Ever since the pandemic lockdown began in 2020, I have been hoping as everyone that the new year will be more stable and peaceful. I’ve stopped hoping for this wishful thinking and rather ask God what is ahead for the new year. I’m reminded that when it is dark, then the light of Jesus Christ becomes brighter and more powerful.

Even without reading the daily news, it is pretty obvious that the darkness is getting darker all over the world. I’ve been sensing a greater urgency to step up to the challenge of being a light source for those around me (especially with the nonbelievers and to point them to Jesus Christ).

Last week I was talking with a ministry friend, Lydia and I was sharing with her the urgency I was feeling about 2024, and that I believe there will be even more turbulence coming. We ended our conversation with time of prayer. When my friend was praying for me, I saw myself as a traffic cop who was directing a very busy intersection. I wore a traffic cop uniform with white gloves, holding a stop sign and even a whistle too. I heard in my spirit that I need to be the traffic cop that I’ve been trained to be. And that I need to use the authority as a traffic cop, to use the instincts that I have been given, and the rules that I have learned to direct this busy intersection with cars and many pedestrians looking to me to direct them on when to cross safely etc. I also felt that it’s important to have confidence and trust in the Lord who assigned me to do this work. As a traffic cop, safety is my priority. Whatever is coming for 2024, it’s very important to trust and obey.

I shared this analogy with a couple of friends about how I’m feeling about 2024. I’ve never felt this way before about any upcoming year. Before a tsunami 🌊 hits the coastline, the local animals and birds have intuitive sense to climb higher and away from the lower land areas. This is what I’m feeling right now about 2024. Hopefully I’m wrong but as of now I’m feeling that we need to double-down in our prayers and intercessions. We need to climb higher and more frequently in our prayer intercession. Our prayers will help us for whatever is coming up for 2024.

I also am led to start another prayer group at my church at a different day and time. Opening up a prayer group feels like opening a store. As a store manager I open up the store and then wait for the customers to come. I’ve noticed that many people come when they need something but a few stay and become workers themselves and maintain the store with me.

I’ve prayed about this and requested to God that I’d like to have a co-leader to work with me in this new prayer group. I believe I have the right person in mind. Her name is Mary from my church and we pray frequently together. I got to know her well when my daughter was going through the most difficult time with her ED and anxieties. She’s been a wonderful ally and friend. I’ll ask her once the holiday is over.

Another ministry prayer friend shared this message with me and it’s really eye opening. It’s about Islam and the end times. It’s very long but pace yourself and hear the whole message. I don’t know what to think about all the heavy information but I’m holding onto them in the back of my mind and being prayerful about the message.

https://www.youtube.com/live/vQaprBnztKM?si=9Zpx_yyFGVA9MuI8

Powerful testimony by Derek Prince “A Stormy Christmas In The Holy Land”

https://ifapray.org/blog/a-stormy-christmas-in-the-holy-land/