Jul 20
The Dark Night of the Spirit - Part IV
“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, … .” Hebrews 11:32-34
The theme of the Dark Nights is not going draw a crowd. You may have noticed this in the number of responses to each post. It takes a near “special forces” mentality to even listen to this type of message. Thus, in a day when numbers are equated to anointing, pastors find it difficult to teach on the deeper, more substantial matters of the normal Christian life.
The unfortunate result is that the current church culture has lost its grip on victory in the midst of darkness. They have forgotten that Satan’s greatest defeat occurred at the moment he thought he had gained his greatest victory. I wrote to you before, this journey is not for the faint of heart. One can stop at any time. In fact few, very few have completed the journey. Yes, Jesus paid the price for us, but that price was the price for Everlasting life, not the price to save us from difficulty. In fact Jesus said to us that in this world we would have difficulty, but we are to fear not. Fear is the enemy of God’s plan - which requires faith. That is because fear is a belief that something bad is going to happen, where faith is the belief that something good is going to happen. You cannot have fear and faith on the same topic. Nervousness is not the same as fear.
CULTURAL PROPAGATION
I am afraid that our culture has propagated fear at levels we simply do not recognize we have. As I have often said, “Little bitty battles produce little bitty victories and result in little bitty champions. Great battles produce great victories and result in great champions. Which one do you want to be?” Battles do not occur because we failed to win the war, battles are a part of winning the war. Yet, we are taught that if we experience battles we somehow failed to make a right choice. There is no place in the Bible where this is true.
I am writing to help you make it through this difficult journey that no one wants to tell you about - because it is not popular! If it is too hard, I understand. Just remember, in the future you will more than likely come to this point again and you will face the same issues you face now, only what defeated you before will be seven times stronger the next time you face it. Quitting only infuses the dark side with greater boldness, a boldness you will later encounter.
TO GIVE HIM ALL THINGS
To those who want to find the deeper spiritual roots and live at levels where nothing Satan throws your ways sets you back nor overcomes you, then journey on with me. You will make it through the darkness to a point where you trust God at levels you have not experienced in Him before. At this coming level you will be able to give Him all things, even the things no one but you knows about today. You will easily lay your Husband, your wife, your children, all afflictions, all quandaries, all of your shame, along with all of your desires, at the feet of the one who brought you out of darkness into the Kingdom of His most marvelous light.
ESCAPING THIS COCOON OF DARKNESS
When you emerge from this cocoon of darkness, you will become a destroyer of Evil. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will dwell in you more deeply, more completely, and more powerfully than ever before. The Holy Spirit will indwell you, endue you, and infuse you. Jesus overcame Satan in Sheol, but even Jesus did not raise himself from the dead, it was the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead and that same spirit dwells in you. He will raise you up, both in this life and the life to come.
I know some of you feel you cannot take any more - if that is you, take a rest and read these posts later, when you are stronger and full of faith. Though not biblical there is a statement of Vince Lombardi that is true, “Fatigue makes cowards of the bravest men.” Be at peace, rest and gain strength - then fight again.
WHY DID GOD ALLOW IT?
Diane and I have gone through many dark times. Like many of you some of them had to do with children. We adopted a child who it turned out had “Tourette’s Syndrome.” Though Diane and I did not know the child had this when we brought him home at birth from the hospital, we both know it was no accident. If nothing else good happened from this, and there are a myriad of great things, I have found it was God’s hand at work to change me. I am a better man, a better father, and better husband and a better leader, all because of this wonder child. Yes, Diane and I have also shaped the life of that child who is now a young man. We have never lost sight that we are all part of God’s wonderful plan, but there were some very dark times.
We parents seem to get stuck on the idea that we are placed here for our children, we fail to comprehend that our children might just be sent from God to shape us. What if it is by the shaping we are given through our children that we actually impact more lives than we would have had God not sent them from Heaven. We think we are to shape them, but what if God sent them to shape us? You see, the benefits of life, in all its forms, is omni-directional and is never just a one way street of mono-focused, exhaustive efforts to form the child for adulthood. We are always better off because of God’s choices for us - even in the children He chooses to give us - even the ones who have special needs. We would never become what we were created to become if it were not for them.
In spite of all the pain and anticipated pain, it is in the midst of dark times that the brilliant light of the miraculous occurs - you see you do not need a miracle until you need a miracle.
But, wait … there is a sound from above and behind you. Something unexpected is happening. It is as if Heaven … .
Blessings,
John Paul
50 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Loading ...
WOW…this post had a lot of meat. First, John Paul thank you for your transparency.
This post really spoke to me because it coincided with something the Lord had showed me in the parable of the sower. In the parable where the seed falls on stony ground, Jesus said something very important:
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. (Matthew 13:20-21, NKJV).
Jesus said here that tribulations and persecution comes to try the Word! These things try to rise up in opposition to what God has spoken or as a “faith tester” for the deposited Word. For example, it’s easy to say God’s a Provider- but how will you know if you’ve never needed to depend on Him to provide? It’s as if to say, if God’s gonna do it, prove it.
That’s why I am so happy that John Paul posted the “Hall of Faith” up there because it is a reminder that we are more than conquerers through Jesus Christ! These people looked opposition in face and stood fully armored in the grace of God! My favorite Hall of Faither up there right now is Gideon, for he was fearful but became faithful! I love the part of Hebrews 11:34 that he highlighted because that is definitely me. I am also meditating on the extension of that verse “became valiant in battle”. God is definitely delivering me in this area of my life and I will come out as gold refined by the fire
is there any way i can print out the blogs…there is so
much there that i would love to print it out so i can
mediatate on it better…not really liking reading things on the computer…better with it printed out on paper…the black back group comes up when i try to cut and paste…would use up my whole toner cartridge to pring this out!!!
love the blog!!!
b
TO GIVE HIM ALL THINGS
“You will make it through the darkness to a point where you trust God at levels you have not experienced in Him before. At this coming level you will be able to give Him all things, even the things no one but you knows about today.”-
“We are always better off because of God’s choices for us - even in the children He chooses to give us - even the ones who have special needs. We would never become what we were created to become if it were not for them.”
“Yes, Diane and I have also shaped the life of that child who is now a young man.”
For everything past, present and future, we give thanks, every encounter and blessings. This post blessed my heart as on March 11, 2010 my middle daughter passed from this world into the arms of Jesus. He gave to me four grandchildren for HIS GLORY! Thank you both for all you do for HIM and for allowing us to share with you in this journey. Blessings
Thank you for the faith building, balanced and biblical exposition on the dark night of the spirit. Indeed, I have learned to embrace the refiner’s fire too as the Good Shepherd of my soul has led me through many a valley of the shadow. To be a willing partaker in his sufferings yields the fruit of obedience as we move forward and upward in Christ. I’ve been learning to count it all joy and to pray as did David, that I will awake with His likeness. Your ministry, John Paul, is such a rich and valued extension of the Father’s heart to all who will listen. Blessings!
Isn’t anticipated pain really fear? Can I be going through a dark night when my circumstances really aren’t that dark? It is only the fear of darkness to come that haunts me. I really don’t want to need a miracle. And do I have faith for one to manifest and if it doesn’t manifest do I/will I have faith? I am so NOT IN CONTROL!!
Have Mercy on me oh GOD!!
(The first post had some errors that really needed fixing…this is the corrected one)
This doesn’t make much sense to me. Well, most things about God don’t make sense to me. Not at least at their most foundational roots. Nor should we be able to understand him. However, to say things like “We think we are to shape them, but what if God sent them to shape us” is to say God desires this other human being, my child, to be relegated to a human prison for my sake. It seems to say, ‘I am going to develop you by making this other person be crippled, maimed, and unable to enjoy life.’ It doesn’t make sense these children are here just so we might learn something.
I do desire my own child to be healed partly for my own sake. I will not lie. However, there is another part of me who suffers the greatest thinking she is trapped in a cage unable to move, cry, laugh, play, or live and I might be able to find the key in God. After all, his message is as much in healing as it is in salvation. You believe in one, why not the other? But we are saved (i.e. raised into eternal life) until after we die, maybe not all are healed until after they die? In any case, I’m not here to theologize healing tonight.
I do however want us to think about attributing to God a desire to mold us, teach us, develop us into something through the suffering of others. It doesn’t seem right but I am just a piece of clay and I have no right to tell the potter he is wrong. I can only observe this experience of life and ask that something might change for the better (at least from my perspective). Most of us are teachable human beings and no matter what puzzle is set before us, we will learn from it if we do not quit. Was the child in question placed in our lives to mold us, or do we just learn how to turn lemons into lemonade?
Why does he even want to make us suffer so much that we ‘grow,’ ‘develop,’ ‘carry more light?’ Is it to reach others? It is certainly not for ourselves since we live such short lives we are like grass of the field. Does God need to train and develop the grass so it can grow? Does he need to teach the flowers how to open their petals? No. We live such short lives…what does it matter what we learn? I don’t know. Yet, it was his good plan and will that Jesus should suffer…..for others. It cannot be beyond God that we should also suffer….for others? Not all are destined for glory, yet all were created by God.
Hmmm….things to ponder….got all Eclesiastes up in here
Thanks John Paul for keeping the posts coming. I may not always comment but I have been checking your web-site multiple times a day to see if you’ve posted a new one. These have helped me so much during this phase of life. May God richly bless you and your family for all you are doing for the body. You are one of our true heroes of the faith!
thank you pastor jackson….i will chew on this until the next post
I’ve been following your blog since March 2009 when I happened upon it by ‘chance’! If I hadn’t, I would have surely thought I was losing my mind as I went through the stripping of my soul last year.
I live in the awareness that my current circumstances are the goads the Lord is using to move me into the Holy of Holies.
When I first knew this, I committed my will to Him to go through. I told Him I did NOT want to be either rescued or delivered. I WANTED to go through it because I could see, though dimly, what He was offering me on the other side.
We..e..ll. I’m having the pride of life, independance and self-sufficiency unearthed out of me. On some days it’s painful but the Holy Spirit comforts me. Other days, I live in the joy of being set free.
Thank you, JP Jackson! May I pass on to others what I have been through just as you’re doing
Noooo… The elipses…the ever famous pause!! Thank you for this post which so eloqueny makes me want to weep and laugh all at the same time!! The timing of these messages could not be any better and I am encouraged to know I am not alone on this journey and others are there and have been there before… Apparently though, the Selah is necessary… I will wait patiently… Until the next one!!
Blessings!
Although I don’t always respond with a comment, I read the postings and meditate on them and correlate the post with what is happening in my life. Please continue to post JP as the Spirit leads!
Thank you for a wonderfully encouraging post and for your transparency and vulnerability as you share of your own personal experiences and struggles. The world and specially Christians today are crying out to see this transparency and vulnerability in their leaders. Too often leaders portray themselves as people who have it all together and who constantly live victorious lives, and we all know that is not true because otherwise, where would that leave Jesus in their life? And so I thank you for making this post personal and for giving out of yourself to connect with the personal struggles of some of the readers here.
I couldn’t agree more about the way God chooses our children to shape us, rather than the other way around. I certainly have experienced growth of character through the challenges posed by my son, but at the time of the struggle all I could think about was my own suffering in trying to cope, when all along God saw it as a catalyst for great blessing. Give us fresh eyes Lord Jesus to see situations, circumstances and people the way you intended us to.
God bless you.
“You may have noticed this in the number of responses to each post. It takes a near “special forces” mentality to even listen to this type of message. Thus, in a day when numbers are equated to anointing, pastors find it difficult to teach on the deeper, more substantial matters of the normal Christian life.” -John Paul Jackson
I like a man who is consumed with the same Fire and Purpose as the great Puritan Divines Like Richard Baxter, who when he was expelled from his Parish under the ‘Great Ejection of 1662′, under Charles II, for refusing to conform to “Priest-Craft”, preached from street corners and the two Covenanters [Scottish Presbyterians] who were tied to stakes in the Solway Firth and drowned by the rising tide in the 1680s for refusing to accept the reinstitution of “Priest-Craft” in Scotland under James II.
If these same Pastors had to preach knowing it might be their last Sermon,would they still be as keen to cry “Glory!”?
[An ironic 'mindset' given they would shortly Encounter Glory...]
Keep pressing on - you are wearing the Mantle of the Heroes of Faith.
Hebrews 11:35b Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better Resurrection.
“special forces mentality”
My circumstances prohibit taking a break. There is no where to go but through this. Each day feels like I won’t make it and yet each day I do. I don’t see an end in sight and can’t imagine what will change to make things better. Yet it is my flesh that is wanting to retreat. My spirit is the fighter. I will hold on to the belief that somehow, someway, God has a plan to bring me through this. And there will again be a day of rejoicing. But right now these are some of the roughest days I have known. Pray for strength! Blessings, Holly
As I read this post, I thought about the passage in John 6. Jesus is making declarations that He is the bread of life that comes from Heaven. We must eat of His flesh and drink from His blood. His words are spirit and life and we can only come to Him if His Father grants it…
Many of the disciples say this is a “hard” saying and at one point many turn back and walk away from Him…
“Jesus said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away?”
“But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to who shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” John 6:67-69
This reminds me of the “Dark Night” series that we are journeying on. John Paul you are the teacher and mentor and you, at times, are saying many “hard” and “strange” thoughts for us to swallow…We are trusting that you have heard from the Holy Spirit this new doctrine…
It is hard for the flesh to go through these test and trials of the night–to allow God control of our beings that we allow Him to crucify our flesh, and all we claim to be…
We are in two camps—either we are not willing to trust Him that He has given you the authority to take us through this and eventually become victors and we at this point walk away—–or we become “sold out” and realize we have come too far, our bridges are burnt behind us and we can’t go anywhere but forward. There is no turning back. Hallelujah!!!
Thank you for the rest period but we will get up refreshed for the journey…
John Paul, thank you about sharing a small part of your family life with us. It helps us identify with you and that you identify with us…
Staying on the course!!!
Linda
Thank you, John Paul, for another timely post. At a time where the dark seems to be darker than before, your encouragement helps me to keep going forward.
Thank you John Paul…
One of the most wonderful things that God recently said to me was, “I understand”…I think it is the next best thing to know after “I love you…”
You to are wonderful!
Thank you, God Bless!
Hey JP Thank you for this blog and allowing us to know that the Narrow Road is narrow and does not tickle our ears and sometimes down right hard -to the point can I take one more step this way?- but the communion with Jesus and His Spirit is worth the hard climb and I thank you for confirming as a witness the way of Jesus…. Keep it coming- DON’T STOP!!!!
Blessings,
Marianne
Holly
I so understand what you are saying, these have also been such trying times for me, and I wonder does the light really shine at the end of the tunnel, does anything really good happen for those of us who are going through the other side.
Aloha Uncle, thankyou.yes we were taught the battles we face were due to not making right choices. Yet when I look at the battles to me
they all seem to be great battles at the time.
Mahalo. Art
John Paul, I appreciate your transparency regarding your son and the challenges that you and Diane had to face. My son, Josh has a combination of autism and tourettes as well. No wonder, I am feeling a strong connection here. Could it be “The Joshua Connection”, lol. It is a challenge and yes I know and understand that our children were sent to us by God to do a deep thing within us. It feels like a well with no end at times,lol. They are God’s mystery indeed. I continue to thank God every day for the blessing of this blog and your obedience to be open for “His” downloads from heaven. I am at a lost for words right now and am off to work. But I will be chewing and meditating on this blog throughout the day. Its great to see some familiar names again. Hi Mercedes, Nina, and David from Louisiana. Welcome back! Keep coming back to drink from the fountain here. You were missed greatly!
Still Pondering!
Shirley C.
Hi Shirley,
You’ve been rather “quiet” lately–I’m glad to find out you have been pondering and not left us…
Last weekend some friends of ours, that we go on mission trips to Mexico with, from your great state of MA were in town. We had them over for a time of fellowship. I can fellowship with you guys from up north…
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that GOD is light and in HIM is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as HE is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7
We may be struggling and coming to grips with the “dark night” but we always have HIM with us and in us.
Love ya my friend from Bean town,
Linda
PS> Holly, where are you living this summer?
Linda Et. Al:
Words are very powerful life builders and not only life builders but bridge builders. At the same time they can be great weapons of mass destruction, lol. The question is bridge builders to what? I don’t know. Esteem builders or self rejecters. In my observing and waiting for God’s hand to move on behalf of Joshua and others I pray for, I can’t help but think who will speak on my son’s behalf. Because of the nature of his disability for now, he has no choice but to be a silent spectator because he has no evidence of speech at this particular time and space, ugh…..I ponder on this reality a lot because as I look around me I observe day in and day out that we live in a world where it is becoming increasingly popular for perverse speeches and political spin based on the lying tongue to rule and reign in the hearts of mankind,therefore opening up mankind to a hardening of the heart. Maybe Josh is pondering this too and chooses to continue to remain silent, I guess in the long run much is said when one is silent. Maybe I should learn this from Josh’s example. It a scarry world out there, isn’t.
Still Pondering!
Shirley C.
Couple of things; from a personal experience when you have to “go around the mountain” again and the enemy is seven times stronger this is not always because you were disobedient. Its been my experience that you can get tricked into it.
On a prophetic level i’ve had dreams MANY times that I was still in highschool, but even in the dream I had litterally and metaphorically graduated. In one such dream I was being forced to stay there even though i’d qualified to move up (graduate.)(there is more to the story)
Now I do not believe that i’m worthy of anything by my own works, but only by God’s grace. The interesting thing is I also feel in my spirit that i’m matured enough to continue but i’m being buffetted unjustly.
In this situation I do not believe i’m being held back for my own sake, but for the simple fact that God has not determined to do anything at the moment.
I know from what Paul wrote hindering spirits can be put in place to keep us from “exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelation” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
There are many theories about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” but people forget it specifically says “messenger of satan” litterally “angelos” in the greek or “angel.” I believe this was a spirit that was there just to cause him problems. (Presumably so he wouldn’t become prideful.)(Note: I do not believe that is necessary; Power, Love, Sound Mind should keep you from pride, and fear respectively) but Paul wrote it so I hope he knew what he was writing
I feel that i’m being held back simply because God isn’t going to do anything right now and, until he comes to set me free from whatever forces hold me back, I can’t do anything.
If this is his doing okay, but “here I am Lord.”
In the instance of the Israelites in the desert it says they were there for 40 years because of disobedience, but it also says God put them there to prove a point
-What not to do-
I feel sad because God qualifies you by grace, and if he is not in a gracious mood then it is a bad day.
-Shaun
Awesome word here. I am instantly reminded of the verse “…..enemies of the cross of Christ” - not enemies of Christ but of His cross. Selah. These posting have also given me light in the darkness, pulled me back to refocus. Oh I love Jesus. May He cause His face to shine upon you more and more John Paul. Blessings.
I write form the Czech republic, Europe. Pastor John Paul, with my husband we ordered the whole “healing combo” and “the communion effect” with lectures spoken by you about God´s provision of healing for us and after reading this post I feel somewhat confused… So how is it that on one hand provision for total healing has been made, even recreation of missing or destorted parts of a human body, and on the other hand some illnesses should be directly sent by God to shape us…? How does this all make sense together? I would really appreciate if you could comment somehow on that as I ahve been trying to understand and grasp the meaning of this whole difficult matter, at least to certain extent. Thank you very much. Best regards. B.
“Words are very powerful life builders and not only life builders but bridge builders” -Shirley C.
I like someone who can distinguish bewtween the Magisterial[Scripture] and the Ministerial [Prophetic Consolations uttered in our moment of greatest need] Power of Words and is prepared to speak them….
Ezekiel 3:27a But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say….
“The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will dwell in you more deeply, more completely, and more powerfully than ever before. The Holy Spirit will indwell you, endue you, and infuse you” - John Paul Jackson
I like a man who can walk the line between the Magisterial and the Ministerial - the interesting thing about talking the talk is how you walk the walk…..’Prophetic Consolations uttered in our moment of greatest need’….
To understand John Paul Jackson, you must understand he was singled out and chosen for this - because he could stand up and press on under the immense pressure of this type of Ministry:
“As an example, let me mention the “private opinion” of St Symeon the New Theologian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symeon_the_New_Theologian] that the power to “bind and to loose” does not pertain to all priests but only to those who “who serve in the priestly ministry of the gospel in a spirit of humility and who live a blameless life”. It is insufficient to receive “the ordination from men only” (ek anthropon heirotonian); one must be “foreordained” (proheiristheis), that is, designated by God through the Holy Spirit.” - Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev [Russian Orthodox]
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
To really see a Man, you must see past the Ministry, to what really drives him to his knees [in {Prayer] until his very sweat becomes like great drops of blood….
“A man must himself be cleansed, before cleansing others: himself become wise, that he may make others wise; become light, and then give light: draw near to God, and so bring others near; be hallowed, then hallow them.” - Gregory of Nazianzus (also known as Gregory the Theologian) Oration 2,71; cf. Oration 2,95, 8-27
John 15:3 Already you are cleansed - through the teaching which I have given you.
“What if it is by the shaping we are given through our children that we actually impact more lives than we would have had God not sent them from Heaven” - John Paul Jackson
The interesting thing about possessing the Charism of a Spiritual Elder, that Burning phenomenon of Charismatic Eldership, is the shaping that has had to take place to form that Charism in us - there are endless Prophetic categories, but very few real Spiritual Fathers - we should not be drawn to institutions, but rather to particular individuals in whom we sense the presence of God dwells.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
How do I get through my dark night? Even after I have given over completely, I still need a Revelation from God to enable me to take the first step in a new direction. How do I see the Light again? What do I do?
“At that most perfect of all moments, God will then pour you out on the people He takes you to. And those He brings across your path, will drink from you and be filled with God’s goodness, the rich goodness that God took so much effort to produce in you. At this time in your life you can be poured into any shape of container the Lord desires you to be poured into. This moment is worth the wait for both you and them.” John Paul (first post in the series)
Thank you….
Years ago I stopped you at a conference at the Bridge Orlando and simply encouraged you in your monthly letters. At the time were “spiritual IV’s” as I traversed my own Dark Night of the Soul. I have enjoyed watching this process of your evolving writings and how they bring such encouragement to so many people. I hear God speak through the truths you present and find myself weeping and crying simultaneously - God’s timing is so perfect and I “see” His hand in my life, even in dark times, as my faith increases. As I continue on this incredible journey, I thank God for the Sages that have gone on before and for The King who is, as one man pointed out in a comment, “I AM with you.” That alone is good……
Blessings to you and your family
we too have been blessed with 9 children Selah is in heaven cheering us on the last one her twin has down syndrome his name is jacob dublin until we get the blood test he was touched by the father at the albany revival with doug statton present we count the son in law the oldest married a nurse now and the six at home the 18 year old off to college this fall talk about dark knights we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and warring angels and covered in the blood and yet hopefully when crushed but not dead we reveal the messiah or like paul we are resurrected to continue the good fight which the battle is the Lords and he prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies who are defeated i will live and declare the works of the father more love more fire more joy Shalom
Thank you, John Paul.
When you started writing about the dark nights, I thought I was at the end of a dark night. I have discovered that the light I saw at what I perceived to be ‘the end of the tunnel’ was a strategically placed light of hope to encourage me along the way. I have learned that the fight I am in is not about the object of the fight, but rather about the Words He has spoken regarding the object. I hold on to Him and His Words. The war is about Him, His Word, His faithfulness, not about the ‘thing.’
If what He has spoken doesn’t happen, could it be because I didn’t believe Him? Perhaps because I don’t really believe in His total commitment to me, because deep down inside I question my total commitment to Him? The guys in the firey furnace said “Our God is capable of rescuing us, but even if He doesn’t…” Their statement wasn’t about a lack of faith, but of faith in God and Who He is. That is the kind of faith being cultivated in me during this time. More important is the level of commitment to Him I’m discovering exists inside me.
The great thing about being in a situation that only a miracle can resolve is that it gives the opportunity for a miracle to happen! You said that in your post. He will conquer and therefore I will conquer, not in my own strength, but in His strength and in the strength of His Word. I can’t do it anymore. I can’t fight anymore. It’s time to stand and watch the God of My Salvation perform wonders.
Bless you.
Amiable fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you seeking your information.
Thank you for this teaching, such a shame we can’t hear this type of teaching in the church. Feeling that I have gone through this darkness, I thought I was going crazy and needed to be comitted into a mental hospital. The level of darkness and loneliness seemed unbearable at times.
My question is will there be different levels of Darknights of the Spirit, that must be overcome?
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!
May God continue to abundantly bless you!
Hey Gang,
Thanks cm just to hear that someone understands what this feels like. Only a miracle! That is what we have to have faith in. We look back over our lives and we realize that we never got it right, we were never in control and yet the Lord has kept us all these years. Is he going to change and now let us down? He doesn’t change. We change. It is my hope and prayer that when I come into contact with people that what I am experiencing will somehow benefit them. That in my pain, his love and mercy will be extended to them. And when we get to heaven we have to have some really good stories to sit around with David, Moses, Father Abraham, Joshua, and Mary, his mother. The great cloud of witnesses are cheering us on. So, let’s just stand firm and endure and enjoy the little moments of refreshment that come our way. I can tell you that it is not in a church building where the Lord meets me. I trust the Holy Spirit to bring the church (people) to me and he is.
Linda and Shirley, We have an apartment now but have so little. My husband says I’m not grateful but it seems scarier now than before. Not having a car or a washing machine or an air conditioner to me is really scarry. But then I remember my ancestors who made due with what little they had and I know its possible. Maybe the Lord is getting us ready to help others lead a more simple life. But this transformation is excruciatingly painful. I look back on my life and I know that I did not make good decisions and this is the fruit of my life. But I also know that the Lord forgives me and loves me completely even in my failure to live up to the world standards.
Linda, I was looking for your comments about your dream. I know that Heidi Baker when she encountered such extreme poverty in Africa cried out for the Power and she received. And the African revival is the result. I am now crying out for the same Power here in my little section of the world. I see extreme suffering every day. And there is nothing I can do for anybody without that POwer. Let’s pray that we receive like Heidi and Roland did. And turn America into a flame of fire where we really get excited about Jesus. In Africa, they dance and worship and get excited about Jesus that is very different than what is happening in America. My friend just came back from there and he gets do disappointed in our gatherings. Power from the Holy Spirit and miracles. That is what we want like John Paul said, “new wine, outpourings”. So we pay the price! I know that if we never meet on this shore that I will be rejoicing with you my sisters and brothers on that other shore. And then we can kick it about how all this was such a trip. Wow! Keep the good words coming as you are breathing life into me every day that I make this little trip to the library (with its air conditioning) and look forward to Coffee Talk! Blessings, Holly
Hi Holly:
It seems that I fall asleep to Coffee Talk up on my computer. My husband has to wake me up, just to go to bed in a comfortable position,
lol. Where would we be without this wonderful blog called Coffee Talk? I am sure God would be up to something,He is always thinking cause He never sleeps nor slumber. This truth is so comforting. He is full of surprises as I was awakening from sleep, He placed long stemmed roses on my shelf in my room. I thought to myself how did my husband dl that and then I realized they were from heaven, lol :). They were so thick and not made out of the same substance as roses made on the earth. I thought He was up to something when He sent a fragrance of fresh flowers from heaven on Sunday. I kept asking everyone in my family if they were ssmelling what I was smelling and they couldn’t perceive it. One day they will, lol 
Good for you Holly with the air conditioned library. I use to work in a library setting years ago and its like a monastery. Gods best kept secret other than a church :), lol. Do you know anything about hydroponic gardening? We also live in a small place with a lot of deck, hall and wall space and we are considering growing fruits, vegetable and peas all year round hydroponically. We actually found a store by accident :)that sells the equipment in the area. Not expensive at all. This is a year round thing. You wouldn’t need too much space to begin and start simple and inexpensively. I’ll let you know more when we get started. This will save on groceries and we may even have enough to sell for a small profit. I am sure that the library has som information on this. People are starting to grow things hydroponically in the inner cities. Well, it was nice chatting with you.
I once was homeless with a couple of children years ago and when I gave it all to the Lord, He promised me that I wouldn’t be without a home again. You see a home is more than the 4 walls in which we dwell, its a condition of the heart. Home is where the heart is and thank God that when we receive Jesus into our heart, He receives us and He makes His home in us and this is why we can now truly say, there’s no place like home because Jesus dwells with us and in us. Holly, you are in a very special place with Jesus. I love you sister of mine. You are special! Bless You. I am humbled, as I witness His love for you.
Shirley C.
wow, thank you for laboring this way…for every thing… just thank you! So beautiful, and so encouraging… with every post I feel rejuvenated, and strengthened to grab on to truth and hack away through another layer of this misty forrest! Even in its dark chapters I can feel the enchanted chivalry in the whole experience…!
One of the most life altering books I have ever read is “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell-a true story of a Navy Seal who was the only one in his unit to survive his mission. He describes the intensity of the training, and how he can spot another seal in a crowded airport by the way he walks, the very way he carries himself. Being trained to walk out your finest hour under the worst conditions… to rise up when your emotions dictate a breakdown truly does require the most intense training. But you can for sure recognize your tribe, and the rhythm they walk to makes something inside you rise up.
Some days when I get tired of how long it’s taking to get out of this dark pit, I think about how navy seals are trained to breathe the longest under water. Maybe there is a reason we need to know how to breathe longer under water. I have struggled with fear…but I cannot afford to hit anymore panic buttons. I am ever compelled to steady my breathing… moving forward. . .
Hey everyone, thanks for the awesome posts.. I get super excited when i think about you guys.. like fellow members of a family or something. Bless you all! JDC
Thanks John Paul, your write up on this matter is profound and accurate, rare to find in current-times christianity. I have never seen such darkness before, and churches are in deep sleep. Leaders are not even aware the days are extremely dark and go about their daily regular routines. Very few knows Him nowadays.
Hey Shirley and others,
Its funny you mentioned hydroponic gardening as this week I worked in the inner city community garden greenhouse and we are starting a hydroponic garden. They are going to have fish in one tank to produce the fertilizer and plants in the other one. They are employing the homeless and those who recently received housing. Pray for more support in all the inner cities as it is vital to have work and feel productive. Its like the Holy Spirit is flowing bringing teams of all parts of the community together until we are all focused on one thing, JESUS! YEAH!!!!!!
Thank you JRobe for your comments. It is exactly as you describe. We are being delivered from our fears and we have to have that controlled breathing as we learn to keep flesh submitted. Jesus is quite the master builder when it comes to us! Blessings, Holly
Holly,
As you serve in this garden area may you see that Jesus delights in you–His garden.
He is watering, fertilizing, cultivating your land (person) so that a beautiful aroma–heavenly fragrance–and His beauty will shine for all to see.
Hallelujah!!! You are chosen by Him to go through these trials and tests so He can come forth in you. He knows exactly the amount of pressure to exert during these hard times–your strength comes from Him to become a tremendous overcomer whose life is a testimony for others.
You will feed and water many people in the years to come. You will scatter seed to those less fortunate and help them also grow into walking out a victorious life in Jesus!!!
Look for unexpected blessings to run you down soon!!!
Love you sis,
Linda
….thank you Holly for the blessing!
John Paul, thank you again for sharing.
I am sure it is no coincidence that I read this post this evening. It was just last week that I saw a possibility that my granddaughter might have Asperger syndrome. The Lord seemed to show me that, if so, this could be an aspect of her destiny that would offer the opportunity for her parents to become more loving people, though it might be very painful for both of them. Your words and your understanding are a confirmation to me.
I would also like to add that I am very grateful for the way in which you are able to give understanding and relevance to spiritual writings that are centuries old, for those of us living in the 21st century.
Thanks John Paul for the series of posts regarding “the Dark Night”. I am going through my dark night. I sensed the darkness was coming-things were going to wonderfully for me- yet I received warning last summer in dreams (a series of dreams w/ pythons trying to kill me). Unfortunately, I was still blindsided. I had no idea that the person I loved the most would betray me. I was so happy-caring for my 3 sons- and pregnant with my fourth. It has been 10 months and such a literally- series of blows that I am now finally accepting that my situation is real- that it’s not going to go away. I was doing so well initially- thanking God amidst the difficult circumstances, in awe of God making himself known in so many ways- however, recently- I find myself feeling more and more hopeless, trapped by what has happened wondering “how can I live with what has happened”, anxious about the future, angry, bitter and feeling so sorry for myself. Pathetic right? I have gone through so much Christian counseling. How do I come out of this? I’m floundering. I feel trapped.
Dear Rosie:
The Lord hear’s your cry. He is close to you because you call upon His name. He is concerned with all that concerns you because you are His Beloved. Here is a link to a radio show on Blog Talk that will encourage you:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wscirofaithtalksliveprayer/2010/08/01/faith-talk-live-prayer–topic-crying-out-faith-in-#divFollowing
Bless You & Your Family,
Shirley C.
More Love More Power more of You Father now is the day of healing nowincrease your joy now Shalom
This topic is exactly what I need to hear to get through this “dark night of the spirit” that I have been going through. You don’t get this teaching from the Churchianity that is passed off as Christianity (even that is a form of darkness if not at least a lack of light). The blogs on this topic give me strength and encouragement for this battle that I’m not finding elsewhere. I wish you would write a whole book on this topic!
Dark night of the soul part 3 took me through a really hard time. It was as if I wrote it. I felt I had lost the presence of the Lord, not salvation, but Him. I realized I would give all I had, anything, to be restored. Nothing could take His place and I would die if that separation didn’t end. Only He could give me life and I knew I had no other source. This only lasted a few days and then it ended. Just seeing through another’s eyes helped. I want so much to read the last part. Is there a link to the 4 parts.