A Season Of "AND"

Amos 9:13 (MSG) says,  “Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills.

I wish I could tell you that God is about to do what the above Scripture describes, in the very near future, for every single person reading this. I see statements all the time like, “Today is your day for a breakthrough! Every enemy is falling in the next 24 hours!” Or here is a good one . . . “God is about to come through for you in a BIG way!”  As well meaning as these broad blanket statements are, they can bring hope...yeah, it can. But if your breakthrough doesn’t happen today, all of your enemies aren’t gone in 24 hours or you do not receive a big deliverance by this time tomorrow...it can also be very disappointing. Typically we don’t become disillusioned with the messenger. The disappointment is usually toward God and that is a big mistake.

So, if I may, I’d like to bring some balance to “the force”. We simply cannot guarantee that everyone is going to be radically blessed, totally delivered or free from every enemy in the next 24 hours. I get it. That would be nice. But it is inaccurate. Instead, I’m going to challenge you to read Amos 9:13 again and look for a spark. What do I mean? Does your spirit spark when you read it? Do you sense it is a “right now” word for you? Does it pop? I’ve learned that when something sparks, I need to follow the spark.

In Genesis 24 Abraham is very advanced in years and is extremely blessed in all things. He calls on his oldest servant to tie up a loose end--Abraham’s son, Isaac, needs a wife. A good wife. One from Abraham’s country of origin, not from a pagan nation.  Isaac was heir to all his father owned so there was a lot at stake.

Have you ever felt like a lot was at stake? Did you ever feel like “it is now or never”? Did you ever wonder when the things you have in your heart are going to come to pass...or IF they are ever going to come to pass?  Have you ever told God, “Things have to work out THIS TIME. I just don’t have it in me to keep trying.”

Then, all of a sudden. Just when you settle back a little and think things will never truly advance, something begins to shift. Like, really fast. Prophetically, I believe we get a glimpse into this kind of season in the life of Abraham’s servant when he was sent to find a wife for Isaac.

I’m sure the responsibility weighed heavily on him. He even wrestled a little with Abraham, “What if I can’t find a woman from your people who is willing to come with me?” Maybe you are sensing that same weight, the responsibility of what God has called you to, but it just doesn’t seem to have ever kicked into high gear--a little fruit here, a little success there, no serious acceleration though. Perhaps you have questions also. Will it ever happen like I’ve imagined? Will the promise ever burn as brightly as when I first received it?

In the case of Abraham’s servant, we see clues emerge as he enters the place to which he was sent. You see, where you do something is just as important as what you do.

First, the servant does what makes sense--instead of looking for that instant breakthrough. After a long trip he simply makes his camels kneel by a water well. Then he continues to do what makes sense--he prays. He asks God to give him success. Next, he believes. He puts his faith in God with a simple request--that the woman who offers him water, will also offer to water the camels. Let her be “the one”.  A woman with a good, giving heart. It was simple, yet profound. Before he was even finished praying, Rebekah appeared. Talk about acceleration.

The whole mission was risky. It had to be a particular place, a specific family, a woman with certain characteristics. But when it started unfolding, it went so quickly, there was no way to even try and apply the brakes. It had to be God.

Genesis 24 then sets out a long list of something we all long to hear: AND.

Verse 16--AND the girl was very beautiful, modest, unmarried

Verse 18--AND she offered to water the camels

Verse 22--AND the servant gave Rebekah gold earrings, bracelets and a nose ring, knowing she was truly the one

Verse 27--AND the servant’s head is spinning knowing God has been leading him all along

Verse 49 & 50--AND the servant reveals the plan to Rebekah’s family AND they agree it is of God

Verse 53--AND the servant presents Rebekah’s family with precious gifts, making it official

Verse 61--AND Rebekah leaves immediately with the servant to go to the house of Abraham

Verse 63--AND Isaac happens to be praying in a field

Verse 64--AND Rebekah sees Isaac for the first time

Verse 67--AND Isaac loves Rebekah AND takes her as his wife

Remember I said to follow the spark. As I read and reread this chapter, one word sparked at me again and again...AND. The Lord impressed me with these words, “The servant experienced a season of “AND”. Plusses, additions, multiplications--whatever you want to call it. The events just kept compounding rapidly.

This corresponds to a dream I had once that I was in a white race car. I was driving off road through a beautiful field of lavender. I approached a hill and sped up it very quickly, but once I crested the hill, instead of flying down the other side, I inched my way down by descending at an angle and reducing my speed.  I was afraid that if I went down as fast as I went up, I’d roll the car. It seemed too risky.

When I prayed about the dream here is the impression I received: There was no need to be cautious. It was a calculated risk. Calculated means to be contrived with plan and purpose. Bible-speak: God was in control and He had the wheel and the gas pedal. The truth is, we just aren’t used to spiritual things moving that fast. So the minute they do, we try to brake.

I believe this story about finding a wife for Isaac, and my dream, show us that when God is orchestrating our rapid movement, there is no need to put on the brakes, inch your way over the mountain, slow down or drag your feet. Just let the “AND’s” keep adding up.

To some of you, the power of God has almost been concealed. But I believe change is about to be revealed. Keep doing what makes sense--spiritual sense. And prepare yourself NOW for quick travel. But you won’t go far on a low tank of fuel. When it is your season of “AND”, you must be ready to go fast and you must be full.

Ephesians 5:15 AMPC

15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people)

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

19 Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,

20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.