GET YOUR HAND OFF THE CART!
I don’t like releasing these kinds of words. It would be far easier to just encourage the saints and help everyone to feel better about themselves. And yet, there are times when the Spirit of the Lord grips my heart so completely, I cannot shake what the Father is conveying. I cannot shake the deep pain He has for His sons who have fallen into sin and have compromised their call. I cannot shake His anguish over some of the spiritual fathers and mothers He has walked alongside for years, about to lose the fullness of their inheritance due to dangerous presumption and unrecognized pride. And I cannot shake the seriousness of this hour as the fires of purification are sweeping His Church.
The Holy Spirit has been stirring the pot of many mega-ministries to bring up unrepentant sins of the past, dishonest ministry practices, and leadership abuses that have been poisoning the Body, little by little, year after year. Whether it be moral depravity, counterfeit gifts, or leaders gone rogue, the Holy Spirit is bringing these serious compromises into the light. And though there may be some testimonies coming out about these abuses that are sensationalized or contrived, there is also overwhelming confirmation from many valid witnesses that are raising legitimate red flags. And these issues are not isolated, but widespread in both evangelical and charismatic circles. The voices that are crying out for justice concerning these abuses are being severely questioned and criticized. But, we must see the Lord’s hand in this.
Not only is the Lord separating the wolves from the sheep in this time of exposure, He is calling His leaders to account. With zealous love He is going through His house to call out those who have misused their influence and abused their positions of authority. Whether for ministry reputation, financial profit, or misplaced loyalties to men, He is not only examining the fruit of their ministries, but the condition of their hearts. The fires that have been lit are testing the building materials of both men and ministries.
For many of these well-known leaders, they have spent years in establishing their ministries, hoping to fulfill God’s purpose and call. But some of these ministers have ended up building a brand, instead. Whether intentional or not, what may have started out as a genuine move of the Holy Spirit has become an idol to be preserved instead of a work to be built upon. The gifts they were given have become icons of their own history, and what was started in the Spirit is now being driven by the flesh. Thinking they are keepers of His flame, these leaders are now operating in familiar spirits and totally blind to the enemy in their midst.
I feel the burden of the Spirit, for the anger of the Lord has been kindled in this hour. I hear His voice clearly say to these ministers, “GET YOUR HAND OFF THE CART.” Just as Uzzah thought it was his job to protect the ark of God’s Presence from slipping and reached out his hand to steady it, some of these leaders believe it is their responsibility to protect their ministries. They are placing their hands where they should not be in hopes of stopping a fall. But in attempting to preserve their houses, they have over extended their reach. Whether from good intentions, misplaced loyalties, or personal ego, it matters not. What is taking place is a holy and sacred work of the Lord and He says, “GET YOUR HAND OFF THE CART.”
This is the hour of His holiness and no longer will He allow mixture in His House. No longer will there be any justification for compromising righteousness for the sake of ministry. He will not overlook unrepentant sin to make room for a spiritual gift, nor will He compromise His holiness to maintain someone’s public persona. No one is indispensable in His house. No one. He has raised ministries up, and He can bring them down. It’s the hour of decision for some of these leaders. The fires of sanctification are here and all must pass through them.
To those He is speaking to – you know who you are. His words have already pierced your heart. But know that His rebuke is the discipline of a Heavenly Father who greatly loves you. He longs to see you finish well. Let go of your need to control a narrative and defend your history. It is not yours to protect. Do not touch what His glory is revealing – or seek to defend it – for it is His alone. Do not lose your reward for a progeny that is poisoning your well.
Your response may determine your legacy.
Get your hand off the cart.
