Lay Claim

My husband dreamt of a mountain. As he climbed, two hindrances blocked his path, preventing him from reaching the top.

The first time we interpreted the dream, we immediately focused our attention on the two hindrances. These evil forces - what were they called? What did they represent?

We again asked the Holy Spirit for revelation. 

"You're focused on reaching the top of the mountain. Lay claim to the mountain from right where you are." 

We have been challenged to declare our ownership of the mountain. This declaration activates God to act swiftly on our behalf to remove any obstacles.

Maybe you're focused on that supervisor who appears to be a detractor from you excelling in your field. Maybe it's an entire system - political party, national legacy - that appears to limit your ability to impact lives. Maybe the physician's report is deterring you from believing you have the time necessary to do the thing God has placed on your heart. 

God says, "Lay claim." 

Lay claim to your health. Lay claim to your purpose. Lay claim to your position. Declare that mountain yours and watch him do a new, miraculous thing on your behalf.

Promise of Restoration

Jeremiah 33:14 - Behold, the days are coming', says the Lord, 'when I will fulfill the good word and promise which I have made regarding the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

I cling to Jeremiah 33 as a guiding chapter reminding me of God's goodness. In it, we're told that the mark of God's restoration includes health, healing, peace, security, evangelism, prosperity, joy, and gladness. In 2024, God is raising vocations centered on these elements.

• Health (v. 6) - Individuals working in health and wellness will receive greater measures of authority as they activate their belief systems; they will speak and see change, they will act and observe the miraculous.
• Healing (v. 6) - People will seek out personal deliverance and deliverance ministry training in greater measure. Deliverance ministers will have to prioritize caring for their physical and mental wellness, and their families' protection.
• Peace and Security (v. 6) - As crime rates continue to decline, there will be a renewed definition of how we describe personal and community safety - to not only include prevention of bad activity but the promotion of continual wellness. People will move to cities that have transformed from crime-ridden to harbingers of peace. Diplomats focused on international security will receive new ideas to move us closer to the ideal of "world peace".
• Evangelism (v. 10) - The knowledge and experience of God is moving quickly. Those who identify as evangelists will RUN in this season. Many "junior" leaders have been sitting on the sidelines, holding a vision in their hearts of lives saved. Those visions are coming to fruition. You will have unexpected encounters with people - at the grocery store - and just from your simple conversation centering Jesus, their generations will be transformed.
• Prosperity (v. 10) - We will see more research and news media highlighting the importance of nurturing your soul with goodness. Creatives must cling to telling GOOD news stories in this time.
• Joy and Gladness (v. 11) - Comedians have a unique authority. Their gifting will promote health, healing, peace, evangelism, and the prospering of souls. You'll find that social gatherings - including church services - will be filled with rousing laughter; it will be a catalyst for further restoration.

Over the next several years, we will experience growth in the number of people attracted to these vocations, and in the amount of exposure and recognition these roles receive in the world.

If you identify with any of the descriptions above, take a moment to receive God as Yahweh. Yahweh is a fulfiller of the promises to his people. Ask Yahweh to help you see and remember the instances when He fulfilled promises to you and your family. Ask Yahweh to help you press in to hear his promises for your life and endow you with the courage to move in those directions.