There is such a distinct “happening” in the spiritual realm. I suspect it will become more so as the days continue. I continue to see this particular inroad of the enemy over the last few years. As I was praying this morning I heard the word “takeover..”
an act of assuming control of something, especially the buying out of one company by another
Over the years I have had areas where Christ whispered “protect MY vision.” It is a huge responsibility to lead a vision. Any company, whether ministry minded or even in the secular world, with a keen sense of direction will also attest to this. Many times vision becomes skewed or blurred as others come on board. This is usually not intentional or even abnormal. It just happens. However, we must look at scripture to see how God operates. God first calls/chooses a leader. Remember, “the word of the Lord came..” A leader with His vision already planted in him. He gives a man or woman a vision to implement. Not just any vision. Christ’s vision. To enter into a ministry, company, or business without the understanding and ability to come under the vision can be devastating to Christ’s vision, His heart, and His people. It may cripple or kill a vision…leading to even the death of a ministry.
Isn’t it true as we read the story of Nehemiah? He was given the vision to rebuild the broken walls. He then had to implement that vision. He had to know where the breaches were in the walls and how to delegate the people, a unified team, into the appropriate places. He also had to discern the enemy’s inward road to try to cease the work. Swords were in one hand while work was continued in the other. He was the overseer….trusted by God to implement a vision given from a burden of the Lord. It takes great courage to stand firm in vision. He could have easily given way to a secondary vision. Yet, He knew the task at hand very clearly. There were no others as Christ placed the burden within and upon Him initially. He was the one in anguish over the news as He served as Cupbearer to the King. It was Nehemiah Christ called to Jerusalem to view the devastation. It was Nehemiah who pondered in his heart without telling anyone the vision until he had a clear understanding of Christ’s heart in the matter. Nehemiah was the one weeping and fasting before the Lord in sorrow. He was overwhelmed with the heart of God Himself.
It truly is critical to consume and pour out the scripture that urges us to “submit one to another..as unto the Lord.” It’s disturbing to our hearts once we find ourselves in the midst of error. Suddenly we are in the middle of a Takeover… Many a vision has been held hostage by that which is good but not precisely God. It’s likened to Mary and Martha. The work Martha was so busy accomplishing was good work..yes. But not the best work. Likewise, when Mary of Bethany also entered a room and headed straight to Jesus, His very own disciples were angry because she wasted expensive oil that could have fed the poor. Their accusation wasn’t all together wrong..after all the perfume was possibly a year’s wages and feeding the poor is truly a wonderful and admirable thing…however, they may have known truth…but in that moment they completely missed the heart of Christ. Sadly, these were the very ones who walked with Him daily. This should cause us to pause….and understand we too are vulnerable to deception. None of us are above it. As we walk with Christ, Satan knows we will see certain deceptions. The coming days will have deception that is masked with goodness and even purpose that seems honorable. We must look at the life of Christ, how He handles people, comb His Word for application, and humbly see inside the hearts of others. If not very careful we can easily miss His heart as well while knowing every truth word for word.
A Takeover is not always easy to see or discern. This is where pride will have to die and we will have to heed every warning in our spirit even when it makes no sense to us. Usually there is a force that is one of constant opposition. It usually isn’t seen for some time. You will look back and recognize the checks in your spirit that you dismissed at the time. It is usually a very quiet and subtle deception that undermines behind the scenes. Jesus instructs us to walk in the light. In Him there is no darkness. There is also usually less heart focus on people and more on protocol and process. There seems to be a measure of grace missing when this occurs. There will be a pressing and unusual forceful entry of what seems a helpful alliance. Until one day the vision no longer even exists. Should Nehemiah have not been discerning…the vision God gave Him would have been derailed from an inward deception. (Remember Tobiah and Sanballat…in the book of Nehemiah) There is also usually a persistence…and coming again and again. Spirits opposing a Kingdom work will not easily leave a territory. You will have to fight to possess the land. This is clear in scripture.
Most will not even try to turn the ship around…by the time truth is revealed exhaustion has set in, wounding has occurred in hearts, and Satan has divided the team. For it will take great courage and strength in Jesus to face the battle and change course. One thing I recently read that has stayed with me so vividly is this quote: “many times we add to the initial vision God gave us. Yet, the anointing is on the original utterance.” I have found this to be so true in my own life as at times I find I have added to that which Christ spoke to me initially..and in many areas and in many other ministries I am now seeing many having to turn their ships around to the original vision before a subtle Takeover occurs and the authentic vision collapses.
But Praise God for those facing it head on. For many hearts and eternal implications are at stake. It’s not just about your destiny but the many others that Christ intended you to impact through His vision. So remember to be strong and courageous….and never refrain from turning the ship around.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish
I would also encourage you to re-read the entire book of Nehemiah:)
