There is an amazing remnant everywhere. In fact, it is bigger than a remnant. The nation is full of godly, practical, common sense people who are hungry for the things of God. Welcome to the normal: Police officers, school secretaries, moms, plumbers, students, maids, and lawmakers—normal people who lighten the world. Like a mighty army, this holy remnant is hidden and quiet but the season is changing. God has given His people a voice and He has opened doors to influence the world in the seven spheres of society: church, family, government, education, arts and entertainment, media, and business and economics.

In cities, on farms, up mountains, and across plains, people are reading their Bibles, fasting in churches, praying with friends. People of different cultures, ages, and economic status are experiencing a greater measure of conviction of sin and freedom to live rightly. In humility, denominations are putting theological differences aside because they are hungry for more of God. I believe we are in a season of preparation comparable to the time of John the Baptist, calling people to the baptism of repentance. Jesus made reference to John being like Elijah coming to restore all things, and this is the preparation—restoring our hearts to the Father.

But what comes next? God is preparing us to walk as Jesus walked. He rested, waited, listened. He carried the Father’s supernatural influence into a broken world. Jesus was relevant and practical. Where people were sick, He healed. Where there was fear, He brought peace. Where there was despair, He brought hope. In the midst of economic chaos we are desperate for something. God is shaking what can be shaken, and it is actually creating a new opportunity for us to have greater impact as we walk in the ministry of Jesus. Enter the saints of God.

We are to walk as Jesus walked by only doing what we see the Father doing, and resting, waiting, listening. These are God’s power tools to enable us to demonstrate wisdom, counsel, and understanding.

It may not look like what we think. Once, I was teaching in a YWAM training school and I embellished an illustration to help make my point. A few mornings later I awoke to the words, “You lied.” That began a conversation with the Lord that ended with me repenting to the class. Years later I was approached by a young lady who said, “You may not remember this but I want to thank you for the time you confessed to lying in my class. I was a liar and did not think it was a big deal. When you, a YWAM leader, confessed in front of the class, God convicted me that it was sin. It changed who I am. Now I am a good mother and a wife. Thank you.” It is faithfulness in the little things that trains us for a broader influence. David was passionate about his sheep. God took that passion to the front lines of the Israelite army. David was just David, who cried, “Who dares defy the army of God?” The Lord is taking us to the front lines of the kingdoms of this world and strengthening us to walk in our God-given identity. We will fell the giants that intimidate and destroy people.

Principles of Success

Jesus’ principles at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 work universally. His actions give us the footprint to carry them into the marketplace. They are difficult yet simple. If followed, you will see doors of the kingdom open. They are truth. They transcend the pagan and the pure. “Do not hate.” “Do not covet.” “Love your enemy.” “Turn the other cheek.” “Do not judge.” “Do not worry.” The more we are full of Jesus the less we will be full of self.

It is time to awaken to who God has made us to be, to what He has called us to do, and to minister to whom we are called to minister. Be encouraged. It is time for us to band together and see that America’s greatest days are ahead.

An Invitation for Alumni

Thousands have been trained through YWAM and have been called into marketplace areas with people of all walks of life. These are all now serving the Lord in the seven spheres of society.

Janne Martinsen Myrdal trained at YWAM Tyler and served 12 years on staff. Now she is a farm wife and mom, a major call in two spheres. She started a prayer group with Concerned Women for America (CWA) in North Dakota and in four years became the State Director. She works with legislators at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. She is grateful for the input many YWAM leaders sowed into her life. Teachings by Larry Allen and discipleship from Bev Kline molded Janne, affecting her destiny. Janne is serving the Lord in the seven spheres, walking through doors He opens, and people are following her lead. Families are letting their voices be heard, schools are open to abstinence teachers, and businesses are passionate about right living. She speaks the truth and people feel loved. That is bringing the kingdom of God into the seven spheres.

Just like Janne’s story, your story is His story and our story too, whether simple or profound.

Several have said, “Well, YWAM may not claim me, but I am still a YWAMer.” To those we say, “We do claim you. Once a YWAMer, always a YWAMer!”

What is God doing in your world?
What sphere of society do you feel you are called to?
Your story may help others.

Let us hear from you. Together we can further the kingdom of God. We would love to be able to tell your story in future Focus publications. Send your story to:

YWAM Tyler
FOCUS
P.O. Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771

or email us at:

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