I recently received this encouragement from my good friend, Faith Barnes and asked for her permission to share it. Faith radically loves the Lord. She is an intercessor and a Prophet and always has a word in season for the Body of Christ. Enjoy!

“Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn’t make me stronger.”  – Lou Holtz

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us,” Romans 8:18. The Body of Christ is embarking upon its greatest moment ever!  If you are experiencing tremendous adversity at this time, consider yourself to be a part of one of the greatest movements of God which includes signs, wonders, and miracles.  Not to mention the favor and provision that will follow those who believe.  Many prophecies have come forward in 2011 about the “shaking” that would happen in 2012.  And as we can now see, it has arrived.  As we close out this year we must become more prayerful and vigilant like NEVER BEFORE.  It is a must.  There is an OUTCRY for the people of God to stand up and FIGHT in the midst of adversities.

I know in our minds we may ask, “Who, what, when where, and why is all of this happening to me?”  But the question should be, “Lord, HOW am I to respond?”  STOP looking for someone or something to blame and look to your SOURCE.  He will provide in the midst of a famine.

In the Book of 1 Kings 18-19 Elijah was about to come upon the greatest “showdown” of his life.  However, he too, was in the midst of a famine.  I believe the famine had to come to prepare the man of God and strengthen his faith.  In addition, it served as a set up to allow God to show Himself strong in the midst of adversity and the adversary.  However, even in the famine, as mentioned before, God provided for His servants, those who remained faithful.  It may have not been fried chicken, gravy, cornbread and rice but it was PROVISION in order that God would prove HE WAS THE GOD IN CONTROL to a nation that was OUT OF CONTROL.

In all that you are going through I know this: 1) God will provide and 2 )He is MATURING our faith for a mighty move of God.   Will you remain faithful to the end (Hebrews 10:19-38)?

ROMANS 8:28-31 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The answer is in the word.  What should you say to ALL that you are going through and facing in this season?  IF GOD IS FOR ME, WHO OR WHAT CAN BE AGAINST ME! Guess what? GOD IS FOR YOU!!!  We are about to SHIFT to a new season in our lives. Speak to your situation, pray, increase your prayer and fasting time, and pray for others who may have become weary or become even bitter because of their situation.

God Bless!

Faith Barnes

Educator & Advisor

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end.”

Jeremiah 29:11