On March 2sd, Sheldon David had a Friday evening meeting at his house. It was a time he felt God wanted others to get together for worship and be in God's presence. It started at 6:30 and there was worship music to sing along with if you wanted. This continued for about an hour. Then we prayed and talked about what was on our hearts. It was about 8:30 and David said, most people would be ready to go home now, but that would only be about 30 fold of what God had intended. So he asked if we wanted more, and we all did. So he put on more praise and worship music and things really began to change.
The room got hot with the presence of God, plus there were a few lit candles to set the mood. Those who had been raising their hands earlier were now dancing—some by themselves, others in groups and a few as married couples. It was awesome, and I even danced with my wife. People were laughing and praising God, some were laying flat on the floor and others were just holding each other. It was beautiful. I had not seen anything like this for almost 20 years; back when David first had meetings. This was a picture of true ecclesia, the church-life that meets in homes. Then we all sat down and God started to share His heart through David.
After David had prophesied to the others, he turned to me. I was not sure what God would have to say, because He had already said so many things over the years. But this past year has been most challenging for me and I was a little bit nerves to say the least. But God did have some things to say and I'll share them as best as I can remember. The Lord said, "I'm examining you, Israel. Like a doctor to a patient—I'm examining you. I can see some things that need fixing and you know they need fixing, and I will fix them."
This was no surprise to me. Then the Lord continued to say, "I already said you'll have a visitation and revelations of the Father, as you move forward one foot at a time. You're an incredible man of faith and your reward will be great... I have not forgotten my promises to all your grandchildren, especially Joshua. However, I need to fix you and I'll do it on the road." Sounds good to me, but then God said, "Stop sucking your thumb and whining that life is hard... I'm expecting a lot of faith from you and it will be rewarded. People will be freed through you and you also will be free. You spent years in identity crisis, now you'll find out who you are in Christ out there. Sheldon and Roberta know this is true, and you'll find it as you go forward. Where there are hardships know that I'm fixing these areas. I've given you so much and you must believe I will meet you in your faith, even in the difficult times." I knew this was true also, but that one phrase, "quit sucking your thumb," was a shocker.
The more I thought about that the more upset I got. This was a subtle rebuke, but a rebuke just the same, and I was not a happy camper. This only goes to show there are definitely some areas in my heart that need to be fixed. Yet, everyone there was a son or daughter of God and He said encouraging things to them. Plus, He revealed some of their future and exposed areas that also needed His help. There were things we all needed to do or not do, but mainly cast off all our fears.
We're a part of the same family, and the heavenly Father was there that night to help us, even discipline, if necessary. Yet in front of all these people, God told me to quit sucking my thumb. I'm almost 65 years old and I don't suck my thumb. So what was God really saying? I know the Lord wasn't trying to be mean. Then God spoke to David about his life and then some others prayed and thanked God for David's life and love for God and the Church. It was 10:45 and an awesome night. As we were getting ready to leave, some said they would like to do this again and others agreed, including me.
After we got home, my wife and I talked until almost 1:30am about the things God said to everyone. (She had taken some notes.) And then we went to bed. I was very tired, but satan wanted to create an offense between God and me, over this statement of "thumb sucking." Finally, I reminded myself that God loves me, and I commanded satan to back off. Then I thought more about the comparison God was making.
Why does a child suck their thumb? There are a number of reasons; insecurity, fears, and some suck their thumbs because it's comforting and calming. For a baby this is normal, but when they get older the practice can become a habit. Some children return to their thumb when tired, scared, bored, sick, or trying to adjust to new challenges or lull themselves back to sleep. This is fine for a young child. However, it's not normal for an adult. But sometimes we can be doing this figuratively, because we're not really trusting God in some area.
What I believe God was telling me is don't be afraid and quit complaining. He has given me everything I need and I don't need to worry about the circumstances now or even later, and I certainly don't need to get sympathy from others. For example, the other day I saw a picture of a beautiful house and it cause me to reflect on what I was leaving and other carnal things. That's was so foolish considering I'm heading for the greatest adventure of my live in a few months, and this is no time to feel sorry for myself. Satan's would want me to focus on comfort, the past or what I might miss. But the Lord say, "Do you believe that the plans I have for you are for your good and success." My answer is "yes Lord, I do believe."
So from now on, I'll try harder not to suck my thumb. Sure I will be living it a van for a while, but it certainly beats riding a donkey and living on the street—that's for sure. God said, "You are blessed." And that's good enough for me.
Note: Often when God reveals something to me, I share it, because I don't believe I'm just the only one who may feel this way at times. We are sons and daughters of God and He has great things in store for all of us. You can count on that, so why should we feel sorry for ourselves. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm not going to let a little pride get in the way of this awesome journey.
9 years ago
