My husband and I recently watched an Australian TV series and when it came to the last episode of the season, some of the show’s main characters were left in a position of great danger. We were in suspense, not knowing what the outcome would be.
TV producers have found this is a great technique to build anticipation for an upcoming season and keep their viewers interested.
It is known as a ‘cliffhanger’.
There are times in life when one chapter has ended and we’re not sure where things will go from here. We are facing a major challenge—or even a crisis.
There is a time of suspense.
Today I believe God is encouraging those of you who may be facing your own ‘cliffhanger’ moments.
- You may be at a crossroads—or in a season of transition
- There may be dryness or barrenness
- There may be a problem, and you have no way of knowing how it will work out
- You may be forced to let go of something, and face an uncertain future
God is the Ultimate Author and He has a Plan
Here is a powerful truth:
Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. (Heb 12:2)
‘Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.’ (Psalm 139:16, NKJV)
Today, you may be at the close of one chapter—but your Father already knows the pathway ahead. God is the Author and His next chapter for you is written ahead of time.
One new chapter can make all the difference.
4 Cliffhanger Moments in Scripture that Reveal God at Work on Your Behalf
1. Your new Chapter will Reveal God’s Favor
At the close of the fourth chapter of Esther, the Jews in Susa and throughout the Persian Empire are in danger of decimation. It seems the enemy’s plan to destroy them is about to prevail.
In this cliffhanger moment, God’s people are fasting, expressing their dependence upon His Divine intervention.
They fast for three days and nights.
- But God has a plan—set in place far ahead of time. He has already positioned Esther in the palace as Queen of Persia.
At the beginning of Esther’s fifth chapter, we read:
‘On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.’ (Esther 5:1 NIV)
God is releasing favor on Esther’s behalf—and that favor is about to overturn the schemes of the enemy.
Are you in a cliffhanger moment? Know that God’s favor towards you is more powerful than the opposition that’s against you.
2. Your new Chapter will Reveal God’s Word
At the close of the fourth chapter of Ezra, it seems the Jews’ God-given plan to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem has been permanently stalled, after interference by their enemies.
The pause at the close of this chapter marks 17 long years of delay. [2]
As chapter five opens, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah bring prophetic exhortation to the Jews and their leader Zerubbabel. In a fresh burst of enthusiasm, the people set to work on the temple again. Within a short period of time, a letter to king Darius brings a favorable reply, governmental permissions and all the resources they need.
Are you in a cliffhanger moment?
Receive a fresh word for your new season. Forge ahead in agreement with that word and watch for your miracle breakthrough.
3. Your new Chapter will Reveal Your Deliverer
At the close of Exodus chapter 2, the Israelites are trapped in slavery in Egypt. It seems that no hope is in sight—but we read at the close of the second chapter that ‘their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.’ (Ex 223b, NIV)
It is a season of prolonged pain and suspense. But a new chapter is about to begin.
As Exodus chapter 3 opens, an 80-year-old shepherd is drawn by the sight of a burning bush. God is about the raise up His chosen deliverer, Moses.
Do you find yourself, your church, work, family or ministry in a cliffhanger time of suspense? Be encouraged, for God is your Deliverer and a new chapter lies ahead.
4. Your new Chapter will Reveal God’s Resurrection Power
At the close of John chapter 19, those who have loved and believed in Jesus are devastated by His death and burial. Three days and nights of silence go by, with unanswered questions and depths of despair.
But chapter 20 opens with an empty grave and a resurrected Christ.
Today, there is a word of resurrection going out.
God has not left you and will not fail you. It’s not over. What He has begun, he will complete. He is the author and finisher of your faith.
That dream, that opportunity, that call. It may seem barren, it may seem lifeless. It may be impossible. But the same Jesus who stood in front of Lazarus’ grave and cried out ‘Lazarus, come forth!’, our God of resurrection, is working on your behalf.
Your new season is about to begin.
Notes:
[1] Find more encouragement from the story of Esther here: ‘Go Again: He is God of the Second Time Around’
[2] For more about this story, read my post ‘Why Does God Allow Frustrations and Delays?’
Prophetic School News
During September, I am adding video lectures to a Foundations Class on the Enliven Prophetic School.
The Enliven Prophetic School is a self-paced video lecture course. There are no deadlines and you can study in your own time. Classes now include:
- Foundations of Prophetic Ministry
- Begin in prophecy: hear God’s voice and share a prophetic insight
- Tips for maturing in prophecy
- Seer Master Class: Grow in pictures and visions
- Prophetic Warnings Master Class
- Prophetic Guidance Masterclass
This school is for anyone who would like to learn and grow in the gift and ministry of prophecy. There is currently a minimal subscription rate of $7.95USD monthly to help us with costs.
View the current topics and enroll here.
© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Enliven Ministries
In the David McCracken Ministries family
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
A message in time. I am currently experiencing a black patch and feel im out of all options. Like a mouse or snake in a corner i feel anyone who tries to get close should be bitten. Im easily disappointed and even my body has started to suffer from anxiety. I feel exhausted but i thank you for your message. I feel its gonna pass
I had a prophetic dream that I was flying (a good feeling, I wanted to faster and I did). I felt a lovely presence on me the next day. The second part my husband woke me (part of the dream / vision), broke a piece of fish and offered me half (fried battered fish). Then I went back to the flying scene but this time I was going down a forest road with small houses long one side – seemed to be 2-bed homes, looked into each house quickly, moving past the next, there was furniture but no people inside any of these homes. Then my one was at the end but there was a green fence and I couldn’t see the house, just a white fog (maybe not fig but like it, I wasn’t able to see it).
I had a significant prophecy 5 years ago and I am now ready to embrace it. I can’t figure out what God is saying in this vision?
When I was flying I saw a round rock mountain (smooth round rocks amongst
Hi Ali, here are some thoughts about what to do with a prophetic dream that may help you: https://www.enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2009/09/19/what-to-do-when-you-have-a-prophetic-dream/
Sorry to hear of the Pain you’ve experienced, Gift. I pray you will know His light and the love of the Father, no fear can remain, be filled with hope, in Jesus’ Name
This message truly is for me, because at stage of my life is like there is no hope again, every body even family members seems to have forgotten me, every thing I have planned failed, even my finances, sometimes i will ask my self will i ever come out of this situation, but seeing this your message life enters me again, it encourages me. Thanks so much and God bless you.
Hi Tochukwu, praying for you now… I pray you encounter God’s favor and have insight concerning your next steps forward
Helen I love this one!!! Excellent encouragement!!! Thank you!!!!!
Thanks enliven,
I just finish my personal book from God September 18, 2017 and I was wondering now whats next from G0d.
We are here for here for your spiritual success at: https://lrn.cc/6QE .
Congratulations on the book, Pastor James. That is a huge achievement!
This is a seasoned word for me because I just finished my graduate degree and I am looking for a new job for higher pay and it seems hopeless. I’m in my late twenties and I have been consistently praying for GOD to open doors for my dream career, marriage children and whatever kingdom building endeavor I can do and I feel like I’m on the cusp of something but all of heaven is silent and every door- locked shut. I am overburdened with bills, student debt, poor relationships and it seems like barrenness;while everyone around me is enjoying what I have been praying for and it is discouraging. However this word is aligned with the words the Holy Spirit has whispered to me in prayer and serves as confirmation that God is for me and not against me. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kenyatta, I am praying with you right now. Yes He is for you.
Amen. Many Thanks! That is Exactly what I needed to hear. GOD Bless!