Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)

In the dark hour the Lord will have an army of saints ready to help those in need. The days of trouble will bring the elect among the Jews to Christ and turn the nations of the earth to the Lord (Genesis 41:56,57). That which would have resulted in total destruction for everyone will be alleviated because of prepared saints. Also, the days of trouble will be shortened for the elect's sake (Matthew 24:22).

"The morning cometh." Days of unequaled blessing are upon us. The Word of God is being revealed as never before. The ministries and gifts of the Spirit are available to each believer who will prepare his heart to receive the Presence of the Lord.

The conquering power through which we can overcome the world, the devil, and our own flesh and self-will is being given to us through Christ. The Holy Spirit is being poured out. The yokes of worldliness, lust, and self-will are being broken. Miracles are being performed in Jesus' name. The sick are being healed. The dead are being revived. It is an hour of revival even though some of the members of many congregations are living in the lusts of the flesh and are following their self-will.

The Scriptures speak of the "former" and the "latter" rain, meaning that an outpouring of the Spirit of God watered the planting of the Gospel Seed in the first century and a more copious outpouring of the Spirit will bring the Lord's "wheat" to maturity just before the great tribulation and the gathering to the Lord of the harvest of the earth.

Truly, Jesus has kept the good wine until now.

We find the same pattern of revival followed by tribulation, and then final victory, portrayed in the life of Joseph.

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: (Genesis 41:29)

The problem is this: how are we to respond to the period of unequaled abundance? Our usefulness as one of the Lord's trusted and prepared workers depends on how we respond, and how we teach others to respond, to the abundance being given us now.

One part of the deliverer's role is to bring the wisdom of God to the day in which we are living so we can understand what it is we are to do.

If Joseph had not been able to inform Pharaoh of the seven lean years of famine that soon would come to the earth, the seven years of abundance would have witnessed a widespread wasting of grain. The people, supposing that such bountiful harvesting would take place forever, would have been careless with the grain. They would have filled their stomachs and left the remainder to rot.

So it is today. God is pouring out His blessings. But in some instances God's people are busily pursuing their own fleshly interests, supposing that they always will be able to obtain as much "oil" and "grain" as they need.

An hour of unequaled darkness, oppression, and temptation is drawing near to the earth. We are to be taking full advantage of the present spiritual abundance so we will be able to stand and assist other people to stand throughout the years of spiritual famine that are ahead.

To be continued.