I had a vision of the Grand Canyon river rapids and on it was a raft filled with people wearing life vests. There are rough waters ahead and the life vests were the armor of God. I saw some people trying to cling to the raft, but were washed away – not condemned, but to a different story for their lives. I felt like He was saying that we have been in a time of sifting and more is up ahead and we will make it as long as we hunker down and endure. I saw a sparkling calm lake – the destination.
He is building an army like Gideon’s army who were careful, thoughtful and focused. He is revealing the best of the best for His army and we can all be a part of it. Them that are washed away are them that are distracted, undisciplined, apathetic, fearful, faithless, unawares. He’s winnowing the world, a sifting out and bringing forth the best for what is to come. He is honing an army that is full of faith and consistently armored. Grace is up ahead.
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.