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Natalie
26 Apr 2020 | 4 min read
The Unseen Path and the Now Generation
Today’s blog post was written by Rev. Natalie Barnoske, MDiv. This little powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with, and she has no intention of slowing down. Along with her husband, Joe, Natalie equips students to spread hope on their school campuses with their work as YouthAliveFL Missionary-Evangelists. You can learn more about what Natalie and Joe are doing on their website www.YouthAliveFL.com. Enjoy!
Have you ever found yourself in that stage of sleep where your surroundings are hazy, but all other senses are on high alert? It was in this state a few years ago that the Lord dropped a distinct message into my heart. I was snoozing away when all of a sudden the Spirit began to echo, “I will put a pathway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This phrase rang repeatedly throughout my entire body, piercing bone and flesh. When I finally awoke, the message was so strong that I found myself repeating it out loud with intensity.
This experience was so strong that it will be forever etched into my mind. Little did we know, but this Word actually came forth just before we were about to launch our nonprofit ministry.
Without hesitation, I jumped out of bed and opened to Isaiah 43:18-19 where Lord proclaims, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert” (ESV).In this moment,God confirmed to my heart that He was preparing to do a new thing, not just in our ministry, but also on this Earth that has never been seen before. However, the church must stop dwelling on the former things, otherwise we will miss the new pathway that he has already placed in our midst. The path may be invisible to our physical sight. After all, there are no clear pathways in the wilderness or rivers in the desert, but God promises that there will always be a way! The question is, can we perceive it?
All throughout the Bible, we see God unveiling a pathway where according to human sight none existed. Noah boldly walked the unseen path when, despite human criticism, he built the arc. Abraham bravely followed the unseen path as he trudged up Mt. Moriah with Isaac, intent on obeying the Lord at all costs. When Jesus called the disciples out upon the water, Peter bravely stepped out into the unseen. Moses arrived at the edge of the Red Sea with the enemy at his heels. Looking out upon the great expanse his sight revealed no pathway, but by faith Moses raised his staff and God made a way out of nothing.For the salvation of humanity, our Lord even sent Jesus Christ as The Way (Jn. 14:6)!
Our omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent God will always make a way for His people. There is no giant too big, no valley too deep, no water too vast, no sickness too strong, no debt to heavy, and no past too dirty. There will always be a way! Do you sense him calling you to step out?
“Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen” (Ps. 77:19 [ESV]).
“For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18 [ESV]).
More than any other time in our history, I believe God is calling Spirit-filled leaders to walk the unseen path. A pathway that according to human sight is impossible. A road filled with the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable. Sadly, very few will fully commit to this journey.
My heart breaks for my generation, which has not been very lovingly termed the “Now Generation.” Voices all over social media and the web believe that the “Now Generation” is sick with instant gratification syndrome. Namely, we want fancy cars, huge houses, and successful careers “now.” This does not refer solely to teenagers, but also to those on the verge of and in the beginning stages of leading this nation (on average those under 40). Rather than taking the unseen path, which is filled with obstacles and only navigated by the GPS of faith, many believe this generation seeks to avoid the tough road at all costs.
I feel like Elijah praying for rain to fall on my generation. It is time for the Now Generation to start moving in the Holy Spirit like never before! My heart burns to see young leaders push aside the comforts of this world and begin to walk the unseen path. I declare we are a Now Generation because the time for world-shaking revival is NOW. When I look in the Spirit, I do not see a selfish generation; I see an army that honors innovation and creativity. Do not give up on my generation! I have seen powerful prayers and miracles flow from the words and hands of young adults.
Contrary to popular belief, this is the generation I see arising:
I see a generation that fearlessly walks the path of the unseen, rather than stumbling along the road of instant gratification.
I see a generation of world changers who are unafraid to speak the truth in love.
I see a generation of leaders who work hard and pray even harder.
I see a generation that functions in the supernatural as the norm, not on rare occasion.
I see a generation that engages in worship as a transformational way of life.
I see a generation full of creativity and innovation.
I see a generation standing in unparalleled unity across gender and social divides for the purpose of making Jesus Christ known in our world.
I see God preparing a generation that is set apart to do great exploits for Him such as the world has never seen.
If our God specializes in doing the unthinkable, unimaginable, and unseen, then it is time to begin walking the unseen path into a new realm of victory. What do you sense for this generation? Will you choose to walk the unseen path with me?
Did you enjoy this article? Follow Natalie @NatalieBarnoske and @YouthAliveFLon all social media. You can also purchase her book War Cry HERE.