Extreme Seasons Part 2

Last month I wrote about Extreme Seasons in our newsletter. I also posted an article here at Revival Journal. It's not only a word for those who are struggling, but also for those with whom everything is going perfect. I too have found I'm walking through the most unusual extreme season I have ever walked though myself.

Each person reading this is at a different place in life, in age and in our walk with God. One person can be riding the greatest wave of God's blessing and then you can sit beside someone in a church service who is walking through the darkest hour of life.

I have had the opportunity to attend a couple a Graduation exercises this spring; one a high school graduation another a college graduation (which happened to be our oldest daughter Megan). Each time I hear Pomp and Circumstance it literally brings a lump in my throat. It is a song that signals the end of one season for the graduates and the beginning of another. I sense in my spirit for the people of God who will pursue the Lord Jesus with all their heart, the season of turmoil and distress will change. And if the circumstances don't immediately change, he is going to change your heart until it doesn't matter any more! An extreme season can occur when satan finds out God is about to release extreme transition, blessing and anointing into your life!

But for those who are still struggling how do we come through the Extreme Seasons of life?

Develop a culture of prayer. Muslims have developed a prayer culture. Even a casually committed muslim may pray several times a day toward Mecca. When something happens in America we call a prayer meeting. Then when the crisis is over we are back to our regular routine, only using Jesus like a genie in a bottle that is supposed to give us three wishes. Can you imagine the Power of the Holy Ghost that would be released in America when the church in America stops talking about prayer and does it? What would happen if we developed a culture of prayer?

Develop a culture of praise and worship. Not an SMO event (Sunday morning only), but a life style; a way of living. Praising Jesus when you feel like it; and praising Him when you don't! Religion has programmed us to only praise Him when everything is going great. But when the world sees us praising Him in extreme circumstances, it will open the door for the Holy Spirit to quicken people's hearts to the Gospel. If the only time you can praise Jesus is when everything is going right in your life, you put yourself in the same category with people who believe God doesn't exist then gets blamed for things when they go wrong!

We must return to a culture of walking out or applying the Word of God. I know some have gone in a ditch on each side of this street. But applying the Word of God to every situation, not the words of our favorite TV talk show host or hostess is the constitution the Father has called us to live by!

What has made islam so unique in so many people's minds is the fact these people are willing to die to preserve their culture. That extremism is considered cultic. Then when you find someone radically sold out to Jesus people consider them cultic. Those Children of God who have walked through an extreme season and Jesus has been the one to bring you through, you are not only willing to live for Him; you are willing to die for Him! Serving Jesus is no longer a cult; He is the only way to live by!

There is an extreme persecution coming in America. It has been creeping upon us in small increments for many years. As this persecution unfolds you will see many more who we thought really had the goods abandon faith in Jesus.

But the good news is we are also now entering a season in which Gods hand of extreme blessing, provision and care is going to be recognized on those who have paid the price of the extreme season.

…but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32b