JOSHUA TIME 323

February 3, 2006
"GOD SAYS, 'NO, YOU HAVE NOT FAILED'"--Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life Ministrieshttp://www.celebratinghislife.org/ a.thomas@myactv.net
THE VERY THING YOU THOUGHT WAS A DEFEAT, GOD SAYS WAS A VICTORY…
I strongly sense many people are feeling like they failed God and are being pushed around by Satan's lies concerning (supposed) barren years and lost opportunities. Others feel time has slipped through their fingers, having missed the "moment." Yes, sometimes we do fail, but more than often, the enemy convinces us we have blown it when we have not. We know from our experiences in school, that many teachers grade their tests differently. The ones we think, "I'm sure I failed that one", we get it back: "PASSED"! When we think about the Master Teacher, he grades his tests gently, I believe. There's more room for error, so to speak. The grading system is different than our human thinking and from His perspective, not ours. You may think you've failed some, but when you stand before Jesus, He will notify you: "PASSED!"
God spoke this to me: "YOU ARE NOT 'DEFEATED'– SATAN IS, 'YOU HAVE NOT FAILED'–SATAN HAS….""Satan has succeeded in making many of My children feel like failures. In their weakest moments they agreed with him. Here is the real truth, you passed the test (Matthew 25:21). Where the enemy had you thinking you were like Demas 'having loved this present world' (2 Timothy 4:10) I declare to you, this light affliction (which the enemy meant for evil) will allow you to recapture that resolve and determination that you thought was lost years ago…all is well, my child. Let your heart leap with hope. Hear all of heaven's voice say to you, the sun is rising."
"WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS A FOXHOLE IS ACTUALLY AN EAGLES NEST" "No, you weren't hiding in fear. You were simply waiting on Me (Psalm 62:5). You're smarter than you thought. You felt like you were being pursued by a monster, instead I was chasing you down for a blessing (Psalm 23:6). Now it's all starting to fall into place. Those hellish, negative discouraging thoughts tormenting you, I am now transforming into compliments! You are now ready to comfort others in a similar state" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
"INSTEAD OF A PAST LITTERED WITH FAILURE – I PUT REWARDS IN YOUR ACCOUNT…." "Instead of feeling little and insignificant, see the truth from My perspective: Great advance for the Kingdom of God has been made. No longer should you berate yourself (that was the enemy) but instead start to hear the applause of heaven. Because of this, I want you to give thanks to Me and all I have done for you (Colossians 3:15). The enemy fooled you–but now I am revealing Him for what he really is: A lying, sneaky, deceptive foe who is defeated and powerless because of what My son did at the cross (Hebrews 2:14). I am awakening joy within you. Smile."
"MANY OF YOU THINK YOU BLEW IT BY WASTING ALL THOSE YEARS (AND EXPECTED ME TO CHASTISE YOU), INSTEAD I SAY 'WELL DONE MY CHILD, YOU WAITED ON ME IN SPITE OF THE VICIOUS ACCUSATIONS BY THE ENEMY…YOU HAVE DONE WELL'"
"What you thought were barren years was instead preparation for great accomplishments. Like a glorious light coming toward you, suddenly My marvelous plans will start to become clear. You didn't blow it…the enemy did. I was holding your hand the whole time (Hebrews 13:5). Yesterday you randomly picked up the Bible and it always seemed to fall on verses speaking of punishment and condemnation…now you will purposely turn to scripture confirming that you are loved (Deuteronomy 33:27) and accepted with open arms. You're not too late, but right on time (Phil. 1:6)."
"PREVIOUSLY CONVINCED YOU HAD FAILED, NOW HEAVEN WILL OPEN UP BEFORE YOU"
"You will soon sense a glorious future before you. I will open doors of blessing and opportunity. Discouragement will burn away like dew when the sun comes up. Where there was confusion and bewilderment, there will be clear sailing and calm seas (Mark 4:39). You will think it's a dream... but it's real. Satan will feel humiliated and shirk back knowing he can do nothing to stop the avalanche of My goodness coming your way (Psalm 31:19). An embarrassed devil (instead of just backing off) will flee from you fearful he will get overrun (Luke 10:19). The truth of who you are will sink in…a child of Mine (Psalm 5:2; 84: 1-5). You'll not only feel relieved but once again happy and strong. You will feel like flying (and your spirit will). You will arise and be strong, picking up (and dusting off) your weapons (Ephesians 6:10-17). You will know that I, your Lord, has not only restored your dignity, but given you the city. You can go forth now, never looking back (Luke 9:62) only upward.
Your vision will be clear, your steps firm and your soul will be on fire. That verse that previously seemed so hollow and distant will reverberate through your spirit: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). It will seem like your faith has faith.
Child of Mine, you're back…and you're not alone." (Mark 16:20).