Often, in our walk with God, there are times when we seek His face regarding the situations confronting us without being in a position to hear from Him or prepared to receive from Him. We are either not in the right place [spiritually, mentally, physically] for what we are asking for or our entire being [mind or heart] is not ready to receive the rain of His Spirit. After prophet Habakkuk complained to God, he took a stand in a position where he could hear from God.
There is a place, position or state in which you can hear the voice of the Lord. In Scripture, we come across accounts of individuals pursuing God in a special place, often an elevated place - a tower, a mountaintop - to receive revelation from God. Jesus was often mentioned in the Gospel accounts coming from the mountain after spending time with His Father. In Exodus 34:28, we read that Moses went up on the mountain. 'He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.' He was not just fasting, He was ready to capture all God was saying in writing. Prophet Elijah also had encounters on the mountain that we can learn from.
“Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13, NKJV Often, when we pitch our tents on some higher ground, above the usual routines of life, to hear from God, we tend to expect and look out for spectacular moves. Great and strong winds, breaking rocks, earthquakes, fire and manifestations like these. For Elijah, these were signs He was accustomed to in previous encounters. In times past, God had revealed Himself to His people in similar fashion. He himself had prayed for and witnessed fire fall from heaven. He had seen clouds and thunders bringing in rain at his request in prayer. Yet, in this mountaintop experience, God was not in any of the splendid happenings around Him. God spoke from a still small voice.
In this season, you are likely having a specific expectation from God - a child, a job, marriage, financial breakthrough, direction on your next step. Perhaps, you are anticipating that God would respond in a particular manner. You have heard other people's encounters and expect Him to speak in a similar fashion or use the channel He once used to reveal Himself or answer your prayer. But the things and methods we fixate on when we approach God may become a stumbling block. God may have something different for you in this season and He probably will use a unique but 'ordinary' means to reveal His will to you. It is therefore important that you make room for His surprises.
It was an ordinary day of shepherding when Moses came across the burning bush that was not being consumed. He had not set out for an encounter but when He observed this unusual occurrence, he immediately stopped to get closer and see it. For Habakkuk, he stood upon his watch. We have to be vigilant on the tower so we are not caught by surprise or miss God's workings in this period. For some, God will speak to you in the early phases of this journey, for others that it may be towards the end. Whenever it is, just ensure you are on the watch tower firmly taking your stand.
In Biblical times, the watchtower was a place designated for soldiers to keep watch day and night. These watchmen were responsible for the safety of all within the city. Because of their elevated position, they would be the first to see messengers, merchants or enemies approaching the city. When on watch, they could not distract themselves with the affairs on the ground. Any distraction could be detrimental to the safety of the land. At this tower, free from the noise of issues in the city, they could clearly see and hear.
In Habakkuk's position on the tower, he was alone with God, away from the distractions of His surroundings, so that he could hear the answer God was bringing to his issues. This can be challenging in our times but having a posture ready to receive from God is crucial. Many of us are too quick to step out without spending time with the Lord. We should not neglect our daily quiet times with the Lord. This bulletin is only intended as a guide, not a substitute for the Bible. It's in our time with the Lord, that we, like Habakkuk, will get God's perspective in spite of the chaos and issues around us.
As we take our stand on this 40-day journey, you will receive an answer of peace from God. The schemes of the enemy will be exposed. God will speak a timely message to you, one that you must write and steward for the next generation to run with. Some of us will be commissioned for unique assignments. Others, like Apostle John, will be invited into a higher realm of revelation: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” Rev. 4:1b, NKJV. Just stay open and Take a physical and inner posture where you will be sensitive to see and hear what God will do and say.