THE RELAY

Dear Friends, 

Early last week, the Lord gave me what I believe is a corporate word for the Body of Christ to illustrate the times we are in and to encourage those who are waiting on the Lord for their next assignments.  
 
In prayer, I saw a vision of a relay race. 

The race had already started and some runners were running their circuit. However, those running were not the focus in this vision. Instead, Father focused my eyes on the runner next in line: the one waiting at the starting block. 

I admired the strength and poise of this waiting runner. Though I could not discern the runner's gender, their body was perfectly primed. Every muscle had been developed and every cell of their being was ready to run. They were positioned exactly where they needed to be, ready to receive the baton from the runner who would shortly approach them. 

I sensed instinctively the price that runner had paid to get to this point. As with any sport, their training had not been easy. 

My eyes then moved to the coach standing beside this waiting runner. 

The coach was leaning forward in an equally "ready" posture, with his left hand on his knee and his right hand holding a stopwatch. He leaned into the starting block area with anticipation, joy on his face, and I knew that the coach represented the Father Himself. 

The entire scene was full of energy, excitement, and movement. Speed, strength, and precision all mattered here. The runner was ready and waiting for the handoff.

At that moment, the Lord highlighted the one element most people overlook. 

He showed me that the most crucial element was something that would either advance or disqualify this runner: self-control. 

If the runner moved too soon, they would be immediately disqualified. If they failed to exercise self control and wait for the “kairos” moment of exchange, they would forfeit all their years of training.

As I meditated on the vision, I heard strong CAUTION in my spirit for those who are rightly positioned and ready for their next assignment in this season. Continue to WAIT upon the Lord right now. Let the Lord release you at the precise moment required for you to run!

At a time when current events and culture inside and outside the Kingdom “excite” action, it is critical to be self-controlled. To move or advance too soon is to be disqualified, forfeiting the very mission for which you have been trained!


OBEDIENCE RATHER THAN SACRIFICE

To highlight the importance of this vision, the Lord brought me to 1 Samuel 10-13. 

Many are familiar with the story of young Saul, whom Samuel anointed privately as king as Saul searched for his lost donkeys. 

There were strong confirmations of Saul's call to governmental leadership, including a changed heart  and a prophetic anointing (see 1 Samuel 10).

At the ensuing public anointing, Samuel had to call Saul out of hiding, so timid (and seemingly humble) was this leader! Yet only days later, Saul lost favor with God.

Why?

Samuel asked Saul to wait for him for just seven days after his crowning before offering a sacrifice at Gilgal. Yet the enemy brought pressure through the Philistine army.

1 Samuel 13:8-9 reports that “Saul…and all his troops were gripped with fear. He waited seven days for the appointed time that Samuel had set, but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal, and the troops were deserting him. So Saul… offered the burnt offering.” 

Saul later told Samuel that he was seeking the Lord’s favor! But he was hasty, disobeying the Lord’s command. He forfeited his extended right to rule, and the Lord chose a more loyal servant, David, to carry on the Kingdom legacy.   

Timing is as important as training.

Self-control is the final fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5, yet it is the first and most important fruit needed to keep in step with the Spirit. 

I believe the Lord is encouraging many in His Body today to exercise self control so that you do not forfeit your Kingdom destiny.

No matter what your call or how anointed you are, there is a “kairos” moment to run your course.

Like Samuel, God will come at the appointed time in this new season and will not delay.

TRUST and SELF CONTROL are your keys to overcoming. Moving with the Spirit requires that even those final few moments of waiting are ENTIRELY surrendered to Him. 

Curious, at the end of my vision I asked the Father: "How much time is left on that stopwatch?"

He replied: "Seconds, Deborah. Only seconds."  

I pray this vision will empower you to trust in God's timing and wait for the Holy Spirit to release you into the next leg of your race successfully, right from the start.

​Run well for your heavenly crown!  

Deborah