The Vision:
In my quiet time, the Lord sent me a vision.
In the vision, I saw a dimly lit space surrounded by concrete walls. I noticed these gnarly steel train tracks coming into view. Then, once the scene fully materialized, I realized I was seeing the inside of a subway tunnel.
I asked God, "Lord, what is this?" And He said, "Tunnel vision."
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:2-4
"When Hezekiah realized that Sennacherib also intended to attack Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military advisers, and they decided to stop the flow of the springs outside the city. They organized a huge work crew to stop the flow of the springs, cutting off the brook that ran through the fields. For they said, "Why should the kings of Assyria come here and find plenty of water?"
King Hezekiah + The Incoming Attack:
King Hezekiah, the son of King Ahaz, was the thirteenth king of Judah. He was a good king whose heart was set on doing what was right for the Lord. In this scripture, he learns that the enemy, Sennacherib (an Assyrian ruler), has begun attacking Judah and also intends to come seige Judah's capital city, Jerusalem.
Let's Review The Meaning of "Seige"
Seige: "a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, to compel the surrender of those inside."
Outside of its city walls lay Jerusalem's sole water source: The Gihon Spring. This spring was an essential supply for the people of Jerusalem, used for drinking, ceremonies, watering their crops, etc.
Hezekiah knew that Sennacherib would try to cut off that water source to force Jerusalem's surrender. So, in preparation, Hezekiah decided to divert the water into the city, where Sennacherib couldn't access it and where the people of Jerusalem could always draw from it.
**Reflection Question: What essential supplies/resources are you dependent upon to survive?**
For this, Hezekiah instructed his workers to build a tunnel. This tunnel would be the path through which the water could flow into Jerusalem. Two groups of workers gathered on opposite sides of the city, and they cut through stone until they eventually met in the middle. An inscription they left behind explains how they could hear their fellow stonecutters holler from the other side of the rock as they took their final blows and the tunnel was complete.
**Reflection Question: Hezekiah's tunnel enabled the people to be more self-sufficient by providing them with their own water source within the city walls. Instead of going out into the world to get it, they now had their own. No enemy could take it away, and it would last for generations to come (spring water flows through Hezekiah's tunnel 'til this day!). How can you start preparing your own supply of resources that will last for generations?**
What Provoked the Attack:
King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father, did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord. He was disobedient. During his reign, he made treaties with the Assyrians. More specifically, he made a deal with Tiglath-Pileser III (an Assyrian ruler and father of Sennacherib). He agreed to pay the Assyrians in exchange for the protection of Judah. This payment, also known as tribute, was a symbol of submission, allegiance, and subordination to the enemy.
Eventually, Hezekiah took over as king and broke the treaties his father had made. His faith in God was too strong to be in agreement with the enemy, so he stopped giving payment to the Assyrians. As you can imagine, this did not sit well with the Assyrians and provoked the attack Sennacherib started against Judah.
Today's Message:
You've been spiritually maturing, and much like Hezekiah, you've been breaking the treaties made generations before you (i.e., breaking generational curses).
And guess what? The enemy is pissed.
Lucky for us, we serve a God who is strategic. He's trying to alert you that the enemy now sees you as a threat. And that's okay because I've said it before and will say it again...the enemy is a NINCOMPOOP.
We already know how he'll try to attack. This scripture shows it. He thinks that if he attacks your essential resources — your job and income, the local grocery stores, and the banks — he believes that will make you crumble.
But what God is saying is, "I just need you to prepare." Yes, a famine is approaching the world. Yes, banks may go under. Yes, there will be food shortages.
Proverbs 12:21: "No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble."
Believe it or not, while chaos ensues in the world, you'll be stepping into that financial freedom you've always desired. You'll have your land and your crops. You'll be able to provide for your family. The promises God has given to you will come to pass. That's what this season was setting you up for.
You thought this past season was as good as it could get. And you've been so scared of losing it. Contemplating whether to quit and afraid God would let you fall back to the bottom.
But don't quit. Baby, it's time to have tunnel vision.
You've got to focus and look past the mini arrows that fly by day.
A co-worker says something rude? "Lord, I pray against the spirit of offense."
Are you worried about a family member? "Lord, I lay my worries at your altar and trust that you will supply all needs according to your riches in glory."
And while you carry on with your day-to-day, start building your own tunnel. (No, do not get all Fred Flintstone and go outside chiseling through rocks, lol.)
But what I'm saying is, start funneling resources into your own supply. Take actions like:
- Tithe 10% of your first fruits (This could look like tithing 10% of your paycheck to your church, buying a meal for someone in need when you get paid instead of stuffing your face first, etc. Why? Malachi 3:10.)
- Save (Put a little in the bank and a little in the mattress.)
- Invest in stocks (Download Robinhood or any other investment app you feel comfortable with. Buy a few stocks. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the right companies to invest in, but also don't overthink to the point that it keeps you in a state of inaction.)
- Purchase a Certificate of Deposit (CD) (This is a form of a savings account that typically comes with a higher than average interest rate. YouTube University can teach you more about it.)
- Become a plant mom or dad (Run to Home Depot and get you some soil, seeds, etc.). You can't pray for crops and land if you don't make the effort to learn how to plant. You can also plant indoors - a windowsill or indoor grow light works wonders.)
- Invest time and money into that side project God told you to do. Remain consistent in it.
- And, of course, no matter the season, always remember to keep first aid & meal kits on hand.
Proverbs 31:21 NLT: "She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes."
In this season, God is leading us to take up a posture of preparedness. Continue to carry out your days with joy, but move wisely. Do not live in fear, but move in faith, knowing that through your obedience, God can elevate you.
And even in that elevation, remember the mission. None of it is truly about us. Instead, the purpose of it all is so God can get the glory. When calamity strikes, yet we're untouched and unscathed, the others will wonder and ask, "How is it that you're still standing?" And we'll answer, "Jesus."
This entire passage from 2 Chronicles 32 is powerful (please read it) because it even discusses how the Assyrians were mocking God and, ultimately, how the Lord struck them down and showed them He is not to be played with. That He is the one true living God. You'll also see other behaviors of Hezekiah you can learn from - (all of which I'd love to cover here, but I know this was already a lot.)
And finally, even deeper than any physical resources, baby, don't let anybody take your faith. Do not allow your faith to be dependent upon the world and what's going on in politics, media, or any other external factors. Make sure your faith is firmly rooted in God's word, who He says He is, and what He says He will do for you. Period, point blank.
I love you so much; my heart is truly filled. It took me days to type this out, fighting against the urge for it to be perfect. But here, at this moment, the Holy Spirit flowed, so I'm thankful for whoever it reaches, and I pray it goes forth to produce fruit in your life. May you experience miracles and supernatural faith, in Jesus' name. Amen 🙏
With Gratitude,
