God's timing is perfect

Well, 2008 is just about over (thank God!) and 2009 is almost here.

Last night was a very strange and powerful night for me in God which gave me significant amounts of encouragement. I somehow found a seat in the front-left section (where IHOP-KC staff and families sit) even though the whole room was full.

Mike Bickle then read Isaiah 19 after worship, the prophecy about Egypt, Israel, and Assyria coming together as an international family of affection under the leadership of Jesus and he then called up all of those who were Arab or Jewish who follow Jesus. Mike then asked all of the Asians to come up and pray for these believers. The symbolism was clear: The Church in Asia is going to be catalytic in finishing the Great Commission in the Middle East, preparing for the 2nd coming of Jesus, resulting in the fulfillment of Isaiah 19. I found myself right in front.

Afterwords, the LORD spoke to me and said, " If you will walk faithfully with me, I guarantee you will be in the the middle of and operating in the midst of My Strategic purposes...You will be in the right place at the right time."

Later on, Lou Engle preached out of Luke 1:6-9 and other passages, talking about the how Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright, yet were barren (Barrenness in that culture was a stigma and typically a sign of some sort of curse). By chance, Zechariah's division of priests were chosen to be on duty to serve in the temple. Then by lot (i.e "chance") Zechariah was chosen to offer incense (symbolic of prayers) in the most holy place. We all know the end of that story.

All this brought such great encouragment to me in a year where it seemed like I got totally miss-placed in terms of functioning in the anointing, position, some relationships, and a few other things. I look forward to 2009 which promises to hold some wonderful surprises in God!