Are You Prepared for a Double Portion?

Are you prepared for lack? I ask this because change is inevitable. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, AMP).

In my life right now I am taking a pay cut. And in my flesh, the devil is attempting to persecute me. But in the Spirit, I am very well aware that with God’s guidance, it is strategic.

There are times when we must trust God. Even as it seems that our lives are in a state of stagnation. It may be a lesson that we haven’t learned. Or a trial that we continue to fail in. Or in preparation for what is to come.

Feeling as if we have to take a few steps back. As if we are being punished. Knowing in our hearts that we are walking in obedience.

We are not perfect and will make mistakes along the way. But this digression may be for a few reasons.

Why Do I Feel Stuck?

1) God is preparing a blessing so monumental that He will prevent us from walking into it prematurely. It takes time.

“‘Bring all the tithes (the tenth)into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it'” (Malachi 3: 10, AMP).

2) To test our hearts as to how much we love Him. Whether in plenty or in scarcity.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Romans 8: 28, AMP).

3) He is observing how prudent we are with the resources that he gives us. How well we have prepared to walk in every season.

Remember the ant. “Which having no chief, overseer or ruler, she prepares her food in the summer and brings provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest” (Proverbs 6: 7-8, AMP).

The Change of Seasons is Inevitable

You see I have been here many times before. And although there is always room for improvement. I have to thank the LORD for how He layed the groundwork. And makes provisions.

Let me warn you. This can only come by faith, truth, and obedience. Core values that are needed to increase and grow in the fruits of the Spirit. As God takes you by the way of David and Joseph. Realize that it was not easy for them.

They were hated by family and friends. Attempts were made on their lives. They faced betrayal, famine, hunger, and imprisonment. Just to name a few.

It was a slow process for both. And even though God manifested His glory, spiritual blessings, and presence early in their lives. Years, even decades went by before they truly began to reap the physical blessings.

God is Our Rock

Apply what Jesus said in His Word to yourself. “And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16: 18, KJV).

Christ himself spoke about rebuilding in the form of His resurrection. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it” (John 2: 19, KJV).

But keep in mind the importance of giving and forgiving. Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Even your enemies. As much as possible.
Because you will have to interact with those you may not like.

This cannot be avoided. It does not mean that you must seek them out. And purposefully insert yourselves in their lives.

Seek Courage and Moral Integrity

As a nurse, I walk in this. And as a nurse, I watch the hypocrisy, unprofessionalism, and evil of those who don’t. So, take this to heart. And while doing so, set your boundaries.

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you [only] love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

“If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

“If you lend [money] to those from whom you expect to receive [it back], what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to receive back the same amount.

“But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because (now pay attention) He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked” (Luke 6: 31-35, AMP).

Don’t Forget Forgiveness and Humanity

Jesus loves mercy and compassion. His reward. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6: 38, KJV).

Remember Job at this time in your life. When the devil is attempting to vex your spirit. What is key is that even though his “friends” were wrong God held Job to a higher standard. Then the blessings were released. “The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42: 10, AMP).

I am going to confirm this again before I end. Listen!!! “Instead of your [former] shame you will have a double portion; and instead of humiliation your people will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy will be theirs” (Isaiah 61: 7, AMP).

Addendum: Further Confirmation

I am reading in the book of Zechariah and after I finished writing this I happened upon this scripture. “Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], O prisoners who have the hope; (another fruit of the spirit!) Even today I am declaring that I will restore double [your former prosperity] to you [as the firstborn among nations]” (9: 12, AMP).

I choose to respond humbly, as David did. “And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it forever, and do as thou hast said” (2 Samuel 7: 25, KJV).