Notes from this week's podcast: "See, I'm doing a new thing!" -- Jo & special guest Tracey Wilson

Jo: In preparation for the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast, God really revealed some things to you. God found you where you were listening to His voice, and He showed you what He was doing, and I want you to share that. 

Tracey: You have said, "Pay attention to what is going on in the physical because it can often by a sign of what's going on in the spiritual." That is exactly where the Lord found me. And He showed me that this rain -- it was a picture of cleansing, preparation, prayers being heard. For years, as the Watchmen have gathered and prayed across Alabama for an awakening in the state, in the capital for repentance, righteousness, restoring of a godly foundation in our homes because that's where it's got to start, in our schools, churches, communities. I watched and realized that those waters rushing through the streets were more. The Lord whispered, "See, I'm doing a new thing," which instantly took me to the Scripture -- Isaiah 43:18-19. That question hit me like a ton of bricks: Do you not perceive it?

As those flood waters from that rain came down the street in front of the Capitol, the Lord almost audibly said: See My righteousness? (This thing you are praying for as the body of believers?) 

That morning when God said, "Behold, I'm doing a new thing," the testimonies at the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast were to "behold." He did not want us to miss. He wants us to stand strong, be encouraged. He hears our prayers. There is repentance. He is moving among the leaders who influence these changes. Understand that the work is not done. Be stronger because of what I'm (God is) showing you.

Since that day, I don't believe that God is simply doing something external. I believe that God is awakening His people. And I don't mean just His people who are faithfully getting up everyday who are good stewards of His Word. I'm talking about people who have been occasional Christians -- those people who long ago had a foundational encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe the Lord is waking up that spirit within them. That awakening is going to begin in their hearts. And it has to begin in their hearts before it can transform the culture. And that's what I believe the Lord is doing.

Jo: I want to break it down. This is a moment to tell what God has done, tell His story, give testimony. It's also a teachable moment.

It doesn't take a called out prophet standing on a mountaintop to hear from God and speak.

God showed up because you've been faithful. You love God. God knew that He could entrust this to you.

First, what God did for you, God's waiting for all of us to get in a position where He can speak to us and the whole body can be a part of moving the righteousness forward.

Tracey: Yes, and amen. I've been in fellowship with a body of believers who have prayed these Scriptures diligently.

Jo: You've been around other faithful servants who've humbled themselves before God and just prayed.

And that's what unity in the Spirit looks like. Because you were a committed servant, He didn't let you miss it. And, you proclaim it so that we don't miss it.

This is just another reminder how much God wants the entire body to work together. He doesn't just download it to one person, one ministry.

What preceded all of this was prayer -- that we have been praying for years.

* Don't give up. Watch what God does.*   

We believe God wants to use this city to change this state, which has the potential to change this nation (to be a forerunner). 

Another truth: What God wants to do in the natural, in the physical, is always preceded in the spiritual. God always works spiritually before we see it in the natural. So God had already been working. He is working His will through people who will humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. 

Just as Tracey laid out: prayer > repentance > saw God > God came > saw in the natural all these things that God is doing > that is the Word coming alive! 

Tracey: This is the anchor: prayer. As Jo teaches, prayer can't just be tacked on. Prayer is to be an anchor in your life. Being in community with prayer warriors -- that equips you to keep going. God has encouraged me with this group many times because that is what He does. 

While I wasn't expecting it or seeking it, this is something that was intended to be shared. 

What do we do with this now that God has given us this? What happens next? Believers get into the habit of prayer as it being a part of your life. 

Jo: And praying together with other believers. You knew what to do with what God showed you -- to build up the body, not just your words but through the Word.

I want to encourage people who say: I could never pray at that level. No, we all start somewhere and we keep growing in our faith. Get two other people and just start praying the Word. And as you pray the Word, God will show you, and He will use you. 

Now, we pray on point. He's bringing forth righteousness. He's calling His people to repent and come back to Him. 

Tracey: The increase in spiritual resistance should not create fear because there will be. It should deepen our prayer, humility, discernment, and perseverance because the enemy is always going to rise up against righteousness. We know that. And we are equipped on how to pray the Word. 

Jo: And we're not moved by what we see the enemy doing; we expect it. And we can recognize it from afar before he's on us. The enemy is relentless, but we are faithful. 

Tracey: The things that we can do -- how can I make some steps toward responding? We've talked about prayer. Holiness. We've got to bring holiness back into our personal lives. We've become so tolerant, and in our tolerance, we can miss God. The only way we can understand what is/isn't holy is through His Word because that's the standard. He will help you resist the things that keep you from being able to walk in your purpose. 

Jo: Don't miss God. All that matters at the end of this journey: Did I please the Father? He's looking for people who will sell out for Him, love Him, be in His Word, so He can speak to you through His Word. We all grow weary. 

Tracey: It takes courage. 

Jo: It takes humility. 

Tracey's prayer: Lord, thank You for showing me this new things that You're bringing forth. Guard it, establish it, and breathe it upon all of us by Your Spirit. 

Scripture for further study: Isaiah 43:18-19, Amos 5:24, Isaiah 55:10-11, Habakkuk 1-3

For more information: https://www.hisvessel.org/watchmen