In October 2015, the Lord told me to fast for 21 days. He spoke. I obeyed. It was on the last day that the reason for the fast was to be made clear.

As I knelt in prayer, I was overtaken by an intense urge to pray in tongues. My spiritual language. The prayer came out with the intensity of a man with his shirt on fire. While praying, I began seeing a vision. I saw myself inside a membrane. It looked like the inside of a womb. Prayer came even more forcefully. In the vision, I began pushing against this smooth, white, bluish skin with many veins. Finally, I broke through to another place. Lights swirled and moved rhythmically in this place. At the center was a beautiful small home. The walls were painted with bright colors-red, blue, yellow, etc. I reached out and grasped the home in my hand. The vision immediately ended.   

“What did God just show me?” 

“Tell (my sister’s name) I will provide the home she desires,” the Lord responded.

I was excited! God had provided hope at a time when faith was growing dim. My sister had been searching for a home for almost a year. Little did we know those words would be tested.

Bad News  

On February 3, 2015, we were overjoyed at what the day had in store. This bright and sunny day was about to climax with a promise fulfilled.

At 11:50 AM, we were talking and laughing as we drove out of the parking lot of a state university. We anticipated that the day would only get better.

“Hebrew 10:23” The words interrupted our revelry. I was puzzled. Why was the Holy Spirit saying this?

My sister had just finished conducting a very dynamic workshop for the university’s Annual Teachers Conference. It was one of a few offered at the end of the conference and was well-received. Teachers filled the room. Additional chairs had to be brought in. The participants gave excellent ratings and expressed a desire for her to conduct all the workshops.

As good as the workshop had been, that was not the reason for our joy. Far better was in store. My sister’s life was about to be radically changed. Finally, it was happening!  She was about to sign the papers for her new home. With the stroke of the pen, the year of house hunting was about to end.

As we drove to the attorney’s office, my sister decided to confirm the appointment. This was the ideal time for me to look up the scripture.  

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful

I watched as the excitement drained from her face. Her eyes narrowed. Lines formed on her brow. Her tone became very stern and formal. The atmosphere became gloomy. 

Do Not Waver

In that moment, the Holy Spirit repeated Hebrews 10:23 to me. I wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. I couldn’t understand why the Holy Spirit was repeating that verse to me. A minute or two later, the answer came. The situation was about to contradict the Word the Lord had given two months ago.

Very shortly after God’s promise to provide a home, things started moving rapidly. A house was located. It checked all the boxes. Home owned by spirit-filled Christians, with great careers. They were eager to sell. Check. The Presence of God was very strong in some of the rooms. As I walked through the rooms, I knew they were a praying couple. Check. No repair was needed. Check. It was within budget. Check. All schools in that county had high ratings.  Check. Crime was very low. Check. This was the perfect home. Well, until the bad news came. 

As my sister detailed what happened, I thought deeply on the scripture. The Holy Spirit suddenly spoke again.  

What seems bad is only a delay.  I have promised and I am faithful to fulfill My word. Delay is not denial.

You must be careful of what you speak. Only confess My promise from your mouth. Meditate on it only. Let not your sight determine what you believe.”

We went home feeling a little downcast. Despite my feelings, I was confident that God’s word would stand. 

II Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

The apartment was empty. Everything had been packed into a U-Haul truck. The thought of unpacking made me weary. I was about to start unpacking when my sister told me to leave them. A few hours later, she decided to unpack only a few necessities. The beds, furniture, and other items were taken to a storage facility. Only a few items of clothing, utensils, and sheets for creating a bed were unpacked.  

I shared what God had said and encouraged her to keep believing God’s promise. Nothing should be said to anyone. Every movement must be made silently, in faith. Thank God for her obedience. Three months later, God fulfilled His word. We moved into a bigger and better home. 

Glory to God!

How to Contend for the Promise

What may we learn about how to wage an effective warfare to receive the promise of God?

Firstly, take your issue to God in prayer. Let him know your heart’s desire. I knew my sister was searching for a home but did not undertake prayer to help her. Thankfully God intervened and called me into a period of fasting and prayer.

Secondly, expect opposition to God’s promise. Things may get worse. What you see may tell you that God’s word can’t be fulfilled. 

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

When everything is moving in opposition to what God has spoken. Resolve to not be shaken by what you see. Become violent. Rejoice!  

Matthew 11:12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Thirdly, war for the promise of God. Take up your sword, which is the word of God. Your mind may tell you that it is impossible. What you see may tell you that it is too late for things to turn around. The Devil is a liar! Do not be moved by what you see. Do not let it determine what you believe. We walk by faith, not by sight.

Get the Word of God in your heart. Read the Word every day. Think deeply about the Word God has given you. Confess it daily. Only speak the word of God. Let that be your continuous daily confession.

Another strategy will be to be mindful of your conversations. Be quiet about what is happening. Share with only people who will stand in faith with you. 

Refuse to change your confession. Do not speak evil. What is evil? Complaining and speaking against God. Never do that. Unbelief displeases God. Do the opposite of how you may feel. Shout the praises of God. Bless His name. Bring to your remembrance the marvelous works of God in the earth. Remind yourself of all the wonderful things He has done for you.

Your Heavenly Father is more than capable of fulfilling His word. Whatever He has spoken shall come to pass. I know your feelings of disappointment are valid. Yet hear me. They will not allow you to receive the promise. Put your feelings behind you. Your RESPONSE must be a decision to continue to believe. Show your faith. Take action along that line. Keep on trying until you realize the promise. 

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”