GOD’S ORDER OF OPERATION
A few years ago during a Monday night prayer meeting at The Lift, the Lord spoke a phrase to me that has greatly impacted my life. I had been praying for genuine revival to breakout in the Body of Christ, and for a great awakening to sweep across the world. I finished by saying “God use me as an answer to this prayer. Use me in Your plan for revival and awakening!” Once I finished, I heard Him whisper to me, “There is an order to the operation that unlocks the outpouring.”
From the time I was in my early teens I have consistently sought God for an outpouring of His glory to hit my generation— I know it is my destiny, it’s why I was born. I have no greater dream than to see and be a part of the next great awakening. Yet, there is a truth that must be tapped into.
No matter what your dreams and desires are, if you miss the truth we are about to discuss, you’ll miss it all. If you want the “outpouring” of fulfilled dreams to take place in your life, you must embrace God’s order of operation.
WHAT IS GOD’S ORDER OF OPERATION?
In the kingdom of God, order is all about family. Finding your place and sinking roots into the family God has called you to is where the seed of density begins to germinate. Who are your spiritual parents? How are you serving the family mission? Are you actually putting down roots? If you don’t have spiritual family, you don’t have anything. Your destiny is nothing more than a dream if you don’t submit to spiritual authority.
Your destiny is nothing more than a dream if you don’t submit to spiritual authority. Share on XEphesians 6 is no doubt one of the most popular chapters in the entire Bible. It is in this chapter that the Apostle Paul gives the profound revelation on the armor of God. Yet, that’s not all this chapter is about. Actually, in my opinion, one of the most profound truths of this chapter is found in the first three verses of the chapter where these words are recorded,
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV
Did you catch it? Your quality and quantity of life are both determined by the way you honor your parents. This is huge! I specifically like the way the King James Version renders this passage because it starts the chapter off by saying, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord…” In this “play on words”, we find an enormous revelation. This specific kind of honor isn’t solely reserved for those who are your parents biologically but spiritually as well.
4 CALLS OF SPIRITUAL PARENTS
In some ways, among various groups, I see the idea of “spiritual parents” becoming trendy. I love it! I have no stones to throw but I do have some concerns. My biggest concern is that with it being trendy, many have learned the lingo without embracing the life. If you are serious about finding the family God has called you to be a part of, here are four truths you need to know about spiritual parents:
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Spiritual parents are called to correct you.
“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24 NLT
You cannot fulfill your calling if you do not embrace correction. Sometimes you are going to blow it. Thankfully, if you follow God’s plan of spiritual authority, you can embrace correction from those who have your best interest at heart and move beyond your shortcomings. If you resist correction you forfeit your calling.
If you resist correction you forfeit your calling. Share on X-
Spiritual parents are called to comfort you.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
Those who are called to correct you will also be the ones who comfort you. When you’re weak, when you’re broken, when you’re hurting, true spiritual parents are a place of safety and refuge you can depend on.
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Spiritual parents are called to condition you.
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NKJV
You cannot fulfill your purpose without the proper preparation. You need those who are further down the road than you to help you achieve what they’ve already accomplished. Spiritual parents are coaches who condition you for your calling.
You cannot fulfill your purpose without the proper preparation. Share on X-
Spiritual parents are called to co-labor with you.
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you…” 2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV
Did you notice how Paul starts this chapter? He starts by identifying his spiritual son and protegé as a partner in ministry. As a matter of fact, Paul would go on to pass the baton to Timothy (See 2 Timothy 4:5-8). Spiritual parents don’t want to lord over you, they want to empower you to stand as one, side by side.
UNLEASHING YOUR PURPOSE
Finding the family I’m called to, and putting down roots has been one of the most enriching choices I have made in my life. I never knew what could be unlocked simply by “finding my place.” Find your family, find your place, and allow God to unleash your purpose!
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Caleb and Ali live in East Tennessee where they serve at The Lift Church. With boldness and conviction, their deepest desire is to see the church revived and the world awakened. Learn more about The Lift by visiting theliftchurch.tv.
