiner and a Rewarder
In one of the last Old Testament prophecies, Malachi points to the sudden return of Christ as initiating a time of intense refinement, especially for those in ministry:
"Who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness." (Malachi 3:2–3 NASB1995)
If you feel you are being tried like silver, know that this purification is meant not to shake you but to make you a possessor of all that God has promised for this season.
Apart from the mercy of God, no one can stand! Yet because of mercy, you rule to the degree that you allow the divine "Fuller" to refine you. You stand to the degree that you remain committed to taking a stand for what Christ has asked you to do, no matter how unusual it looks to others. The way of discipleship is not always easy, but it is always blessed. Your Refiner is also your Rewarder.
Ahaz did not heed Isaiah's warning. He lost his legacy when he wavered before the opposition. Jehoshaphat won a victory through faith in God's word and by warring with his prophecies (1 Timothy 1:18). The Holy Spirit's exhortation still stands today. Your present battle is God's preordained victory! Yet your response determines your reward. (Photo via Pexels)
As the enemy seeks to hinder your advancement, you can choose unwavering faith, which becomes your shield. Stand firm, worship, and declare your trust (aman) in God during your process. Let Him release the fresh wisdom and clarity you need right now to reach your breakthrough.
May God strengthen your hearts this week to believe against all unbelief, and to possess ALL He desires to give you!
Pray with me:
Dear Lord,
I desire for You to abide constantly in my heart through faith! I quiet myself now to listen and take heed to this exhortation.
May I never waver in doubt but always be filled to the measure of the fullness of God, possessing all that You have prepared for me! You do far more abundantly than all I can ask or think, according to the power of Your Spirit working within me through faith. Thank You for Your righteous judgments against the enemy. I am assured of victory!
No matter what things look like, I choose to trust You today. I believe Your Word and Your prophecies are my final authority. I know that You will complete Your good work in me, refining and rewarding me in the process. I do not consider any circumstances, nor do I fear any threats the enemy is sending against me.
Let my unwavering trust bring You glory, Jesus. May my life leave a legacy of faith that stands firm, forever and ever. Amen.
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Deborah Perkins
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Deborah Perkins is a seasoned prophetic author, speaker, and intercessor with more than thirty-five years of ministry experience across denominations. Her passion is to communicate God's heart for His people, equipping and restoring individuals to minister more strategically in the fullness of the Spirit of God. Through Bible teaching, Spirit-led prayer, and prophetic counsel, Deborah has mentored both ministry and marketplace leaders to deepen their relationship with God. After a radical, extended visitation with the glory of God, Deborah is now working to expand the House of Prayer movement, establishing sacred spaces for inner healing, personal retreats, and corporate worship gatherings throughout New England. She and her husband Kevan have three wonderful, grown boys, and love raising bees and chickens in their spare time. To connect with Deborah, visit HisInscriptions.com/Contact.
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