Today in prayer, I was studying and meditating on the Passover season (Exodus 12).  After hundreds of years in bondage, God brings freedom to His people in one night.  Because of the blood of lambs, the children of Israel were liberated from slavery.  It is a truly remarkable event and one that foreshadows the work Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross.  He became the “lamb of God” and removed the bondage of sin from us through His sacrifice.  The blood won the victory!

As I was thanking Jesus for His blood, I was overcome by the Spirit of God.  The presence of God was intense as I heard Him begin to speak to my heart.  Though He spoke several things to me, I believe the following four phrases are vital to our lives as we are in this strategic season in time:

1. “You are in a season of breakthrough” Just as the Passover brought an end to slavery for the children of Israel, so the blood of Jesus will bring an end to bondage in our lives.  The scripture says, “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14). You may have been bound for years in sin, sickness, habits, or ways of thinking, but this is a time to allow Jesus Christ to totally liberate you!  Just as the Passover lamb brought deliverance to every household, deliverance is available to you and to your family.

2. “I am removing obstacles on the path” Pharaoh was constantly bringing hardships to the children of Israel.  He was doing everything in his power to break their spirits and keep them enslaved.  Even after numerous signs and plagues, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened and he refused to give in.  BUT GOD… I love that phrase.  No matter what obstacles are in our path…what troubles we encounter…what difficulties we have to face we can always say “BUT GOD!”  God changed Pharaoh’s heart and He can change your circumstance.  God’s Word makes this promise, “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber…The LORD is your keeper…” (Psalm 121:3-5). Whatever is in your way, get ready for God to make a clear path for you!

3. “Be ready to move quickly and do not be encumbered” The children of Israel were told to eat the Passover meal with their shoes on and their bags packed.  As soon as the word was given, they had to be on the move.  “And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.” (Exodus 12:11). You and I must be ready to move with God.  As soon as the Lord gives us a direction, we must act quickly.  We cannot be burdened down with cares and concerns.  If there is anything that is holding you down or holding you back, get rid of it.  Be ready to move at the speed of the Holy Spirit!

4. “Lead on and others will follow” As Moses followed God, so the people followed Moses.  This is a time for you to rise up as a leader.  Whether it is being a leader in your home, at your job, in your church, or in your community, be an example that others can look to.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Take on the responsibility of walking before God daily and helping others to follow on the same journey.

I believe that you and I are in an incredible season in history.  Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and be leaders to others.  This is our time for breaking through!

Be Blessed, Pastor Ben