ANSWERING THE CALL AMIDST DARKNESS
Have you ever felt the Lord's call to enter a new season, city or job, only to be met with a landscape of darkness and dismay upon arrival? Have you ever questioned if you heard His voice correctly when it seems like the place He sent you is devoid of His presence and power? Oftentimes, we question whether we heard Jesus right when faced with environments and missions that don’t match our expectations. Do you continue on or retreat? You might even wonder, "What impact can I truly make in such a place?"
I vividly recall a similar season when God led my family and me to run a program for at-risk children in an old gym in Lewiston, CA. Most of these kids had absent fathers, and many lived in perilous home environments. Witnessing their despair and pain, I grappled with a sense of hopelessness. I was plunged into an environment filled with stories of darkness and brokenness from teenagers who had no idea who Jesus was. What started as a brief commitment extended to five years!
In this seemingly dark season, we witnessed profound breakthroughs as children committed their lives to the Lord, embraced moral values, and, amazingly, it's where we met the boy that would later become our adopted son. It's incredible how God manifests His presence in these seemingly dark spaces, unveiling His glory.
THE SEASON OF THE OWLS
Several years ago, as I was getting up to speak at the School of Worship, God stopped me in my tracks and prompted me to prophesy over the students before delivering my sermon. He spoke clearly:
"The epoch has shifted, and a new prophetic mascot is needed. The eagle is no longer the mascot; it's the owl. The owl is nocturnal, so it is designed to live in the night, to see through the darkness and to know who’s who. Symbolizing wisdom, it feeds on rats and snakes."
This message wasn't solely for the students but for every believer—a revelation for the epoch we're entering as a church! The owl's ability to pierce darkness and maintain clarity of vision is innate. Likewise, God is endowing us with new eyes to see through the darkness, uncovering the invaluable worth within individuals—precious souls who are wrapped up in sin, just waiting to be recovered and set free. This is our mandate as sons and daughters of the king to carry the Kingdom into the darkest corners of society, bringing the wisdom we possess as believers.
"The epoch has shifted, and a new prophetic mascot is needed. The eagle is no longer the mascot; it's the owl. The owl is nocturnal, so it is designed to live in the night, to see through the darkness and to know who’s who. Symbolizing wisdom, it feeds on rats and snakes."
This message wasn't solely for the students but for every believer—a revelation for the epoch we're entering as a church! The owl's ability to pierce darkness and maintain clarity of vision is innate. Likewise, God is endowing us with new eyes to see through the darkness, uncovering the invaluable worth within individuals—precious souls who are wrapped up in sin, just waiting to be recovered and set free. This is our mandate as sons and daughters of the king to carry the Kingdom into the darkest corners of society, bringing the wisdom we possess as believers.
WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS...
I recently sat down for a conversation with DJ and music producer, Topher Jones, known as King Topher, to discuss christianity in the rave scene, and how lives are being transformed through the dynamic fusion of faith and electronic dance music (EDM). Topher has played shows in over 20 countries, including the mainstage at Tomorrowland, which for those who don’t know, is the biggest dance music festival in the world! Festivals like Tomorrowland, are notorious for being filled with drugs, sex and immorality.
Despite entering a culture that celebrates sin, Topher enters with a Kingdom mindset and a heart to share Jesus through his music…and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17)! Rave Jesus was born out of that very desire to create an intentional place to release a battle cry of hope, joy, and creativity, fueling a rebellion of light against the darkness with each beat.
THE TIME IS NOW
During our interview, Topher recounted the life-altering moment when he first experienced dance music as a child. He expressed, “It was the moment my life changed forever.
I knew this is what I was made for.
”
The truth is, God places calling and destiny within each of us. He not only calls but also equips us with His presence for the journey. Whether you're called to be an artist, a business owner, a politician, parent, missionary, or mechanic, it is all a sacred act of worship. God is awakening us to arise and shine as leaders fully equipped to go to the darkest places on the planet.
My prayer for you today is that this conversation reignites the aware ness of your divine mission. For those who've placed their calling on the shelf due to disappointment or weariness pick it back up! For the weary, the Lord promises to comfort, strengthen and empower you for the work.
What sacred work is God asking you to engage in? How is God inviting you to partner with Him to disciple nations today? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
