Are You Listening?

Prophetic word given by Anna Springett on 10th June 2007

A few weeks ago I kept hearing JF Kennedy’s words ‘ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country…’, except that it was ‘ask not what your church can do for you…’. I thought it was just me, but it would not go away. So I have been asking God what that was all about and what he wants to say, and this is what I believe he wants to say to us as a church:

Are you listening? Really listening?

I have been speaking to you, through words and through pictures, through people and through my Word; to you as individuals and to you as a body. Can you hear me? I know you are going through a time of change because I ordained it; I have chosen you for such a time as this. You ask ‘why?’; I want to get your attention, your full attention. That is why it may feel that the rug has been pulled out from under you – I want you to look to me, to trust me, and to trust in me alone. I am interested first and foremost in your heart, not in buildings or meetings or structures. These things are important, but only when I am number one in your life. Remember your first love - I am jealous for you like a jealous lover; when you put your trust in people or things, in meetings or buildings, in houses or jobs, it draws you away from me. I want to be your First Love, your number one, for nothing else to come before me.

You say, ‘but what about church meetings? What about the children? What about fellowship?’ I say, 'I love you, I miss you, I long for you. Do you trust me?'

Are you listening? Really listening?

I have said that during this time of change there will be a time of uncertainty; so do not be surprised by this. Remember the cruise ship and the train – before you come out the other side there will be a stage where things are not clear. This is where you are now. I want you to look to me during this time, for this to be a time of renewed intimacy with me; I am deliberately shaking you out of your comfort zone so that you can see the fullness of what I have for you – I am doing something new! I have chosen you for such a time as this. If I have to take away people or things that you look to for your security, then… I am preparing you and calling you; listen for my voice as I draw you to myself. Allow me to remove those things that have taken a place in your heart that are not from me. Allow me to create in you a new heart and to refine and purify you, my beautiful bride.

When I brought my people out of Egypt and out of slavery and into the desert, they did not know what was ahead. They spent 40 years in the desert, going ‘round and ‘round, when they could have reached the Promised Land much sooner. Why? Because they did not fully trust me or the people I put in leadership over them. And it took time for their hearts to be ready for what I wanted to do in them. It may feel like you are in the wilderness now, but only because I am calling you out into something new; allow me to soften your hearts so that you will be ready for what lies ahead.

For some of you I know that it is difficult to trust in your leaders because you have been hurt and let down before. You can trust in me. I love you. I will not allow you to be hurt again in that way. Trust in me. I have put people in positions of leadership who are prepared to count the cost. They are not doing this for selfish gain. They have heard my voice and are taking steps of obedience despite their own uncertainty. I will honour their obedience; remember that they are answerable to me. Remember also that I use broken, fallible man to show you that I am God and that you need me. Trust in me.

Are you hungry for me? Who or what are you hungry for? If you are filling up on other things, then you will not feel hungry for me. You will be partially satisfied and therefore not feel desperate for me. But my church, I am desperate for you. I miss you. I long for your company, to be close to you, to be intimate with you, with each one of you. And with you as a church, as a body. This is why I have chosen you for this time. Can’t you hear me beckoning you? This is a time of drawing near to me as I draw near to you; you are my bride and I love you so much. Lets enjoy this time together, you and I. I will fill you up. I will satisfy you. I will care for you and your families. I will look after all of your needs. Look to me. Run after me. Seek me out. I know that this is a challenging time for you; seek first my kingdom and I will look after all of the rest.

Are you listening, really listening?

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