The latter rain is falling in the marketplace

Had a prophetic word at Horizon last night that the latter rain was falling in the church.

Several months ago Ian Johnson shared that there were two types of rain that fell in the promised land - that enabled it to be so fruitful.

Firstly a softer, gentle rainfall that softened the ground and prepared it for the latter rain which was heavy and actually produced the great crops and harvest.

I believe this is a useful principle and prophetic word for what God is doing around the world through His people in the marketplace.

God is raising up sons and daughters all over the world, across denominations and styles of churches, who are going out into the workplace, the community and nations to bring change.  They are releasing the Kingdom of God into their spheres of influence and becoming the salt and light that God intended his disciples to be.

We are to light up the world, not just the church!

But just as there are two rains that fall in the natural there are two "spiritual" rains that need to fall on the body of Christ (the church) in order that it is capable of bearing fruit and producing a good harvest.

In my own life it is manifesting in two distinct seasons - a planting season and reaping season.

Now I'm not at the second season yet and that is helping me to understand the importance of Gods timing in the process of bearing fruit in our lives.

The "first" rain has definitely fallen.  I have planted seeds in obedience to Gods prompting.  All around me there are signs of a softening of the ground.  New contacts are being made with like-minded people across the Christian spectrum.  People are coming forward to offer assistance in my projects.  The changes in our church as we move on this Kingdom journey are starting to shift from deconstruction (breaking the old man made ways) to a season of reconstruction and restoration where God is putting in what will be needed for the future.

In this we are seeing an increasing focus on the "world" outside the church.  It's as if we have been hidden by God whilst He rebuilds us but now He is getting us focused on taking His kingdom to the world.

And so as a person with a passion for the marketplace, outside the church, I am sensing a shift towards fruitfulness.  God has prepared the ground in our ministry.  He is strengthening it through relationships and making the base much stronger than it was on my own.

And with the sense that the "latter rains" are about to fall I feel more confident in the plans God has placed on my heart.

Honestly, I can do nothing more.  It is in His hands.  But with the promise that God will bring to birth that which He plants, I feel expectant and excited for the seeds that have been planted.

Soon, as Gods favour and blessing are released through the "latter rain" of His spirit and power, I'm expectant to see fruit from my projects (and much fruit) because God is in this.  He is pouring out His rain that will water the initiatives and plans and ideas He placed in peoples hearts.

To those that have planted seeds.  To those that have allowed the "first rain" to soften the ground and prepare the way.  To those a fruitful time lies ahead!

God, let it rain!