Trade Winds
By Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of November 20, 2022
Trade winds are east winds and there are many scriptures about how God uses them.
But first, when we look at these two Words separately, we see that east is derived from a Word that means forefront (Strong's #6921, qadim). And wind means breath and spirit that can give life or a violent exhale (Strong's #7307, ruach).
So, this wind can empower courage, inspiration and strength of mind and heart. Or it can express anger, wrath and grief. It can reveal goodness and expose evil simultaneously.
One commentary says the east (trade) winds are often violent and scorching and come from a desert (Brown-Driver-Briggs).
In Holy Scripture, God allows the east winds to:
Scatter (Jeremiah 18:17)
Shatter (Psalms 48:7)
Shrivel (Genesis 41:27)
Sweep out (Jonah 27:21)
Drive out (Isaiah 27:8)
Dry up, break off (Ezekiel 19:12)
Wreck (Ezekiel 27:26)
Wither, thin, blight (Genesis 41:6, 23)
Parch, violently accuse (Jonah 15:2)
Plunder (Hosea 13:15 AMPC; here Assyria is called the East Wind)
Poison (Amos 4:9)
Bring locusts (Exodus 10:13)
Yes, bring locusts!
Exodus 10:13 AMPC says that "Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night; when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts."
God also used east winds to allowed a famine in the land. We see it in Genesis 41:27 AMPC, where Joseph says to Pharaoh, “And the seven thin and ill favored cows that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears [of grain], blighted and shriveled by the east wind; they are seven years of hunger and famine.”
What’s interesting here is that, with the famine, came God’s solution through Joseph that even went beyond Egypt.
So, with all this, we see that east winds are what God has used historically to bring a shift—to clean house from strongholds and restore order and freedom for His people. East winds are a tactical force that God simultaneously uses in spiritual battles to push back darkness and clear the path of victory for His faithful people.
Just like with the Israelites, described in Psalm 78, those living unrepentant lives (of bondage) must turn to The Lord and go His way to survive the east winds.
As I pursued God for this message, I believe Holy Spirit revealed to me that there is an east wind coming across the USA that is divinely-purposed to clear a path for His people to be set free from oppressive alignments and rise to the forefront. This same east wind that will cleanse Kingdom domains from evil will be the same east wind that accelerates God’s faithful people.
This new alignment is a type of revival.
God is expressing definition in this hour as this east wind blows through. He asks, "Did I not put My laws in your minds and write them on your hearts?"
We must be ready for this defining moment by deciding whose side we're on. We must turn from selfishness, stubbornness, and rebellion. We must be awake and intentional in Kingdom efforts.
The Lord also showed me the Word “mill” in a Word-vision. I sensed a few interpretations:
First, no longer can we mill around "aimlessly, slowly or confusedly, as a herd of cattle" (Dictionary.com). It's time to trade up. It's time to decide this day whom we will serve, as this trade wind will prove to be God's dividing line that will reveal His sheep from goats as individuals as well as nations.
Secondly, I sensed that God will expose more about international trade and give us wisdom and opportunity to spearhead and develop big and small shifts that will cause His people to excel, especially in work arenas.
As God re-ignites their dreams, these people can receive His invitation to head further into freedom by working together to pursue their hearts' desires. God gave me the understanding that they will overcome limitations of the past with Christ-mindedness.
Thirdly, I sensed that there are specific regions and towns in the USA that will recapture manufacturing for God's glory. I saw “East Tennessee” in a Word-vision. God highlighted this area but I sensed there will be an outpouring and an overflow that will affect outlying areas as well. "Be ready for new opportunities," says The Lord of Hosts, "Be available. This is what I have been re-ordering you for."
Fourthly, there are even those whom God is calling back into manufacturing. Those who thought they had to accept retirement. God has recompense for these wise and willing ones. He is inviting them into new opportunities to experience a fullness of joy in this area that they once missed. "This time," says The Lord of Hosts, "will be different."
You thought it was over, but God has a new beginning for you, a type of revival that will cause you to have a good ending. A better ending that will re-set your posterity.
Pray with me if you will…
Dear Lord,
Thank You for bringing us into greater truth and freedom. Please help us to be on the right side of your trade (east) winds. Bring any conviction that leads us to repentance. Get our minds and hearts right with You. Show us Your merciful provision. Order our steps. And reveal Your wisdom to help us get into position to receive Your fullness of joy in this season.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
Amen.
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ.
Originally published Sunday, 20 November 2022.
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