I am the the director of the women’s ministry at my church. Last night at our first meeting, in the sanctuary, the Lord spoke to me. I heard, “Take possession.” I felt it was spoken as a command, not having a sense that it was negotiable, but an act of obedience. It was not time to pray into the words for more clarity. It was simply to obey. I took possession of the space in Jesus name.
I have given much thought to this word in the last 19 hours. At the time I heard it I did share with another woman, who was first to arrive, and she was cautious about going forward. She had a question, followed by a statement. Who am I taking possession away from? Secondly, I would like time to pray to consider what I hear from Holy Spirit first.
I get it! I respect this woman, and her position. She is a woman of God who walks humbly in many spiritual gifts. But, at the same time I knew what Holy Spirit said to me. It was my responsibility to obey the word that I heard. My agreement was with Holy Spirit. Here is the truth. Even when we stand alone, we must be obedient. Afterward, the Holy Spirit gave me further understanding. He said, you had the legal right to do what I commanded. I agreed, and I had peace.
OBEDIENCE BUILDS RELATIONSHIP
The Lord did with Joshua as He did with Moses. He build a relationship upon obedience. When Moses was dead Joshua took command. The LORD spoke to him personally concerning what that would look like. Joshua had a choice to listen and obey God, or not. Joshua chose to obey God. ,
Joshua 1:2-3 “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise (to take his place), cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot threads, just as i promised to Moses.
Joshua 1:6-7 Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do (everything) in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:10-11 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, “Go throughout the camp and command the people, saying, “Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to cross this (river) Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess (as an inheritance).”