"It feels like we are starting all over."

I hear this statement from pastors, businesses and educators from all over the world.

During my devotion time this week, listening to the Holy Spirit, God brought a powerful thought to my heart and mind. When I was crying out to God in the morning, I used the same phrase, "Lord, why does this feel like I'm starting over?" As I sat there praying, I heard, "This is not a season of starting over, but a season for a fresh start."

—Holy Spirit is opening the fountains of the deep for a fresh start.

—Holy Spirit is opening the fountains of the deep for fresh creativity.

—Holy Spirit is opening the fountains of the deep for fresh contagious joy.

—Holy Spirit is opening the fountains of the deep for compelling the lost before Christ returns.

Psalms 36:9 says, "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." He's opening the fountain for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. We have not yet reached the promised land; don't lose courage—this is a test.

Keep this profound truth from the life of Caleb in the wilderness in Numbers 13-14, "Keep your eyes on the grapes, not on the giants."

Faith says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Remember the size and the sweetness of the grapes, the promises from God! Speak to the giants about the God who lives within you. Giants need to know the size of your God.

Many of us are experiencing chaos, but we must remember that God gives peace in this season of turmoil and turbulence. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

Trust in God with all of your heart. Know that you are not here to stay in the valley of the shadow of COVID-19. Know that God has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies. He has anointed you for this hour, and your cup overflows in an abundance of peace.

You're beautiful; I see Jesus in you. Have an awesome week!

Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the Book of Hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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