When I received an angelic visitation in 1991, God spoke to me about a radical change coming in the area of marriages, relationships, ministries and business partnerships. During my spiritual encounter I was directed to look in the Bible at 1 Corinthians chapter seven which deals with marriage and related issues. One area of this chapter that stood out was verses 29–31,

“What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 NIV.

The Apostle Paul writes, “since the time is short.” At first sight most people would think that he was referring to the second coming of Christ and that we need to be prepared. A deeper look at the actual Greek text reveals that “since the time is short” is translated from the Greek word sunestalmenos, which is a common word used in sailing. It means to furl or contract a sail in order to withstand high winds and remain stable. Furling prevents a boat from capsizing or damaging the sails.

Another way to look at this verse is in the context of the entire chapter as it pertains to marriage where Paul is encouraging us to narrow our focus to prevent shipwreck. Narrowing our focus means to not get distracted from the things that God calls us to accomplish. Another way to look at it is being single-minded.

God spoke to me specifically about these three verses and correlated them with a coming move of the Holy Spirit on the Earth. A time is coming when things will not look as they normally do. For instance, Paul writes about men having a wife and living as though they had none. This does not mean that we live as if we are single, but rather that we are able to serve God together without getting entangled in the worries of life.

Mourn as if you are not mourning, be happy as if you are not happy, buy things and not worry about owning them. This all sounds a bit contradictory but it actually means that the way things are usually done will radically change. In other words, the way we normally experience life will soon change and God is calling us to focus on His plan and purpose for our lives.

As this new focus comes, many Christians will become much more effective in their ministries and businesses during this time.

May you be encouraged as you become more and more focused on God’s goals. This is an exciting time to respond to what God is doing on the Earth.

– Doug Addison
www.dougaddison.com
inLight Connection

Doug Addison is a prominent conference speaker captivating audiences with clean stand-up comedy and high energy prophetic messages which he has shared on television, radio and the internet for over a decade. Doug brings laughter, fun and a unique prophetic style while empowering people to transform their lives, discover their destiny and understand dreams, tattoos and piercings. His powerful messages stay with his audiences long after hearing him.