If that's you, we believe this latest word from Sara Whitten will be a great encouragement to you.
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Why Aren't We Going Yet?
Whenever my husband and I are going somewhere with our three kids, their question is always, "Why aren't we going yet?" Delivered in the midst of packing, preparing, and doing all the things needed to leave, this question has almost always been frustrating...until the Lord reminded me of how it is actually a perfect picture of how He works with us. For those who have received a word, and know the Lord has spoken that promise, but are asking, "Why aren't we going yet?" this is a word for you.
The truth is (from a parental perspective), "going" requires a lot more than hopping in the car. We need to make sure we have gas in the car, that we've packed everything we need, that we've verified where we're going is open, that everyone has eaten...the list goes on. This is all a part of "going."
The things I ask my children in these times of preparation (like, "Can you please fill up a few water bottles and put them in the car?") seem like extra miscellaneous tasks, but they're actually preparation. It's not that we're not going. It's just that the beginning phases may not initially look like a moment of departure.
The Three Thresholds
God put the word "threshold" on my heart as a word for this season. As I pressed into it, I discovered that "threshold" has several interesting meanings. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, these are a few of the definitions for threshold:
1. "Either end of an airport runway."
2. "The point that must be exceeded to begin producing a given effect or result or to elicit a response."
3. "A piece of wood or stone placed beneath a door; a doorsill." (Photo via Unsplash)
I believe each one of these definitions represents three different "thresholds" that are being experienced by different parts of the Body. Perhaps one of these is a confirmation for your season.
1. The Threshold of Taking Off and of Landing
Looking at that first definition, God whispered, "Threshing times are both times of things taking off as well as things landing." Up until this point, I had only ever thought of thresholds as beginnings – and they are – but there are also things from old seasons that are "coming in for a landing." For some, this season is about bringing things in for a landing and preparing for new things to take off. As with flying a plane, the landing is just as important – if not more so – as the takeoff. It's not a time to be careless or give up, but to "finish well."
2. The Threshold of Going "Beyond a Certain Point"
Crossing the threshold also means a time of going "beyond a certain point" (as the second definition suggests). For some, God has been calling you to draw a line in the sand, to cross over, or to go "all in." Once you fully step into that place of obedience, there is going to be a palpable effect or response in your life. All that has been coming together will begin to be felt and seen as we continue to go deeper and deeper in faith.
3. The Threshold of the Cornerstone
The last definition – "a piece of wood or stone placed beneath a door" – not only denotes a place of entrance into something new, but also emphasizes what that entrance is built on. It reminds me of cornerstones, which aren't often used in the same way today that they were in the ancient world. In biblical times, a cornerstone had to be completely square and positioned perfectly, because everything built after it would either lean or be unstable if it wasn't. For some, it's felt like the Lord has been laying down one tiny stone for a really long period of time. You're wondering, "When are we moving on to more?"
The reason so much has gone into this season, with little visible results, is because this is a cornerstone season. Laying this precious cornerstone is like crossing a threshold. This time of training and preparation must be done right so that you can support all that the Lord is wanting to rapidly build in your life after this point. Don't despise small beginnings. God is doing it, but He wants to do it right. (Photo via Unsplash)
The Threshing
God pointed out that there's a "thresh" in threshold. Threshing is not a fun season for any of us. It's a season of letting go, simplification, and pruning. If you're feeling pressed or beaten down in this season, don't be discouraged. Threshing is brief, and it never happens unless there is something to be harvested. There is something good – ripe for use in your life – that is just on the other side of threshing.
In the "threshold season," which at times can feel exciting, overwhelming, distracting, confusing, or even like immense pressure, keep this encounter close to your heart: Ask the Lord, "Show me the divine appointments in what looks like distraction." Let God, as a loving Father, point out the preparation we cannot see that shows us we are actually going where He said. This heavenly perspective can turn times of waiting into times of training.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
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Sara Whitten
Arrows of Zion
Email: sara@arrowsofzion.com
Website: www.arrowsofzion.com
Sara Whitten is an author, speaker, equipper, and founder of Arrows of Zion Ministry. She and her husband are pastors for the youth at Impact Christian Fellowship in Kerrville, Texas. Sara is a prophetic writer that has been featured on The Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, Charisma and more. She hosts "Hear God Everyday" on Charisma Podcast Network, a podcast with tools to help amplify the voice of God amidst the noise of everyday life. Sara also co-founded One Spark International, an organization that sponsors Bible-based training and education in unreached and restricted nations in order to see the gospel reach all people groups. She is also an active part of groups that train and invest in professionals wanting to use their business and marketplace skills to transform unreached nations for the Kingdom.
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Many of us find ourselves in "threshold seasons"...not quite at the finish line of our last season, but reaching that threshold of the finish line.
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