Recently, a major realization dawned on me: “I have been activated for service.” At 76, I was being recalled by the Lord into full-time ministry. Like those who served in the military, the Lord is commissioning a remnant for active duty. Young or old, age is not a factor. Moses was 80 when the Lord called him to lead his people out of Egypt. Caleb was 85 when he petitioned Joshua to take “This mountain,” where the giants called Anakims dwelt (Joshua 14:12).
A friend once had a vision in which he saw me in a military boot camp, saying, “You will go through a time of retraining that will prepare you for a new mission with a new designation. During this time, the Lord is going to make you into something you have not been.”
In preparation, the Lord pruned the branches that did not bear fruit. Knowing my own heart, I asked the Lord to judge me. I wept as I realized how my actions had displeased the Lord and the distractions that had derailed me from my purpose. These insights led to true repentance, transforming my heart, nature, and character to be more like His. This led to greater focus and discipline in fulfilling my ordained purpose as a son of the Royal Priesthood.
I spent years seeking the Lord, His truth, and understanding, especially to dwell deeper in His heart and love. The Kingdom message Jesus taught and demonstrated stirred in me a hunger to see Christ revealed in the power and demonstration of the Spirit (Mt. 100:7-8). Like a racehorse, I am prancing at the gate, ready to run the race.
On the horizon is an outpouring of God’s Spirit. Many are being called to serve in the greatest move of God of all time. Old men are now dreaming dreams (Acts 2:17). We are not referring to nighttime dreams, but to the awakening of the visions and passions men once dreamed. God needs mothers and fathers of the faith, warriors who know how to use the weapons of warfare and to train His children in the way of the King and His Kingdom.
Is your heart being awakened to fulfill a specific vision and purpose? That which was a faint memory has become the passion of your heart? Your life is not over yet! The wind of the Spirit is breathing new life into those He is recalling with renewed hope, strength, and faith. The greatest adventure is about to begin. Only you can do what He has called you do; no one else can. Your whole life has been prepared for such a time as this.
After crossing the Jordan River, Joshua was given the mission to lead His army into the Promised Land. That which God said to Joshua, He is saying today, “Only be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, not dismayed, for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
In His heart and love- Roy Roden
Eastgate Ministries
CEO Eastgate Ministries
