‘Guard was alongside of guard.’ 1 Chronicles 26:16

Many years ago in one of our prayer meetings, I found vision opened to me as I was in prayer.

I saw the people in the church standing shoulder to shoulder, like guards standing in rank.  They were facing outwards, united together, watching as a huge tidal wave of darkness was rising against the church. It wasn’t rising against a particular denomination but against all those who had been redeemed. However, there were gaps in the wall. These gaps had been made by those who had left their position. Several had simply taken their eyes of Christ, some had compromised in their walk, whilst others had backslidden and walked away. They were no longer guards in the wall.

As the tidal wave of darkness came nearer it was able to infiltrate the church through the gaps where the redeemed of the Lord were missing. Some had fled before the darkness. However, the darkness couldn’t get past those who stood shoulder to shoulder; where they remained the unity of light prevented its penetration.

I believe the vision was prophetic and the tidal wave of darkness has now come upon the church. There are places where it has infiltrated deeply, whilst in other parts of the church the light is still strong.

It tells me how important it is to keep watch and to remain strong in these days. The weight of responsibility for the church is not only on those who minister in public but upon each one of us who is a Christian. When we falter, take a break from following Christ, or let sin slip in we are not only affecting ourselves but we are leaving a gap in the wall.

Let us recognise the privilege that has been given to us to stand as a guard in the wall surrounding the church. Where we have grown weary let us gather our strength once again to stand strong in the face of all adversity for the sake of the true church of Christ.

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet.”

Hebrews 12:12,13 NIV