The Emergence of New Leaders – By Bart Hadaway
All of us in the Body of Christ have gone through times of dullness, dryness, and even barrenness, to a degree. But, it is the heart of God for each of us to have increased fruitfulness in our lives. For those who have not only persevered through the trials of the world but, more importantly, have embraced the pruning of God, Jesus’ decree in John 15:16 that we “bring forth fruit that remains” will come to pass in greater levels of manifestation.
I believe that Ephesians 3:20 will soon be realized in ways that will bring forth Kingdom demonstrations in the earth that we have longed for but not previously seen: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”
In the midst of this increased fruitfulness, we will also see the emergence of many new leaders in the Kingdom of God. These new leaders will walk and operate in levels of Kingdom authority and power that so many have been crying out for in the last season. These new leaders will not be recognized by the size of their meetings, but rather by the Christ like character that produces the kind of fruit that brings glory to God (John 15:8).
Your Influence Will Increase
In the goal-oriented mindset of our western culture, we are prone to believe that the key to being more fruitful is to “do more.” However, in the Kingdom of God, the greatest key to fruitfulness is taught by Jesus as “abiding” (John 15:1-8). Jesus prayed for us in John 17:21 that we would be one with the Father just as He was. Hearing the voice of God is imperative if we are to do His will in the earth. However, it is not in straining to hear that we do so, but rather simply drawing near to His heart. As we do this, we grow in knowledge of Him and intimacy with Him that causes us to more readily discern His voice.
The book of Second Peter begins and ends with the exhortation to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Peter tells us (2 Peter 1:3-4) that we have already been given everything that God has to give us. It is becoming more intimately connected to Him that will cause us to experience the desires of our hearts, which are actually the desires of His heart. Second Peter 1:5 NLT says, “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.” He then goes on to describe how we do that. He lists seven godly characteristics that we are to focus on, pursue, and build our faith upon. They are virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Verse eight gives us the promise that if we possess these things in abundance, we will never be barren nor unfruitful!
There are many of you reading this now that are part of the company of emerging leaders mentioned above. You have committed your lives to intimacy with Him. Your heart is like that of the apostle Paul when he said in Philippians 3:10 AMP, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]…”
The enemy has lied to you and tried to convince you that you are not useful in the Kingdom of God. I want to encourage you now that it is impossible for you to be unfruitful, because you have been abiding in Him. Your influence is going to increase this year. You are going to step out in new levels of boldness that will bring demonstrations of the love and power of God into the earth and particularly in the sphere of your influence. Lives will be touched and changed by God working through you! Be encouraged. Continue to draw near to Him. This is going to be a great season for fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God!
