I Chronicles. 12:32 and of the sons of Issachar,
who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…
First I want us to look at John 1:12 where the Bible says, 'But as many as received Him, to them gave He power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.' And in
Galatians 3:28 it states that … 'there is neither male nor female ; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' So ladies
you are actually sons as well, isn’t that great news! Now you know that we can all become like the sons of Issachar.
How do we become like them? Is it only a few who can have understanding of the times and know what we ought to do? No, we
can all understand and know what to do, really, we can.
It always amazes me that when I am seeking God about one subject He seems to want to talk about a different
subject. I have learned to follow Him into His preference since continuing to ask about the thing I want to know about only
delays seeing the things He wants to show me, and oh what wonderful things they are!
The Lord said to me, “Understanding the times and knowing what to do is so simple, My people make it
much harder than it is.” Now He had my attention! How, I ask Him. I for one had always wanted to be like the sons of
Issachar but felt that that was only for a chosen few and I didn’t think I was in that caliber of people.
He told me to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To everything there is a season, and a time to every
purpose under heaven. As I read through these verses I saw there were 28 different seasons.
1. A time to be born
2. A time to die
3. A time to plant
4. A time to pluck up that which is planted
5. A time to kill
6. A time to heal
7. A time to break down
8. A time to build up
9. A time to weep
10. A time to laugh
11. A time to mourn
12. A time to dance
13. A time to cast away stones
14. A time to gather stones together
15. A time to embrace
16. A time to refrain from embracing
17. A time to get
18. A time to lose
19. A time to keep
20. A time to cast away
21. A time to rend
22. A time to sew
23. A time to keep silent
24. A time to speak
25. A time to love
26. A time to hate
27. A time to war
28. A time of peace
He said, “The sons of Issachar were just paying attention, they saw what was happening around them and
knew if it was the right season for the thing that was happening. If what was happening was not in the right season they knew
what to do, pray. They knew My will, and if what was happening wasn’t lined up with My will they knew what to do, pray.
Sometimes the situation called for prayer and fasting, so that’s what they did. When My Word is hid in the hearts of
My people they know instantly what My will is.”
When we see our nation headed in a direction that isn’t in God’s will we understand what we must
pray. We know what our nation must do, and we pray.
When we see our children getting involved in drugs, drinking, and so many other things, we understand what
we must pray, and we pray.
Jeremiah 27:18 But if they are prophets, and if the word of the Lord is with them, let them now make intercession
to the Lord of Hosts
Our Father gives us prophets not only to let us know what is happening but so we will make intercession to
Him on behalf of others and ourselves. If God gives us revelation it is so we will pray, and know how to pray, not just so
we know stuff. If we yearn to be sons of Issachar we should also yearn to pray God’s will.
Charles Capp has a great analogy I love. He states that a thermometer can very accurately tell you the temperature
of a room but has no power to change the temperature in that room. But a thermostat can cause the temperature to change in
the room. The thermostat does not have the power in and of it’s self to change the temperature but is connected to the
power source that causes the change. Many call themselves prophets because they can accurately tell you what is. But they
don’t feel that pull on the inside to intercede for the things they know. They are more like the thermometer, needed
and helpful but without the power of a thermostat to cause a change in the atmosphere.
Sons of Issachar were both, thermometers and thermostats, having understanding of the times and knowing what
Israel should do. We can be just like them, by paying attention to the temperature and adjusting our thermostats to change
the atmosphere.
Sons of Issachar here is your assignment, should you choose to accept it, watch and pray. As the Lord
speaks to you about a situation or you read the newspaper, or see the news on TV discern the will
of God and pray. If you aren’t completely sure of God’s will on a matter just simply pray, “Thy will
be done, Thy will be done, on earth as it (already) is in heaven.” Just make sure your thermostat is plugged into the
power source.
Blessings,
Pastor Paula Baker