A hinge needs a pin so that it can swing the door open as it was designed to do. But unless this hinge pin is set in place, then the entrance into the room will be blocked, for how can someone access what is behind this opening without first walking through the point of entry?
Consider then that the prophets foretold correctly when they proclaimed this was a hinge year, one that would usher in the next era of the Church. Yet to see the vision I have planned for her to fully materialize, the hinge plates must align with the pin (which is My Spirit), so that the door to the future swings wide open. But because My Spirit has been rejected by so many in the Church, I knew that when this hinge year came, some adjustments would need to be made to prepare My children for the coming changes; those shifts from within the form and function of their gatherings that would not work with the new I am ushering in.
Therefore, I have allowed a season of adversity and persecution to come upon the Church, for it is through these difficult days that My children will find a rekindling of the flame they carry inside. This re-ignition, however, can only come if and when those who are My own seek Me in earnest, and desire a more intimate relationship with their Father. Because I know My children well, there was no question that a season of adversity would spur many who call themselves “Christian” to long for the comfort only My presence can bring.
And so while some who are believers may think the adversity has passed, these would be mistaken, for the struggles the Church has already faced were only the early rumblings of the more intense persecution that lies in the coming days. Although some of these tremors roused the fire inside a few, when these found themselves back in the flow of their normal church structure, the flame of My Spirit within them began to die down yet again. For once they mistook their regaining access to Sunday services as a “win”, they became much less zealous for My presence.
But since the hinge pin of My Spirit must be in place for the hinge year to fully open, and reveal what I have next in store for the Church, He must have the room to flow through My children, and fill them to overflowing with His fire.
Then like kerosene on a blaze, I have sent a season of persecution upon the Church, where the faith of many believers will be put to the test. Their belief in Me will be challenged, and those who, in their hearts, are not securely anchored to the Truth, will sadly fall away. However, those in the Church who remain standing after these days of tribulation will walk through the doorway My Spirit has opened, and they will enter the “new” I have set forth for My Body. And what they shall find on the other side of this threshold will only hold a small resemblance to what they had known before.
Yet My own should not fear what is coming, for if they have heeded My warnings and prepared their hearts, then both they and their households will be ready for the days ahead. What they must remember is that I am always with them, even when facing the trials of persecution.
Therefore, My dear children, hasten your steps and run into My presence; quicken your pace, and enter My dwelling place. For no matter what is happening in the world around you, I will always be your refuge: your retreat from the chaos and violence that shall soon flood the streets of your nation.
So run to Me, and hide yourself here, for surely I am the protection of all who put their life in My hands. And though the persecution shall indeed come against the Church, pray that its severity is lessened and its duration shortened, so that those who shall face the greater hardship in these days are able to endure without faltering in their faith, coming out on the other side of this trial even stronger in their resolve to follow Me, no matter the cost.
So put forth prayers today not only for yourselves, but also for your brothers and sisters in Christ who will be asked to make a stand for their faith. Pray that they are strengthened by My Spirit so that their suffering is not in vain. Also, pray that they hold their ground, and face down the enemy without flinching, for some who are reading these words may be numbered among those who are put to the test.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 5:10