Divine Preparations: Embracing Destiny and Overcoming Adversity
Summary
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in God’s unfolding plan for our lives and for this house. The Lord is stirring up a fresh sense of destiny, reminding us that the delays and frustrations we have experienced are not denials, but divine preparations. In seasons where prophetic promises seem to linger, God is at work, stripping away the ambitions and ego of the flesh, so that when fulfillment comes, it is clear that it is God alone who has accomplished it. We are entering a new era where the long-awaited visions and promises will be realized with speed and clarity, and the harvest will be greater than we can imagine.
God is raising a remnant—those who remain faithful, unwavering, and loyal to His blueprint. This remnant is not defined by numbers, but by depth, character, and spiritual nobility. Like special forces, a few will accomplish what many cannot, because they are built on the foundation of Christ, walking in apostolic and prophetic identity. The Lord is calling us to put our house in order, to be found trustworthy and steadfast, for the appointed time is near. Our role is to humble ourselves, endure the process, and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, knowing that the process is ours, but the timing is God’s.
The adversary, though defeated, seeks to abort destinies through subtle means—fear, anxiety, discouragement, and internal cracks in our soul. His primary weapon is intimidation, but he is only a counterfeit lion. The true Lion, the Lion of Judah, roars through us when we stand firm in faith and discernment. We are called to be sober and vigilant, cultivating inner serenity and prophetic sensitivity, so that we can resist the adversary with immovable conviction. Faith is not denial of reality, but a response to a higher realm—the verdict of God’s word.
Every time there is a movement in the spirit, a breakthrough, or a new season, the adversary will attempt to oppose. But this is a sign that we are on the verge of something significant. The peace of Christ within us is our anchor in every storm, enabling us to speak peace into chaos and to stand unshaken. God is releasing a season of miracles, healing, and restoration. The Prince of Peace is visiting this house, and as we echo His word over every situation, we will see His glory revealed in unprecedented ways.
Key Takeaways
- Divine Delays Are Preparations, Not Denials
When God seems to delay the fulfillment of His promises, it is often to purify our motives and strip away the fleshly ambitions that would taint His glory. In these seasons, He is preparing us so that when the vision is fulfilled, it is unmistakably His work alone. The process is as important as the promise, and we must not lose our passion or joy in the waiting, for God is reigniting our hearts for what is to come. [13:13]
- The Remnant Carries the Blueprint of Revival
God’s remnant is not defined by size but by depth, loyalty, and integrity. These are people who refuse to compete with the world or step outside God’s boundaries, but instead build according to His divine pattern. The remnant’s prayers and faithfulness preserve the kingdom heritage and become the seedbed for revival and restoration in the land. [07:31]
- The Appointed Time Belongs to God, But the Process Belongs to Us
While the timing of our breakthrough is in God’s sovereign hands, the preparation and process are our responsibility. We must humble ourselves, remain faithful, and endure God’s scrutiny, allowing Him to build character and fruitfulness in us. When the appointed time comes, all the forces of heaven and earth align to fulfill God’s purpose, and nothing can stand in the way. [31:06]
- The Adversary’s Main Weapon Is Internal—Discern and Resist
The enemy specializes in subtle sabotage—using fear, anxiety, discouragement, and internal strongholds to abort destinies. He is not the true lion, but a counterfeit who thrives on intimidation. Our victory comes through cultivating inner serenity, prophetic discernment, and steadfast faith, resisting the adversary by standing immovable on God’s word and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. [35:31]
- Peace Is an Internal Force That Overcomes External Storms
True peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ’s serenity within, even in the midst of chaos. When we are anchored in God’s peace, we can speak calm into every storm and become a channel of miracles and healing for others. The Prince of Peace is visiting us, and as we echo His word, we will see restoration, healing, and the manifestation of God’s glory in our midst. [01:19:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Honoring Relationships and Spiritual Connections
[04:53] - Prayer for the United Kingdom and the Remnant
[10:43] - Invalidating the Adversary: Introduction
[11:39] - Prophetic Word from Ezekiel: Delays and Fulfillment
[14:45] - Purification Through Delay and the Coming Harvest
[19:24] - Special Forces: The Remnant’s Unique Calling
[24:17] - 1 Peter 5: The Appointed Time and Our Preparation
[32:41] - The Adversary’s Subtle Tactics and Internal Cracks
[37:11] - The Counterfeit Lion vs. The Lion of Judah
[42:01] - Cultivating Prophetic Culture and Inner Serenity
[45:14] - Steadfast Faith: Immovable Conviction
[52:53] - Completing the Cycle: No More Aborted Destinies
[59:38] - Character Formed in the Fire
[01:03:06] - The Season of Abundance and Recovery
[01:06:51] - The Adversary’s Legal Tactics and Strongholds
[01:13:25] - When the Adversary Shows Up: Signs of Breakthrough
[01:19:54] - Peace in the Storm: Testimony and Application
[01:31:01] - The Prince of Peace: Healing, Miracles, and Restoration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Divine Delays, the Remnant, and the Peace of Christ”
---
### Bible Reading
- Ezekiel 12:22-28
(Prophetic word about the end of delays and the fulfillment of God’s promises)
- 1 Peter 5:6-10
(“Humble yourselves… be sober, be vigilant… your adversary the devil… resist him, steadfast in the faith…”)
- Mark 4:35-41
(Jesus calms the storm: “Peace, be still”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Ezekiel 12:22-28, what was the common saying among God’s people, and how did God respond to it?
*(see [11:39])*
2. According to 1 Peter 5:6-10, what are believers instructed to do in response to the adversary?
*(see [24:17])*
3. In Mark 4:35-41, what was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did He respond when the disciples woke Him?
*(see [01:19:15])*
4. The sermon described the “remnant” as having certain qualities. What are some of these qualities mentioned?
*(see [18:23])*
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God sometimes allow delays in the fulfillment of His promises, according to the sermon and Ezekiel 12?
*(see [13:13])*
2. The sermon says the adversary’s main weapon is intimidation and internal sabotage. How does this relate to Peter’s instruction to be “sober and vigilant”?
*(see [35:31] and [41:29])*
3. What does it mean for the “appointed time” to belong to God, but the “process” to belong to us? How does this affect our daily walk?
*(see [31:06])*
4. In the story of Jesus calming the storm, what does the peace of Christ look like, and how is it different from just having no problems?
*(see [01:19:54])*
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon teaches that divine delays are for our preparation, not our denial. Can you think of a time when you felt delayed or frustrated in your walk with God? Looking back, do you see any ways God was preparing you during that season?
*(see [13:13])*
2. The “remnant” is described as people of depth, loyalty, and integrity who build according to God’s pattern, not the world’s. In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to “compete with the world” or step outside God’s boundaries? How can you resist that pressure this week?
*(see [18:23])*
3. The process of preparation is our responsibility, while the timing is God’s. What is one practical way you can “humble yourself under God’s mighty hand” this week? Is there a specific area where you need to be more faithful or steadfast?
*(see [31:06])*
4. The adversary often attacks through fear, anxiety, and discouragement. Are there any “internal cracks” in your soul right now—areas of worry, bitterness, or insecurity—that you need to bring to God? What step can you take to address one of these this week?
*(see [35:31])*
5. The sermon says that peace is an internal force, not just the absence of trouble. When was the last time you experienced God’s peace in the middle of a storm? What helped you anchor yourself in Christ’s peace?
*(see [01:19:54])*
6. The “Lion of Judah” roars through us when we stand firm in faith. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to stand firm and speak God’s word over it? What would that look like for you?
*(see [38:01])*
7. The pastor shared a testimony about remaining calm and speaking peace during a crisis on an airplane. Is there a current “storm” in your life where you need to echo God’s word and declare His peace? What specific words or Scriptures could you speak over that situation?
*(see [01:24:41])*
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust His timing, stand firm against the adversary, and walk in the peace of Christ no matter the circumstances.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Appointed Time and Faithful Preparation
God’s promises may seem delayed, but He is preparing us for a season of fulfillment that will be marked by His sovereignty, not our striving. In times of waiting, God often strips away our ego, ambition, and fleshly excitement, refining our motives so that when the vision comes to pass, it is clear that it is His work alone. Our role is to humble ourselves, remain faithful, and trust that the appointed time is in His hands, not ours. As we yield to His process, we become the rallying point of heaven’s favor, and everything aligns for His purpose. [25:04]
1 Peter 5:6-10 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God’s promises have been delayed? How can you humble yourself and trust His timing today, allowing Him to refine your motives in the waiting?
Day 2: Overcoming the Adversary with Discernment and Inner Conviction
The adversary specializes in subtle attacks—using fear, anxiety, doubt, and discouragement to create internal cracks that can abort destinies and truncate God’s purposes. Yet, we are called to be sober and vigilant, cultivating spiritual sensitivity and discernment. By building internal serenity and shutting down external noise, we can hear God’s voice more clearly and resist the enemy steadfast in faith. True victory comes not by intimidation or outward show, but by standing firm in the conviction of God’s word and allowing the Lion of Judah to roar through us. [41:29]
Ezekiel 12:22-28 (ESV)
“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have about the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing’? Tell them therefore, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: I will put an end to this proverb, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.’ But say to them, ‘The days are near, and the fulfillment of every vision. For there shall be no more any false vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed. But in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord GOD.’”
And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, ‘The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of times far off.’ Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be performed, declares the Lord GOD.’”
Reflection: Where have you allowed fear, anxiety, or discouragement to create “internal cracks” in your soul? What practical step can you take today to cultivate inner serenity and discernment, resisting the adversary’s subtle attacks?
Day 3: The Power of Peace in the Midst of the Storm
Peace is not the absence of external trouble, but the presence of God’s serenity within, even when chaos surrounds us. Like Jesus in the boat, we are called to draw from the peace that resides in us, releasing it through our words and actions. When we maintain internal calm, we can speak “Peace, be still” to every storm, knowing that victory is assured because the Prince of Peace is with us. This peace is activated not by circumstances, but by our connection to Christ and our willingness to echo His word over every troubled situation. [01:19:15]
Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Reflection: In what current situation do you need to draw on the peace of Christ within you? How can you practically “speak peace” into that circumstance today?
Day 4: The Adversary’s Attack Follows Breakthrough—Stand Firm
The adversary often shows up right after a spiritual breakthrough or on the verge of a major move of God, seeking to abort destinies through intimidation, negative words, and mental strongholds. Like Elijah after his victory, we can be vulnerable to fear and discouragement if we allow the enemy’s words to take root. But God calls us to renew our minds, resist the adversary, and recognize that opposition is often a sign that we are on the threshold of new levels of fruitfulness, growth, and revival. [01:05:13]
1 Kings 19:1-5 (ESV)
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.”
Reflection: Can you identify a recent breakthrough or answered prayer that was quickly followed by discouragement or fear? What truth from God’s word can you declare today to resist the adversary and stand firm?
Day 5: Bearing Fruit and Building Character Through God’s Refining Process
God’s refining process is not meant to destroy us, but to build inner capacity, character, and spiritual weightiness. True fruitfulness comes as we endure His scrutiny, allow Him to squeeze out the flesh, and embrace the fire that forms Christlike character within us. Our relevance in eternity is not measured by outward exploits, but by our alignment with God’s will and the depth of our character. As we yield to His process, we become vessels of His glory, ready to birth revival, healing, and restoration in our generation. [58:10]
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Reflection: What area of your character is God refining through current challenges? How can you embrace His process today, trusting that He is building spiritual capacity and preparing you for greater fruitfulness?
Quotes
Great times lie ahead of us. The time like I said by the spirit it will no longer be said that the promises the prophetic promises and prophecies and vision is being delayed. But thus says the spirit of God as the Lord speaks to confirm the seed of the vision. As the Lord speak to clarify and amplify his intent and purposes, we will begin to see speedy fulfillment and quick actualization. You know, one of the things I sense about this ministry is that we're by far bigger than we seem in the natural. For we know no know we no man after the flesh. [00:16:00]
I see nobility in the spirit. People that God has raised to build according to the divine pattern. I'm talking about people that will not compete with the world. People that will not step out of boundary. That's the spirit I see here. I see loyalty. Loyalty to the kingdom blueprint. I see consistency. I see integrity. That's what I see in the spirit. And heaven is declaring upon you a season of divine accolades is coming. A season of encom heaven when the Lord will release deep blessing. [00:18:32]
Heaven is raising special forces from this house when he said a little one shall be like a thousand and a small one shall be like a strong nation and I the Lord willing it in my tongue and the foundation he's laying is a careful work is laying according to order you remember when Elijah called fire and judge God judge the prophet of Ba remember that he first of all set the stones in order according to the tribe of Israel. God has given the wisdom, the insight, the foresight, the prophetic acumen to set stones in order. [00:19:59]
There's something about apostolic spirit. It's more than the anointing that comes upon is a spirit. That's why Paul said that the apostolic spirit has been at work among you with many signs and wonders through persecutions and patience. It is not just the anointing that rest. It's a spirit that heaven weaves in you, you know, and and and God is doing a work. God is doing a work. There is a place and a critical role you heaven has sent you to play in the body of Christ. [00:22:30]
When chairos time comes, the individual or the collective becomes the rallying point of favor from above. We become the center of attention in the earth. We become the center of attention in the earth. When the appointed time comes, the command of heaven's pronouncement summons the forces and elements of this present order. Praise God. I'll say that again. When Cairo times come, the command of heaven's pronouncement summons the forces and elements of this present order. [00:27:08]
The appointed time is not up to us the appointed time is up to him it's not up to our zeal it's not up to our ability to pay the price you cannot fast 200 days at stretch to move the hand of God's appointed time. You wait through it through fasting, through believing, through speaking the word. Praise God. We wait through the appointed time. The appointed time. You see, when the appointed time comes, nothing else is relevant. The adversaries, the opposition of darkness is not relevant. [00:29:27]
The buildup that is to mean that we must be found faithful. We must be found trustworthy. We must be found unwavering. We must be found what? Faithful. We must be found what? Thrust worthy. Trustworthy. We must be found unwavering. Praise God. It will require that we see through the process by showing the willingness to pay the price. It will require that we learn to receive the help of the spirit to endure the scrutiny of God. [00:31:30]
Our adversary has got a specialty. It specializes in codifying and plotting spiritual setbacks. The devil is you know after redemption after the sacrifice of Jesus equation changes. The devil became defeated. God stripped him naked. He ripped him off his influence and authority. Listen to me that I haven't said there are certain elements, satanic elements that the word of God tells us to draw a lot of attention to. Let me give you an example. When the Lord Jesus said, "Be wise as." [00:32:49]
The adversary here, so the adversary specializes in codifying and plotting spiritual setbacks. It specializes in formulating abortion of prophetic destiny. Praise God. You see when prophetic destiny is truncated that is equivalent to casualty and reation in the spirit. Amen. That's equivalent to avoc. And he uses a subtle approach subtle approach to wreck havoc in the spirit. that is to truncate divine purposes. He uses he he uses a subtle approach to abort destinies and plot setbacks. [00:33:31]
By using anxiety, worrying, negativity, doubt, unbelief, bitterness, offense, discouragement, rejection, insecurity. He uses those subtle elements. Praise God. That's why the Lord Jesus said that okay in dealing with the issue of the appointed time, you need to cast all your cares ab, worrying and anxiety, don't let the enemy capitalize on them. cast them upon him and you lean on the love of God because he cares for you. [00:34:08]
The word vigilant is taken from the root word, the Greek word greor. Gregori. The word gregori means to stay awake. To elevate vision. I stay awake. I elevate my vision. To look inward. Gregori. It's it also means discernment. That's another word where the word discernment is used. There are a couple of word that means discernment. In other words, be prophetic. Praise God. We should be what? Be prophetic. If you're going to expose and overcome the adversary, you must be prophetic. [00:35:41]
Faith is not denier of actual reality. Faith is not that what I see is not there. What you can see like this. Faith is not calling white blue. But faith is responding to a different realm. because I'm responding to a different realm. Once I connect and pludge to the realm of God's will, to the realm of God's verdict, I now super impose the verdict of God over that which appears literal. So it might look like is the same thing as calling denying physical reality. No, you are responding to a different world. [00:38:14]
The scrutiny of the Lord is not designed to shame us. It is not designed to ruin us. Rather, it is designed to build us. It is designed to make us. Praise God. Heaven is bringing upon us the power to endure is scrutiny. And one of the thing the scrutiny of the Lord does is that it actually inbuilds in us inner capacity. Nobody has capacity without going through fire. Go through baptism of fire. There are different way of meeting God. [00:41:58]
The quality of army God is raising a people of character. Praise God. And you know when we meet with the God of all grace another thing that happens to us you know here Peter describe our ultimate calling not from the point of view of exploit and accomplishment on earth. He said the one who has called us unto his eternal glory. So which means I could be relevant here and not be relevant there. My work may not be relevant there. [00:43:22]
All lost ground will experience recovery. Shut doors will be reopened. The Lord is increasing the capacity of our spiritual intensity. Some of us will begin to prevail in prayer and prevail in the spirit. You're going to rise up. You know something about spiritual gift and spiritual endowment. They don't die. The Lord will begin to stir up that ability, that propensity, that grace. Praise God. The Lord said, "Go show yourself to him." And when Elijah did, God did not fail him. [00:47:30]
So the Lord Jesus just drew out of the peace that was resident on the inside of him and he released it through words. So if peace does not reign on the inside. So I began to study about peace, how to activate the force of peace. And often times peace is not a function of external development and unfolding events. Praise God. Because peace does not mean everything is calm and serene on the outside. Praise God. Peace is the ability to maintain that serenity on the inside even in the face of hostility and outrage. [00:53:04]
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