There’s a shift taking place in the atmosphere. Can you sense it? Though we’re people of faith and not moved by what we see or feel, you can still feel it, and it feels good! I am excited, eager, and expectant for all God has for us in the coming months. How about you? 

In 2015, while in Brazil, I had an encounter with the Lord one day while reading the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8, where the word “restore” is used multiple times. The Lord spoke very clearly to me, saying that in 2016, a season of restoration would begin for me personally, for our church, for the body of Christ, and for our nation. This word, “restore,” has been a guiding light for me ever since then, and while I have seen its fulfillment in many ways, there is more restoration to come. 

Psalm 126:1-2 in the English Standard Version says, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” 

Zion represents the church in the New Testament, and as believers, we can claim this promise of restoration. These people were not focused on their needs, problems, or giants; instead, they rejoiced in the Lord’s mighty works, which is a vital lesson for us today.

Continuing in this Psalm, verses 4-5 say, “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting.”

I absolutely love this verse. Some people have equated “sowing in tears” to crying while you sow because of the “letting go” process. However, I see it differently. There have been times in my life and ministry when I have come upon a challenging moment, moments that would justify a response of crying, but instead of yielding to those momentary feelings, I sow despite the challenge. These are the times that, as I look back over my life, I see they made a tremendous difference in my life and became turning points for me.

We must not confuse cause and effect in our walk of faith, and here is the beauty contained in that verse. It is not the harvest that causes rejoicing; rather, our rejoicing produces the harvest. This is why the Lord has been impressing upon me the importance of rejoicing and praising Him in this critical juncture of our nation’s history. 

Clearly, we are living in the last days, and as the church, we are the people of the last days. We must never lose sight of this truth because we are called to be a people of vision who see beyond the present circumstances into God’s promises. 

In Psalm 80:3, the psalmist cries out, “Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” The Passion Translation uses the word “restore” in place of “turn,” emphasizing the restoration that comes from the Lord. 

This message of restoration is not just for individuals but for our nation as well. The recent events we have seen unfold in our nation and the miraculous preservation of life we saw for President Trump have signaled a shift in the spiritual atmosphere. I believe we have plugged back into the divine flow of restoration, and we must ride this wave with faith and expectation.

I was watching a recent speech that President Trump delivered. He is, in fact, an excellent visionary. He said, “You’re not expecting big enough.” This is coming from a man who has demonstrated to the world what it looks like to build an empire and shows no signs of sitting back to enjoy what he has built. Rather, he continues to press forward because he has a mission and vision for our country.

Friend, it’s time to start expecting bigger. It’s something how you can get into a certain place and get stuck there. Because we live in a four-dimensional universe where time is one of those dimensions, there’s no escaping it. Because you’ve seen something a certain way for so long or felt a particular way for so long, you accept that position and stop dreaming, but we must change this. 

Vision is spiritual, and we need to see beyond our current circumstances. Just as Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dream led to the preservation of Egypt and his own elevation, our vision and faith can lead to restoration and elevation in our lives. 

I want to encourage you to start planning and seeing yourself with more resources, able to fulfill the purposes God has placed in your heart. There is a transfer of wealth coming to the body of Christ, enabling us to reach the lost, heal the sick, and raise up churches. 

Partner, Jesus is coming back for a glorious church, and we are part of that victorious church. As we move forward, let us not miss what God is doing. This is not about political affiliations but about recognizing the hand of God at work. We must continue to stand in faith, believe God, and take action. 

It’s time to dust off your vision and dig out the dirt that has been piled on top of it. Let the wells of living water flow in your life because we are in a season of restoration, and God is calling us to expect bigger and greater things. 

May the Lord bless you abundantly, restore all that has been lost, and fill your life with His joy and peace.