The sun shone brilliantly, warming my shoulders as I stood at the base of the mountain. Excitement had me jumping on the balls of my feet. I had trained for this, I was ready. I quickly checked my equipment and stepped forward. The rock was as cold as steel against my gloved hand. One foot, one hand, Push! I was climbing. 3,000 feet to the summit, I can make it. One hand, one foot at a time.
The wind blew more forcibly the higher I climbed. It threatened to sweep me right off the mountain side. My arms and legs were shaking from the extreme exertion. Sweat streamed down my face. One slip, one misplaced hand, it will all be over. One hand, one foot at a time, I kept climbing.
In one blink it seemed, my crystal blue sky turned dark. Thunder rumbled and the worst thing imaginable materialized; lightning. Driving rain lashed my hands and feet; the rock face became slick. I couldn't go up, I couldn't go down. I was stuck. Fear as I had never known consumed me. "Lord Jesus help me! I can't go on, it's too hard. I'm going to fall."... As I cling to the rock for dear life, I hear Abba Father say:
"I Am here. This storm will soon be over. You are called to this mountain, I will not allow you to fall. I know each crevice, exactly where you should put your hands and feet. I will guide you. Do not be distracted by the wind and the rain, they are only temporary hindrances. Listen closely to my voice: I did not say this mountain would be easy. I have called you to greater than that. I am stretching you. I am growing you. I know the plans I have for you, good plans I will see to the very end. I am sending you a fresh wave of strength, My strength. Though it seems impossible I make all things possible for them that believe. Now CLIMB! One hand, one foot, I have ordained you to make it. You will succeed. There were many who fed you discouragement, many who said you could not do it. Many who said this mountain was not for you. Cast those thoughts from your mind. I tell you, you can! You can because you go in MY name. I have anointed and appointed you! Climb, climb higher the summit is just in sight!"
The banner above the door read, "COMING SOON." Butcher paper covered all the windows, and sounds of saws and hammers could be heard from the sidewalk. It was safe to say, curiosity about the new store was high and speculation over what it could be ran even higher. Our little town needed some new life; too many stores had closed their doors. Days turned into weeks as we anxiously awaited to know what this store would be. Finally! A "GRAND OPENING" banner adorned the newly painted store front.
The window displays stopped us in our tracks. Beautiful clothes sparkled on the manikins, with shoes and bags to match. Antique tables held everything from silver tea sets to electric trains circling tiny villages. Everyone in the crowed spotted something different each item more beautiful than the last.
We all rushed inside...
Nail filled boards were scattered all over the floor. Light bulbs hung naked from their outlets. Dirty rags were piled in corners and sawdust covered everything. Trash cans were overturned, their contents spilled out into heaps. The smell... rotten, hideous, filthy.
Our excitement turned to stunned silence as we stared around the room. Disappointment settled like a blanket. With bowed heads and broken hearts we exited the building; leaving part of our hope behind...
I hear the Father say:
"Open your ears to hear! Today false teachers and preachers are offering pretty packages labeled with ornate tags and titles. This is not a new thing. They claim they are sent from Me, they are not! They claim to have a secret I have only told to them; THEY LIE! They mock me with their fancy suits and dresses; the blind are leading the blind straight into the ditch. They are concerned with what can be done for them, and not what I wish to do for My children. They are filled with pride and their hearts are far from Me. Some of you have already fallen prey to them. It is hard now for you to trust, to believe, to continue on. Listen Children! Do not be dismayed. Do not lose hope. Trust Me, rely on Me. As I say in My Word, I will meat out perfect justice. I am raising up and sending out true ministers of My gospel. Ministers who share My heart; who do not wish for any to be lost. You will know them. I will make them plain to see. When you hear them you will KNOW they have been sent from Me. In these last hours My Spirit will be poured out on ALL flesh. Time as you know it is quickly drawing to a close. I am creating kingdom connections even now. I will not leave you without counsel. I will not leave you without an under shepherd. Try the spirits, seek My sight, seek My hearing. Listen to My voice, absorb My Word; dine on it; it will be sweet like honey and will spring up into wells of Living Water within your souls. Guard your hearts, ears, and minds My children. Do not be deceived any longer by false words and empty promises. I alone am your source."
