Hold FAST 2023
Hold FAST 2023
Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. - James 1:12, AMP
Happy New Year. At the beginning of the year, we take time to consecrate and plan for the year ahead. Most of us have already begun a season of fasting and prayer, where we holistically devote ourselves in order to hear clearly from God. As I waited on God for direction during this fast and the year, the Lord began to impress upon me the need to hold fast. If I could summarise the impression, I would say it this way:
Hold a fast in order to be positioned to hold fast to your position.
What position should we hold fast to? It is important to clarify, as we live in world where vanity rules and everyone seeks to have a higher position. However, in the kingdom, the best position to be in is one where we have uninterrupted communion with our God. Much is promised and anticipated for the year ahead.
The number 23 is a combination of 20 and 3. In the Hebrew alphabet the letter kaf has a numerical value of 20 and is depicted as a crown (keter). This year we look forward to a crowning, not a physical crown, but the crown of life, where it is the hand of God upon us as our crown. The number 20, being twice the number 10, can also mean completeness or end of a perfect period of waiting, after which comes reward or judgment. The number 3 in Hebrew is gimel. This word can be translated to mean camel, but also means nourishment or recompense. When we study the pictorial representation for the number 3, we understand that it suggests the action of a rich man running after a poor man in order to bless him. In other words, a transfer of wealth or nourishment. When we put these numbers together, 23, we get the idea of payback and justice, and this means we are either in line for a severe judgment or absolute recovery on every side!
Justice, reward, recompense, recovery, restitution and reimbursement. All of this to the person who holds fast their position in God. However, I sense the urge to draw attention to the words ‘hold fast’. Blessings do not come without opposition. In fact, we know from scripture that the presence of turbulence is a good indication of a blessing. In the book of Luke, Jesus encourages us to look up when it seems as if the end is at hand. In the book of Mark, Jesus promised a hundredfold of everything lost – with persecution.
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. – Mark 10:30, KJV
During this year, there will be major change in the world, in the church and in the systems to which we have become familiar. There will be difficulties and challenges as God continues to shake the earth at its very foundation. When this happens, it will be easy to forget the promise of God, and let the shaking consume us. It is in those moments when we must remember to HOLD FAST. In doing so, we will be positioned to receive all that God has promised.
God bless you as you wait on Him.
Dr Clarissa Peter
Powerful word.
Thank you Dr Peter. A powerful, deep, meaningful and inspiring word.
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