"Do not earnestly remember the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it, and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18,19)

I am reminded of the story of how elephants are trained. When they are young, a rope around their neck is tied to a post while their feet are chained to posts in the ground so that, when they are older they will not leave the post, even though the chains are removed . As an intercessor, I have walked among spiritual ruins, seen my own desperate wretchedness and that of the Body of Christ as have multitudes who have humbled themselves and prayed these last years. But recently, God has impressed on me that HE is doing a new thing in the earth today. If I continue to focus on the ruins, even though revealed by God, there is a danger of not perceiving that the mercy of God triumphs over judgment. To remain standing and weeping when the cloud has begun to move and not even realize that spiritual chains have been snapped and a way out is being made by God would be folly. In verse 19, quoted above, God asks the question, "Do you not perceive, and will you not give heed to what I am doing?"

In my last letter I described the condition of the Body of Christ as God has revealed it these last years. When looking only at that my heart begins to faint. The situation is certainly overwhelming. I am convinced that revival is not going to come because the Body of Christ gets their act together but because of God's mercy and faithfulness. And I believe that though we do not deserve it, He has heard from heaven and a process of restoration has already started.

Recently, when I was mentally pacing again through the ruins, God told me that it was time to forget the past and see with eyes like Anna and Simeon when they saw the baby Jesus. Others saw just an ordinary baby, BUT THEY SAW THE MESSIAH WITH EYES OF FAITH. And so I am greatly encouraged that something has been birthed of the Spirit and as we look to Jesus instead of the trouble around us He will let us see it. And as we perceive it and give heed to it we will be watered and enabled to water others as we travel on the road He has prepared into His fullness of purpose for our day.

I don't want to be like the elephant who didn't know the chain was gone. Do you? I truly believe we can now put behind us all the mistakes and sins of the past for God has promised to blot them out. Let us magnify the greatness of the One who has redeemed us for God says in Isaiah 57:18 and 19, "I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and comfort them helping them to mourn and confess their sins. Peace, peace to them both near and far, for I will heal them all."

And how is it that God can do such a great thing? Because Jesus is forever reminding Him of His wounds and the Blood shed to purchase our pardon and that Blood never loses its power. And so because of His great mercy we may now begin to move forward and possess the land. There will be battles but God is with us. Let us just praise Him as He continues to do this great work in and through us. What great news it is to proclaim in the midst of all the darkness and trouble of our day that our God reigns. And we believe God is saying "...with this news
bring cheer to all discouraged ones. Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, 'Be strong, fear not for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you and when He comes He will open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf. The lame man will leap up like a deer and those who could not speak will shout and sing! Springs will burst forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.'" (Isaiah 35:3 6)

And so we pray for you that God will give you eyes like Anna and Simeon to see the great new things He is doing. And that you along with us will give heed and let God arise in your heart and expel all the darkness. May we rejoice together as we see Jesus high and lifted up and may we no longer be looking at one another and all the troubles of our past but be looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith. We appreciate you so much and pray for you that the Holy Spirit will minister to your heart the encouragement that He has shared with us. And we pray also that He will bless you with every good blessing and make known to you the greatness of His love. We love you dearly.