While my wife related to me a story, the Holy Spirit impressed these words in my heart, "This Is Not An Exit." The Holy Spirit began to speak that there are many believers who are trying to get out of; that is, avoid trials, tests, and troubles. Though many sermons and teachings are coming to convince people that they do not have to deal with difficulties. This is in direct opposition to what the scriptures teach. The Holy Spirit brought to mind the scriptures that speaks of the trying of our faith being more precious than gold. Thus, a believer's perfected faith in valuable in the sight of God. So, He will allow us to experience difficulties and hard times to develop strong faith. This shows us that we can't try to use scriptures and other religious activities as an exit from the perfecting and maturing of our faith.

Those who may be experiencing difficulties at this moment, continue to trust in the Lord and do good. Though it does not seem right or seem fair, if you endure hardness, it will produce in you the peaceable fruits of righteous. Be encouraged knowing that other believers are experiencing what you are experiencing. Remember, there is a reward, for after you have suffered awhile, God will strengthen you, settle you, stablish you, and make you perfect in Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

God holds the course of this world in the palms of His hands. While in prayer, the words of this scripture came into my hear and mind,

Behold, I am the Lord, the god of all Flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

It was at this instant that the Holy Spirit began to say, "Many understand that nothing is too hard for God. However, they limit this to external circumstances and situations. yet, there is absolutely NOTHING too hard for God. Not only is it not hard for God to send provisions, open doors, and heal the physical body, but also it is not hard for God to forgive, heal hurts, and uplift the hearts and minds of men.

Some find it hard to believe that God can forgive them, but there is nothing too hard for Him to do. God does not struggle with forgiveness. Also, God knows how to deliver man from past hurts, emotional scars, and harmful mindsets and behavior patterns. If man will only believe, nothing is impossible; including healing and deliverance from internal struggles and fears."

I, personally, want to encourage those who have come to know Him to understand that nothing is too hard for God. Only trust Him. Doubt can no longer be an option. He is faithful, who can bring all things to pass.

We have heard prophecies for years concerning the "rain" of the Lord which is to bring revival in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Though there have been numerous prophetic utterances and confirmations of these words, there has not been a clearly manifested fulfillment of these words. In light of these things, the Holy Spirit began to bring understanding to what these things mean. In the Book of I Kings, we find the account of Ahab and Elijah where the prophet prays for rain. After this, Elijah says the following words to Ahab,

And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. (1 Kings 18:44 KJV)

The Holy Spirit began to say, "Many in the Church are looking for the "rain" of God to pour down, and it will according to God's plan and timing. However, many do not understand the fulness of God's word to the Church." The words of Elijah to Ahab reveal what constitutes the rain that will come from God's presence.

Elijah instructed Ahab to prepare. In many areas, the Church has not fully prepared herself for the rain of God through fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and sanctification. The rain of God not only will bring forth the works of God, but reveal His very nature, which is Holy.  He is holy and commands that His people be holy. If not, the rain that is to bring refreshing, renewal, and revival will bring forth His discipline instead, when it appears. Elijah said to Ahab, "that the rain stop thee not." The rain that comes to bless  could turn into a "wake up" call for many who have become sidetracked with life and themselves.

In the scriptures, when we read of rain, it was not always associated with blessings. Remember, the rain of man's judgement in the days of Noah. Though God has sworn saying, He will not destroy humankind again with rain, He made no promises not to send spiritual rain that will drown out ungodliness and irreverence from among His people while preserving that which is good (as demonstrated by Noah, his family, and the animals) that Christians will be productive in their service.

Thus the Holy Spirit challenges us on this day to prepare for His rain, expect His rain, and appreciate His rain. But we must be prepared through prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and sanctification. In doing so, He will rain down rightoeusness upon us, as He promised Israel through Hosea. Along with righteousness, the Church will be renewed, revived, restored, and refreshed as His works are demonstrated among us and through us.