"Take New Land, But FIRST be HEALED"

We are in an exciting season of advancement to step into new territory and take new land for the kingdom. After what has seemed like quite a long lull, the feeling of movement and momentum is unmistakably all around us. But, for some, I hear God issuing a persistent instruction, and that is "Take new land, but FIRST be HEALED". Yes, it can be frustrating to be finally experiencing forward movement only to be forced to take time to focus on healing. Yet, God in His wisdom sees the beginning from the end, and loves us too much to send us damaged and broken into our next season.

The children of Israel experienced this in Joshua 5 when God unexpectedly ordered a circumcising of all the Israelite men again. Those who had been born during the forty years of wilderness wanderings had not yet been circumcised. Joshua fulfilled what the Lord asked of him and the entire camp remained where they were until they were healed. God was doing something far beyond mere circumcision, though.

"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So the place has been called Gilgal to this day." Joshua 5:9

Reproach in the biblical sense means "discredit, disgrace or shame". Many of the Israelites still bore the stigma and disgrace of those who were once enslaved by the Egyptians. Add to that the generational shame of their failures in the wilderness, and it becomes very clear that they needed a mass cleansing and deliverance. Once the circumcision was complete, how powerful and freeing to the ears of the Israelites to hear God say to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." (Josh. 5:9) As they obeyed Him, God removed the shame from their former season empowering them to be able to embrace who He was calling them to be.

Now they were positioned both physically and emotionally to take the land God was giving them. They were positioned to march with confidence around the walled city of Jericho and see its walls crumble with their shouts.

As I have spent time with the Lord on this theme of healing, I want to share with you the things I hear Him speaking to those who are longing to advance forward, but are yet still needing to receive His healing.

"My children, draw near to Me and I am there, waiting for you. Receive the healing that I have for you. I want to wash away the stains, dirt, and pain from your past season. You have been in an intense battle and are tired and weary. Take off your boots and rest your feet in My healing waters.

Don't be overly concerned about your new marching orders, but be fully present in My healing waters. I am releasing a supernatural grace from Heaven for those who will REST in My Presence. Resist the urge to follow the crowd, but listen to the gentle wooing of the Dove. I do not need your work or performance, but I do need your heart. Your whole heart. Yes, I want ALL of your heart and I long to touch the places that are hardened from the unrelenting battles.

The enemy has sought to take you out, time and again, but the Lion has interceded and warred on your behalf. You walk in and are surrounded by His VICTORY. Rest in Me and breathe in deeply now the atmosphere of Heaven. It is My atmosphere, and I am releasing it over you now as you wait on Me.

Receive by faith the healing I am breathing into you. I am giving you NEW LIFE for a NEW SEASON. Shake off the grave clothes of the former season as they will not fit you any longer. You must purpose not to remain in the place of former battles, lack, or pain.

Instead, set your gaze on Me and lift your expectation to believe Me for immeasurably more than you have even thought to ask. You have believed Me for measure when I have for you abundance.

Come to Me My heavy laden one, and I will give you the gift of REST and HEALING. Drink deeply of My love for you and replenish the Living Waters that flow in and through you. My Living Water will awaken in you a renewed passion and zeal. I'm restoring your youth and giving you wings to soar like the eagle. But first, come away with Me by the still, cool waters and I will renew your soul."