The Final Countdown
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24
The month of September has arrived which also means it’s a shift in the season. As we exit the summer months, and welcome the fall season, we are also entering the fourth quarter. This jubilee year has been a world wind. While this has been a very good year, the best is yet to come. The shifting of this season is not just a physical shift, it’s also a shift in the spiritual realm. Internally, the amount of spiritual warfare has been challenging this month. I’ve experienced some of the highest levels of pressure, stress, and exhaustion than I have in a very long time. In this season of my life, I’m still a powerful and mighty warrior for the kingdom. The atmosphere is shifting and the resistance that we are facing means our breakthrough and the rewards are on the horizon. Some of you are exiting the wilderness, some are coming out of hiding, some are transitioning to uncharted territories. Wherever you are in your life in this current season, hold tight to the promises of the lord. Especially when it seems far from your grasp, hard to see and envision, or things seem truly impossible. Matthew 19:26 reminds us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”. Not some things, but ALL things are possible with God. This has been a week where I’ve felt hopeless, which is a rare emotion for me. Yet, thanks to the Holy Spirit and one of my destiny partners, I am able to navigate pushing through the turbulence.
As the storms subside, and the tides begin to change, this last leg of the race can make or break not just the remainder of the year… It can alter the trajectory of our lives moving forward. In a relay race, the fastest runner is saved for the fourth leg of the race. So, the best is saved for last, or in biblical terms, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 This shift will be suddenly. The God of the universe and the creator of all things sees and hears everything. He is omni present and part of our walk with Christ isn’t just obedience. Its faith, its hope, its grace, its mercy, its peace, and its love. God has graced us with the ability to withstand massive impacts. Some of us are not experiencing warfare at the hands of the enemy. Some storms are tests or character-building strategies from God. Always know, that he is always with you. While this journey may have times where it feels lonely, we are never alone.
The anchor is the fourth runner of the race. This runner is typically the strongest and fastest runner on a relay team. This runner has the confidence and strength to gain the lead, and they are fast enough to maintain it if they are already in a position to win. This fourth quarter is the final countdown for this season of things the Lord has in store for us. How will you choose to finish out this year? What momentum is needed to not just finish strong, but to be victorious in the end? While we battle in the physical and spiritual realms, God has equipped us to push through and fight for the victory. You are a mighty warrior, the world needs you, your bloodline needs you, and the kingdom needs you. Put on your armor in the ninth hour (this is also a reference to Jesus’ last hour), and fight like your life depends on it… This last leg can make or break whether we win or lose this part of our journeys. I pray our final acts of this year, will be our best and strongest finish yet!
Always with love,
Love Esther