“And YHWH answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not be late,” Habakkuk 2:2.

“For truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it,” Matthew 13:17.

“And he (God) said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified and made white, and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand,”” Daniel 12:9-10.

The fact that prophecy is progressive shouldn’t be surprising to us, for God is in the constant state of revealing more of Himself and His plan to us.

To be sure, we see the progression, or unveiling of God’s prophetic word and truth, as seen in the scriptures. For what was told to the prophet Daniel about the revelation that was given to him, was closed and sealed until the time of the end.

My point is that there is an “unveiling” of “biblical truth” that is unfolding to us now, that was not seen in the lives of the disciples. But, there is also a progression in “words of prophecy” that have now been revealed to many over the last 100 years or more.

In fact, I truly believe that divine revelation is now being unfolded daily to many. And what one received even a year or two ago, is now being built upon through the inception of the rhema word.

That’s not to say that what was once received isn’t true, it’s merely that it is being built upon. Just like a building begins with foundational stones, those first prophetic words are set there upon the ground as a firm network.

But then as each successive word comes to the hearer, another block, and the beginnings of walls are seen spiritually. The process continues word upon word, and phrase upon phrase, all causing the building to rise.

And if one would have kept track of those words given to them perhaps 20-30 years ago or even longer, they would see the promise of where they are now. At the time that one first received revelation from the LORD, one catches a glimpse of what the future would promise to them.

However, many of those things that were promised or stated had perhaps not yet hatched. They were still dormant; they were still obscured and unknown yet to them. But then as the years past and another series of words are given to them, the overall structure of the building is beginning to take shape.

Now you can see not only the purposes of God in your life, but perhaps the vision now has more clarity and direction for you.

Just as personal prophecy is progressive, so also is general prophecy as it unfolds concerning God’s overall plan for nations, peoples, and events. What has been prophesied about the future of America as it begins to enter into a dark time in history is now being seen in portions or fragments of fulfillment.

As each year unfolds, other words of prophecy that is spoken in truth, begin to build upon what was originally stated some fifteen or twenty-five years ago or more. And yet just as the prophet Jonah prophesied to Nineveh and proclaimed judgment upon its inhabitants, God’s hand is sometimes stayed, as people pray and repent.

But nevertheless, we see the fulfillment of Jonah’s prophecy as the nation was brought to judgment years later.

Many quote the scripture from 2 Chronicles 7 thinking that their prayers will cause the Lord to lift His hand of judgment:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

What many fail to understand that our nation and others, have continued to fall far from God’s plan.

Even with the pockets of prayers some continue to utter, now the safety net has been lifted from our nation, and judgment has begun. His hand will not be lifted now but perhaps the severity of the judgment can be lessened to some degree.

We should know that we know in part and we prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9-12). We see through a glass darkly.

While we may have some clarity at the time that a prophetic revelation is given to us, it is only a piece, or a portion of what the overall picture is for us (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Revelation is progressive and prophetic words can and will unfold over time with deeper application.

Year by year, and stone by stone, the revelations come, and perhaps what once seemed like the right direction for you, has now reformed, but the path that lies ahead expands out in front of you.

And off in the distance, you begin to decry the vistas over the distant hills. For these are His promises given to you. They lay out ahead of you, but with every step that you take, those promises are now being formed in your life, as those words are now alive and real.

Don’t despair about small beginnings, or about small revelations. For in time what once seemed to be very small and insignificant, is beginning to form a beautiful puzzle.

The corners have been laid out, and with each interlocking piece, a new image, a new revelation is seen. In time, everything will be complete, and the plan that He has for you, will come in fruition.

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” 1 Peter 1:5.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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