What is God saying to us?

Lots of people are asking that question these days. And the good news is, more of us are listening.

Those of us who are Christ-followers have a rich history of a God who talks to people. Yes, a lot of people who are cultural Christians may not really believe that. But if you read the Bible, the central theme is "God's conversation and relationship with people over time, culminating in the arrival of his son on planet earth."

To be a Christian is to believe in a God who really wants to talk to us. And while those of us who want that conversation may lose the plot from time to time, he is always wooing us back to relationship.

So, what is he saying to us now? 

As different groups of people in our ministry have prayed and asked him to speak, this is what we've heard. I submit it to you for your consideration:

This time is like a required Sabbath. God builds rhythms of rest into our lives and this can be a productive season if we allow it to be.

Get down on your face. It's easy to miss Jesus.

He's asking us to lay down our expectations and to wait.

It's a crushing season. God is producing new wine for new wineskins.

It is traumatizing for many. We have much to grieve and need to press into that.

We're like a pot being remade. We will be stronger when old pieces are used to craft the new pot.

We should use the time to allow him to transform our minds.

Truly, this time can be a gift to us. Many of us may not good at resting and we may struggle to go deep in our relationships. I'm sure I struggle more than most of you. But I've been getting up at around 5am most mornings and have been seeking the Lord before others in my family get up. And it's been good.

My prayer for you is that you will make the space to press into the Lord and allow him to speak. He longs to share his heart with us if we'll listen.