John 12:27 - The Cause For The Hour

Step 1: Pray. Select.  

Today, for the first time in a long time, I struggled with hearing or perceiving which direction on which scripture God wanted me to study.

It was odd because the Holy Spirit woke me up with clarity on the words he wanted me to meditate on, which were sand and the hour, but when I went to the scriptures, I was completely blocked. Nothing was speaking to me. I felt confused and alone, which is not what I usually think in my prayer life.

I realized some stressful personal matters that arose yesterday and still require attention today and in the coming week, made me feel tired and defeated. To be frank, I felt afraid. But therein lies the issue. I don't need to do anything but be the best person I know how to be, the person God created me to be, and trust God to rise up in my weakness to calm the tumultuous waters I am in and that lay ahead.

As I realized I needed to let out my fear and anxiety because they had no place to dwell in my body, which should be filled with faith that the LORD would rise up on my behalf to carry me through, I immediately began to weep. And through my curtain of tears, as I peeked through the sadness and despair of my weakness, my heavenly Father was right there lending a hand to call from behind the curtain back into the light.

As I reached for my Father, he immediately confirmed that John 12:27 was the passage I needed to practice today.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

John 12:27 - Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

• What Shall I Say

• Father, Save Me

• For This Cause

• This Hour

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the sentence(s) placed upon my heart, which was a clear cry to the LORD and did not need my name in front to make it personal:

• What shall I say, Father, save me for this cause this hour.

Step 4: Visualize

I was given the visual of a huge hourglass, like the iconic one used in the opening credits of the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, which has been running since 1965.

I thought about how there are only so many grains of sand inside an hourglass until it runs out when flipped to one side. But what happens when it runs out? Nothing. You can flip it back to the opposing side, and the countdown will start again, or nothing will happen. It just ends.

Either way, there is an endpoint, but the hourglass may be slightly inaccurate due to the calibration of the sand flow. Time measurement is not an exact science, and the result may vary. What we need to understand is the maker of the hourglass can measure the sand to estimate the measurement of time, but even under the best circumstances, a variety of elements may change the sand's trajectory, making the end result inaccurate.

I believe that when our hour has come, as Jesus demonstrates in the scripture, instead of things being done according to our desired pace, he states, "This hour, there is a cause." The key word is "this," which insinuates an appointed hour, not one by our whims but an hour assigned by God to do his cause, which results in maximum effect.

I am being asked today to view time through a different lens—to observe like we do when watching the hourglass. The final result or cause that Jesus wants us to move into, or God calls us to answer, will come in the hour of the LORD—no sooner and no later.

Be like the sand; your maker can create an environment for you to easily flow through the glass at the appointed time without resistance or delay, arriving at your destination safely and with cause.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The words that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, what are the elements that cause delay?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

"Resistance. If you allow yourself to feel, care for, and love as Jesus did, you will be as effective in your cause. The word perfect is not the request. Rather, being vulnerable or receptive to your Father's will at all times allows you to easily arrive at your destination or appointed hour. Be prepared to pivot, for his ways are not our ways. If you let go and let God fill in the places you guard with your heart where you don't feel safe, he will free you to slide down the glass of the hour smoothly and without blemish. The more you identify the places that cause resistance and eliminate self-reliance, the more effortless life will feel as you lean on your Father. Once you are free from the strongholds, obstacles, and distractions, the will of the Father will be your primary focus since they have all been removed by the blood of Jesus that freely flows through you through baptism. Passover will be the new normal as you take refuge under your Father's wings of protection to carry out his will for your life. This is your new land, so walk in boldly and lay claim over what is rightfully yours at the appointed hour through the price paid by Jesus through his sacrifice."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Father, whatever you trust me to steward that you place in my hands, let me know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no man can take what you have for me. I ask you to close every door meant to be closed and open every door in alignment with your will so that no man can shut it.

Let me cry out to you with my worries, fears, and anxiety in my time of need, so I can cast my cares upon you so you can give me rest. In my weakness, you are strong, so I rebuke any pridefulness or shameful thoughts about showing you my weakness, so nothing separates me from you, and I continue to bear all to you seeing all of me. Here I am, LORD, send me, for I am worthy of your cause in this hour.

In Jesus Name - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Don't forget to Spread hope and share HERE if you have a miracle or testimony. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Friends, we are worthy of standing up and claiming what is rightfully ours, bought through the blood of Jesus. Let him be strong on our behalf when we are weak.

Wait upon the LORD for the hour you are called for his cause since he has gone before you and fought for you to flow into the blessing.

Be on the lookout for fantastic things ahead, friends. I am excited to hear about what the hour will bring for you personally!

Glory be to God! See you tomorrow.