THE SECRET PLACE
“He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

PART 5

THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Our heavenly Father loves us. How much more can someone love you than to send their only Son to die in your place? He is above you, below you and all around you, constantly watching and protecting. Times may get rough every now and then, but as you count your blessings, you can be confident that He wants the best for you. Father is listening – He has the power – He knows the perfect time – He knows your faith and motives – and He knows your level of understanding. Our life should be a constant progression of learning with line upon line and precept upon precept. He will adjust His intervention according to our spiritual position as we receive His revelation. “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. Plan’s for success and not ruin – to give a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

On earth, we have one lifetime to learn as much as we can about God and His Word. The more we learn who He is, the closer we are to Him, which is why we cannot afford to waste our time with worldly distractions. An important aspect of knowing Jesus Christ is to realize He has given us His Name to use as an authority over the strongholds of sin along with the conflicts, struggles and concerns of life. Remember that Peter was inspired to speak God’s Name to a man that could not walk from birth, “Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but what I have I will give to you: In the NAME of JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH – rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand , and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:6-7) Praise God! It is fine to pray, “if it is God’s will” when we do not know God’s will, but I believe there are times when we can hear Father’s specific instructions to use His name in faith. Our obedience opens the door for Him to manifest His miracle power. If all we ever do is pray, “If it is your will”, we are not allowing our faith to develop and likewise we may never learn how to discern His voice. Jesus said, “My sheep HEAR my voice, and I KNOW them, and they FOLLOW Me.” (John 10:27) He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us, His Covenant promises that never fail, His angels as ministering spirits – and His NAME – THE ultimate authority over ALL governments, realms, empires, dominions and kingdoms. The most effective way to use His Name would be to know His absolute truth, which is His will! “Now we have received, NOT the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Cor. 2:12,16)

Jesus was drawn to an impotent man lying by the pool of Bethesda. “And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him, He knew that he had been a long time in that situation. Jesus said unto him, do you want to be healed?” (John 5:5-6). I realize this sounds like a strange question, but we must consider the magnitude of peoples intentions. I know that Jesus knew his heart and did not need to ask, but it is very important that we all learn how to boldly confess our faith. The “audible” confidence of our faith is a part of learning about His super-natural power. Jesus simply wanted him to speak out-loud and confess the vision and desire of his need. Stop and think for a moment, how this man represents you and I. We all have problems from time to time and some have serious circumstances that are a constant hindrance to the abundant life. Jesus sees every tear, knows every thought and realizes our difficulty just as He did with this man, however, He does not work outside of the principals and divine order of His Holy character. He is asking right now, “Do you also want to be delivered?” “Jesus said unto him, RISE, TAKE UP YOUR BED AND WALK.” (vs.8) Whatever you are facing in this hour, the Lord is just as concerned with your problem as He was with this man! Moreover, just like the impotent man, He desires for us to state with boldness and confirmation that we KNOW His Word and that His blood has opened the windows of heaven to receive His miracle blessing!

This unnamed crippled man represents all of humanity who at times feels helpless and hopeless. Impotence comes in many forms: physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, or all of these at once. It simply means “being in need”. Have you ever felt like that man lying by the pool? You may be in a situation that seems impossible and you see no way out. No one really understands the depth of your suffering; not a single friend or loved one seems to have the time, love or energy, to really relate, help or touch the deepest part of your heart. Take a good look at that impotent man and think of the years of struggle, the loneliness, discouragement, depression and the hurts heaped upon him by uncaring, insensitive people. How often he must have lifted a withered hand to those rushing by to get their own needs met, crying, “Someone, help! Please! I can’t do it on my own!” Multitudes of people are spiritually helpless and impotent because of a lingering battle with some tragedy or haunting sin that has robbed them of the abundant life. They lie helpless on the bed of doubt and despair, always hoping for a miracle, always waiting for someone to stir things up and make something happen. They read books and go to doctors, counseling sessions and seminars, waiting for that one great, life-changing miracle, nevertheless, nothing changes. My heart breaks for those that are suffering and disappointed with the way things have turned out. I personally know individuals that are good people but are miserable in their condition. I do not have all the answers and would not attempt to understand why certain ones receive miracles and others do not. However, I know that God’s Word does NOT fail and that He does not play favoritism! Our heavenly Father is just and fair, and honors every person’s faith as it is submitted to Him with a pure heart. The Lord has His perfect way of doing things and when we do not follow and obey His directions, He will not compromise His divine integrity. Humans become frustrated and struggle when they attempt to question and guess with their natural opinions. Father has a reason for everything and draws the blueprints for why and why not. We must always remember, we can know His Word and hear His voice at times, but we do NOT know the hearts of those we are praying for – unless He reveals it to us.

There is LIFE in His Name and POWER in His blood! Our faith unbolts the door and allows His divine reality to flood our soul. His power changes circumstances and creates opportunities! Our faith speaks to the mountains and His power casts them into the sea! Our faith rises with confidence in His Word and His power fulfills His promises! I believe God’s great love responds to a cry from the heart—and I believe Jesus came to this man in answer to a deep and agonizing call to the Father. The Bible has much to say about this cry from the heart. “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God; HE HEARD my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears” (Psalm 18:6). A plea to God from our heart will always be answered by a merciful, healing response from heaven! Pour out your heart to Him this day. When you know His will – confess it OUT-LOUD. Speak His Word boldly with confidence, using His NAME with unwavering assurance!

He is EMANUEL – He is with us – He is waiting for you now.