COVID-19: The Second Wave is Upon Us
"Follow Me!" John 21:19
Recently, I was awakened, from a deep sleep. I was standing on a shore looking out at a giant wave that was suddenly upon me. It came upon me so fast, I hardly had time to breath. I had no chance to turn and run or seek higher ground. I did not have time to think and figure out what to do. As it hit, the force of the water around me was so powerful I thought I would be knocked down. For some reason, I was able to stand but felt like I was suffocating. Just when I thought I could not take it anymore, the wave passed and suddenly, fresh air blew in and I found myself on the other side. I turned and watched it overtake the landscape that was behind me. I then heard the words, “The second wave is upon us.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the nations, it has been like a Tsunami hitting the health and well-being of many, and shattering economies and governments of this world. The impact of the Tsunami has been global. We will not be coming out of this birth pang the same. Many good things are emerging out of this divinely orchestrated retreat. People are working to bridge gaps that have been held back by invisible walls with new connections and collaboration. Generational blessings and families are being renewed through confinement in our homes. God is using this time to re-prioritize our lives in new and fresh ways. For all of this, we are thankful. However, we have yet to experience the full ramifications this pandemic has wrought. As discussions emerge in how to lift the restraints, there is a confusing picture unfolding. The compilation of facts, ideas, and solutions is complex with unknown risks and benefits. Are we to go back desiring the return to former things? What has changed? How do we reset the dial in our approach to life, work, ways in which we convene, do church?
THE NATURE OF THE 2ND WAVE:
Consequently, a second wave is hitting the nations. This wave is picking up steam fueled by fear and a subtle deception that, for the unwary, can easily confuse and lead people astray. Its force is laying the framework for greater end-time prophetic manifestations in the nations. That is not the focus or nature of this word. The focus of this word is to “Prepare.” The second wave will be much more difficult to contend with, longer-lasting, and we, as the body of Christ, must be fully capable of standing amid the deception and wiles of the enemy that is about to come forth.
God is firmly in this. At the center of this confusing wave is the word “Identity.” He is allowing the consternation to develop to turn our hearts fully to Him. It is not a time to tinker around with words that tickle our ears for revival. Revival is coming, but it must come through reformed hearts. For those who have gone through deep repentance as the pandemic hit, there will be a strength and a discernment for what is emerging. If you have not struggled to get right with the Lord, garner strength and courage to face those things that hinder you, take time now. God is creating a shift. The danger now is to set goals towards the familiar ways of life we knew before the pandemic hit, when the war is calling for a different strategy.
PETER AND THE REVIVED HEART:
A biblical example of this type of repentance is reflected in Peter after denying Jesus. He was the most zealous, energetic, insightful of the disciples. He recognized Jesus for who He was, Mt. 16:16. He was boastfully sure He would stand with Jesus to the end, only, to end up denying Jesus three times. Luke describes a poignant scene as Peter faced the reality of his condition, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly,” Luke 22:60-62. Can you imagine the look that must have transpired between Jesus and Peter as they met eye to eye? Luke is the only gospel that reported this exchange. The next sentence says it all, “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” The word Greek word for bitterly means violently. In other words, there was a deep grief Peter went through. However, as Peter wept, the healing process began.
After the resurrection, Jesus apprehended the disciples three times, John 21:14. The third time, the exchange between Jesus and Peter was completely different. By the Sea of Galilee, while sharing a meal of loaves and fishes, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Peter’s response was always yes. Peter had moved from remorse, regret, to receiving full restoration. The exchange reflects the redemptive power in Jesus. Jesus restored Peter, in His love, fully knowing Peter’s weaknesses and failings as well as his gifts and callings. After the third affirmation, Jesus simply said, “Follow Me.” That will be a major command for us in the body of Christ today as we face the coming wave. Peter went on to move fully into his identity. The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through him. It was Peter who performed the first miracle after Pentecost, Acts 3:1-10. Such is the nature of true repentance and fully apprehending our identity in Christ. We align with heaven and its resources are released.
OUR STANCE:
Knowing our identity in Christ will be vital in this coming season. In this wave, repentance will be key to reform our hearts. Strongholds that have kept us from the fullness of Christ must be dealt with. Whatever weighs us down must go. It is time to repent, turn from our old ways and fully embrace all God has for us. God desires us to come into our full identity in Him to have the necessary clarity for the future. If we are under set ways of systems that are weak and crumbling, or under the rule of jealousy, bitter envy, condemnation, rejection, anxiety, strife, selfish ambition, unforgiveness towards ourselves or others, this is time to get before the Lord. It is an hour to fully apprehend and accept the love of Jesus who died for us, and receive the directives from the Lord. God is removing blocks that have hindered us. Invisible walls that have kept us restrained are crumbling and new strategies are being released to advance the Kingdom. We just have to be able to get rid of the weights that pull us down and move into the love and embrace of Jesus. Why is this important?
A very subtle deception is working its way through the aftermath of this pandemic. The Tsunami is forming. False identity is rising to catch us unawares. Fear is driving it and can suffocate us in schemes, opinions, and deceptive revelations that are not from God. Scriptures warn that even the elect will be deceived, Mt. 24:24. How then do we pray?
As the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the nations, it has been like a Tsunami hitting the health and well-being of many, and shattering economies and governments of this world. The impact of the Tsunami has been global. We will not be coming out of this birth pang the same. Many good things are emerging out of this divinely orchestrated retreat. People are working to bridge gaps that have been held back by invisible walls with new connections and collaboration. Generational blessings and families are being renewed through confinement in our homes. God is using this time to re-prioritize our lives in new and fresh ways. For all of this, we are thankful. However, we have yet to experience the full ramifications this pandemic has wrought. As discussions emerge in how to lift the restraints, there is a confusing picture unfolding. The compilation of facts, ideas, and solutions is complex with unknown risks and benefits. Are we to go back desiring the return to former things? What has changed? How do we reset the dial in our approach to life, work, ways in which we convene, do church?
THE NATURE OF THE 2ND WAVE:
Consequently, a second wave is hitting the nations. This wave is picking up steam fueled by fear and a subtle deception that, for the unwary, can easily confuse and lead people astray. Its force is laying the framework for greater end-time prophetic manifestations in the nations. That is not the focus or nature of this word. The focus of this word is to “Prepare.” The second wave will be much more difficult to contend with, longer-lasting, and we, as the body of Christ, must be fully capable of standing amid the deception and wiles of the enemy that is about to come forth.
God is firmly in this. At the center of this confusing wave is the word “Identity.” He is allowing the consternation to develop to turn our hearts fully to Him. It is not a time to tinker around with words that tickle our ears for revival. Revival is coming, but it must come through reformed hearts. For those who have gone through deep repentance as the pandemic hit, there will be a strength and a discernment for what is emerging. If you have not struggled to get right with the Lord, garner strength and courage to face those things that hinder you, take time now. God is creating a shift. The danger now is to set goals towards the familiar ways of life we knew before the pandemic hit, when the war is calling for a different strategy.
PETER AND THE REVIVED HEART:
A biblical example of this type of repentance is reflected in Peter after denying Jesus. He was the most zealous, energetic, insightful of the disciples. He recognized Jesus for who He was, Mt. 16:16. He was boastfully sure He would stand with Jesus to the end, only, to end up denying Jesus three times. Luke describes a poignant scene as Peter faced the reality of his condition, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly,” Luke 22:60-62. Can you imagine the look that must have transpired between Jesus and Peter as they met eye to eye? Luke is the only gospel that reported this exchange. The next sentence says it all, “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” The word Greek word for bitterly means violently. In other words, there was a deep grief Peter went through. However, as Peter wept, the healing process began.
After the resurrection, Jesus apprehended the disciples three times, John 21:14. The third time, the exchange between Jesus and Peter was completely different. By the Sea of Galilee, while sharing a meal of loaves and fishes, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Peter’s response was always yes. Peter had moved from remorse, regret, to receiving full restoration. The exchange reflects the redemptive power in Jesus. Jesus restored Peter, in His love, fully knowing Peter’s weaknesses and failings as well as his gifts and callings. After the third affirmation, Jesus simply said, “Follow Me.” That will be a major command for us in the body of Christ today as we face the coming wave. Peter went on to move fully into his identity. The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through him. It was Peter who performed the first miracle after Pentecost, Acts 3:1-10. Such is the nature of true repentance and fully apprehending our identity in Christ. We align with heaven and its resources are released.
OUR STANCE:
Knowing our identity in Christ will be vital in this coming season. In this wave, repentance will be key to reform our hearts. Strongholds that have kept us from the fullness of Christ must be dealt with. Whatever weighs us down must go. It is time to repent, turn from our old ways and fully embrace all God has for us. God desires us to come into our full identity in Him to have the necessary clarity for the future. If we are under set ways of systems that are weak and crumbling, or under the rule of jealousy, bitter envy, condemnation, rejection, anxiety, strife, selfish ambition, unforgiveness towards ourselves or others, this is time to get before the Lord. It is an hour to fully apprehend and accept the love of Jesus who died for us, and receive the directives from the Lord. God is removing blocks that have hindered us. Invisible walls that have kept us restrained are crumbling and new strategies are being released to advance the Kingdom. We just have to be able to get rid of the weights that pull us down and move into the love and embrace of Jesus. Why is this important?
A very subtle deception is working its way through the aftermath of this pandemic. The Tsunami is forming. False identity is rising to catch us unawares. Fear is driving it and can suffocate us in schemes, opinions, and deceptive revelations that are not from God. Scriptures warn that even the elect will be deceived, Mt. 24:24. How then do we pray?
- Pray for a divine encounter with Jesus that will move us beyond the familiar into fresh engagement with Him. Luke 22:60-62, Ezek 37:1-14
- Pray for strategies for engagement of the Church to influence culture.
- Ask God how you can get involved in influencing our culture. Call for the Daniel’s, David’s, Esther’s, Mordecai’s, Deborah’s, Peter’s, Paul’s of our generations to rise up.
- Pray that God would make a way of escape for the Church in the future (i.e. mark of the beast and systems of manipulation) as systems manipulate behind the scenes, causing an alliance with a false identity, and disrupting schemes that pre-maturely rock economies.
- Pray for God to make a way for believers in the rising agenda to push people through fear agendas and control , Rev. 13:17. Check out ID 2020 and what is behind it.
- Pray for exposure of agendas that may sound good, but do not carry the full counsel of God nor balanced wisdom that ultimately hurting people.
- Leaders need our prayer more than ever now, 1 Tim 2:1. Pray for all leaders for a spirit of wisdom and revelation, counsel and might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord, Is 11:2-3.
- Pray for the Church to align and renew itself as a “House of Prayer for All Nations” Is. 56:7; Mt. 21:13
- Pray for exposure and release of deceptive and manipulative schemes that are pushing agendas to undermine governments and economic prosperity.
- Pray for God-given strategies in the Church to prosper, to bring hope and answers to an increasingly distraught world. Is 9:2, 58:6-12
- Ask God for discernment and to be strong and of good courage, Josh 1:9
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Co 12:9-10
Susan Rowe
The Global Watch
The Global Watch
