Is it dead yet?
Have you laid it to rest ??
The dream, idea, word of the Lord, purpose, things you really want. WHAT !!!! Yes it’s a powerful practice in TRUST by letting it die.
John 12:24 NKJV
[24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
It’s the death and resurrection process. It’s often the test. Will you trust the Father to bring forth your purpose in His time if you let it die??? Or will you try to do it in your own strength.
Unless it dies, you’ll have little fruit. Ishmael was birthed by Abraham who had the promise of a son even though his wife was barren. Ishmael was the result of brining a dream to pass in Abraham’s own understanding by using his wife’s servant. Yes Ishmael is a son, however he was not birthed by Sarah, the Lords promise.
I’m not saying we have to wait as long as Abraham. In our eagerness to follow Jesus, and obey, we work to bring the dream to pass, without the dying first. Abraham, after receiving his promised son Isaac still had to kill him on the alter.
Laying it down tells Father I trust you with my dream. You will resurrect in Your perfect timing. 1 Corinthians 15:36 NKJV
[36] Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
I’ve seen the faithfulness of God practiced personally, as I have handed over every Word, dream, idea, plans, thoughts, desires etc. (it’s been 25 years testing a proving this principle)
Dan would often say to me, “have you laid it down?? When it comes back up in your spirit over and over, then run with it. “
It’s been a safety, trust practice for me. I don’t want to birth Ishmael, then find I am burdened down, distracted, and worn out, over committed, wondering did I really hear from God?!
I first noticed the add to prison work in a local paper. The words jumped out at me off the pages I couldn’t ignore it. I had been praying the Lord open opportunity for employment other than cleaning, which Dan and I did when we first moved to Melbourne. It was a great Job, looking after display homes. I wanted something more challenging while we were establishing our family and ministry. I gave Dan the news clipping and asked his thoughts ?? He said a big fat NO. I layed it down. Paid no more attention to it.
The Father knows how to get your attention. When it’s time to run, you won’t miss a beat.
A few weeks later an advert ran on the local tv Chanel one evening. It jumped out at me again. I laid it down. In other words, I pray and say Father you are able to bring this to pass, through every check. Firstly Dan has to approve, which is easy if it’s from the Lord. Trusting the Lord to work it out. Secondly it’s only jumped out at me twice. I like to practice the spiritual principle of laying it down with Matthew 18:16 NKJV
[16] But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'
Matthew 18:20 NKJV
[20] For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
A couple of months later, I was paying my rates down at the council office. As I walked through the doors to my left was a shelf with information pamphlets. One pamphlet was lit up I had to pay attention and brought it home to show Dan. This was the third witness in my spirit over a couple of months. I felt to apply. We both agreed if it wasn’t God I would not be successful in my application. Through every several steps of this application I laid it down. 8 months later I had started my employment with the department of Justice. Ten years later the season ended.
The dying process still has its issues, but a whole lot less issues than if you birthed an Ishmael. We are called to walk by faith, which takes tremendous courage and trust. Laying it down keeps the faith walk in a place of safety.
Luke 9:24 NKJV
[24] For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
If you’ve never heard of this kingdom principle, please pray and ask Holy Spirit for revelation. It will save you many delayed years going around mountain after mountain. Time is too short to waste another day. Jesus is returning sooner than we think. I want Him to find me busy about His Kingdom don’t you??
Matthew 24:45-51 NKJV
[45] "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. [47] Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. [48] But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, [51] and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.