An eclipse is an occasion when the light of the sun is blocked from view; when it hides behind the moon so that its glow is obscured for a time, where those who have grown accustomed to its radiance shining about them go through a brief period of dimmed light because their view of its presence has been inhibited.
Though the sun is still there beaming ever so brightly, its visibility and the warmth of its rays cannot be experienced in those moments. To the observant, there has been a definite change noted in their surroundings, as the usual flow of light which fills their days has been interrupted by a gray shade. And so, a sensation of separation is felt in that instant when what is known and familiar is eclipsed behind the moon. Yet, the earth must still keep moving on its axis and trust that the sun will reappear, for built into its natural rotational process there are occasions when the earth continues orbiting without the full view of the sun’s presence, where the usual pattern is being interrupted.
Just like this celestial event, there are moments and seasons in the lives of believers where I intentionally inhibit My presence from being felt, purposefully pulling back any internal confirmation or illumination, switching off that usual sensation known in their spirit that tells them it is I who has spoken in their ear. So then they are left to stand on faith and must trust that they have heard Me. This isn’t intended to harm them, and certainly isn’t permanent. For when I feel they are ready, I will turn this inner expression of My presence back on, generating a new flow in our relationship, as well as in their anointing.
When one of My own walks through this season where they notice a shift in their being and sense that something between us has changed, know then, that this season is about “spiritual development”: where they are learning to operate on faith alone. It is not a punishment because I am upset with them over something they have done, but is in all reality just a normal part of the lives of My children. So just as the sun is obscured in those moments of an eclipse, once it reappears, its blaze is that much brighter, so much so, that the one watching must shield their eyes from its intensity.
Although, when they walk through this season, many of My children use the term “dry” to describe the feelings it produces. The truth is that I am still ever-present in their lives. They are just experiencing the “walk of trust”, where they must believe that what they heard is truly Me, and then step out into what I am asking without any extra confirmation; where I do not give a single ‘fleece’ for a sign, and they can only act upon the “word” heard in their inner man. Since this part of our journey is more intense, a ‘dimness’ of uncertainty obscures the way, because the normal internal cues they were accustomed to using as signs to guide their path have been abated.
Those who have entered this time should know that it is greater trust I am developing; where they are being taught to rely on their faith to lead them, similar to a solar eclipse, where the moon is the main point of focus for a time. However, the outline of the sun can still be seen behind it, letting the observant know it is still there, and that soon it will move back into full view. Yet, because transformation is always My goal, our journey together will lead My children through to these points where I appear to be eclipsed; this is simply the means I use to deepen their trust in Me.
But My children should not be filled with dread when they find themselves in this season, for the testing of their faith develops spiritual maturity, progressing their understanding of My Kingdom principles until they no longer need to be spoon-fed like an infant Therefore, when I move a believer into the “walk of trust”, and if they continue to be attentive, then what they learn will only serve to strengthen our relationship, developing greater insight about what it means to live as one of My children here on earth.
For though this season is meant to feel uncomfortable, it is also a time where perseverance is honed, where the one who is being challenged presses on, even if their heart carries some doubt. For those willing to push forward, whether or not what I am asking makes any sense, must know at some point, My presence will move back into full view. So then these should rest with expectant hearts, excited for that time to come when the sensation of My presence washes over them again.
Then, a natural eclipse is the perfect analogy to describe this type of season in the spiritual sense. The earth in its orbit to represents any child from My Kingdom who is being challenged with the “walk of trust”, and the moon is a picture of the faith they carry (something established that they turn to for guidance and hope), for it reflects the light of the sun, and so is ever-present even in their darkest hours. However, the sun stands alone as the picture of Me, as the center of all that exists. For everything in this universe revolves around it and is sustained by its glorious glow and gravitational hold.
So if My children are discerning, what they will see in this description is how the “walk of trust” flows. Although, I will never abandon any who belong to Me, there are moments when it may feel as though I have walked away. What those who are experiencing this spiritual shift need to know, is that I am still right beside them, just as I have always been; they have just reached a place in their growth where I have seen it is time they learn the weightier matters of My Kingdom. In order to mature, these will need to develop greater trust and gain deeper insight, like those who are considered as having Godly wisdom: those who, as well, had to travel this “walk of trust”.
But again, this process is not a rebuke, but about moving them forward so they can learn how to exercise their faith in greater levels and experience Me in new ways. For isn’t it true that unless muscles in a body are used, there isn’t the strength to do certain tasks: those that need some “elbow grease” to get the job done? It is the same with a believer’s faith. This is why I provide opportunities to exercise this spiritual muscle, for, without use, this child will remain weak. So then, I have structured our journey together so that, at certain points along the way, My children must use trust in Me to navigate their way.
So instead of viewing these seasons as “dry” (which carries a negative connotation), why not change your perspective to a more positive stance, where you see these days as useful for “healthy growth”? Once you have walked through this process of strengthening your faith, together we will have established greater trust in Me. Then, when harder challenges show up in your life, you will be able to stay standing because the powers of your spiritual legs will have greatly increased after having traveled this “walk of trust”.
Then to the ones who find themselves in this position, where your relationship with Me has undergone a noticeable shift because our usual interactions have changed, causing you to feel somewhat out of sorts, do not fret, I have not left. However, right now, it is My desire that you learn to rely more on your faith by becoming less dependent on any internal signs or sensations as your spiritual barometer to keep you on the right track. With this usual unctioning out of the way, when I may prompt you to give financially, or maybe even share a word prophetically with a stranger, the only thing you will have to rely on is what you have heard, thereby requiring you to step out in faith without the assurance of these signals to aid you, as this is all a part of My “walk of trust”.
Therefore, keep going and don’t stop! What you will gain as we continue forward is not only a new understanding of how to operate in your faith, but without even realizing it, you will learn to discern My voice out of all the others around. So then, see this “walk of trust” as a benefit. For what it will develop in you will only make you stronger in belief and a more effective warrior for My kingdom. So then, keep walking on!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8