Lay It on Me

72 / L AY I T ON M E

in life, through circumstances and encounters with people. Naomi was bitter due to her problems. That bitterness had to be sifted from her life. Likewise, you and I must be sifted so that the chaff in our lives can be removed. It is at that point that God can truly bless our lives like never before. A B REAKDOWN C OMES B EFORE A B REAKTHROUGH Mark this down. Prior to your major breakthrough, there will be a major breaking down of your will. This breaking down is used by God to mold your character. Somewhere in this process, there will be a long night when the wind is contrary to you. When the disciples were progressing to the "other side of the sea," the Bible says the "winds were contrary." The storm hit in the darkest hour of the night. The Devil was trying to prevent the disciples from going over; and instead, he was trying to take them under. Yet, God used the wind to display His power. Even the stormy winds obey His voice. The separation of the wheat from the chaff occurs at night when the wind blows and the darkness has settled around you. You cannot discern what is happening at the time, but those small storms and long nights alone are removing the impurities from you, so the fruit of the Spirit can come forth (Galatians 5:22-23). Boaz (Jesus) must separate the good from the bad, the wheat from the chaff in order to bring you to the 100-fold blessing! We must take a trip to the threshing floor in order to