Rise up in Darkness

From global wildfires to the Russia-Ukraine war, from earthquakes worldwide to the recent global tariff wars, it seems the world is growing increasingly dark, filled with panic and fear. Tomorrow appears no better, and the future seems more unpredictable. But God’s people believe He is sovereign — the darker it gets, the more His people shall follow Him.

This week, the United States initiated increased tariffs on global goods, particularly implementing a 104% tariff on China. Looking back at history, tariff barriers have often preceded world wars. Regardless of how the international situation evolves, China will not be unaffected in this wave of global trade wars. I asked Pastor Deborah to prophesy about this matter, and she saw people living in fear while God was granting them unexpected peace. Even as rumors of war grow increasingly louder and it feels like being in the midst of a storm, God’s people appear to be in the eye of the hurricane — calm and secure, even experiencing unprecedented fulfillment. God’s people must rise up now to pray, for God is saying to the Chinese people: “Arise and become a blessing to the nations.” She saw God placing a golden crown upon China’s head – the dual anointing of both king and priest will be given to China. No matter who stands in the position of China’s leadership, they will turn to God, because God intends to greatly bless and use China.

After hearing this prophecy, I was reminded of my time pastoring in Vancouver when I would listen to the song “Missionary China” and be moved to tears — even feeling an overwhelming urge to touch the waters of the Yellow River and the Yangtze. For God to fulfill China’s missionary calling, He must first raise up China, strengthening and submitting it to His lordship, so that it may step into its divine destiny. I have waited for decades, firmly convinced that God will surely accomplish this. God loves China because it has upheld His values — even biblical standards that the Western world can no longer maintain, such as on gender issues. China’s national policies have remained steadfast, aligned with God’s heart, and I am deeply persuaded that China will indeed be raised up. No matter what the future holds for China, God will remember and preserve it, just as He once protected and raised up Western missionaries. He will surely safeguard the global mission of the Chinese people.

The darker the world grows, the more the Holy Spirit works, and the more powerful the Church will be. In these last days of deepening darkness before Jesus returns, though we face mounting persecution, we must uphold biblical truth. Having weathered the storms of social movement and pandemic, sustained by the Lord through many trials, we must now determine to be faithful and wise servants — distributing spiritual food at the proper time and tending the flock with diligence.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we face an uncertain future, do not be afraid. For God is raising us up to carry the gospel’s final baton, that we may become a blessing to all nations and peoples.■【2025.04.13】