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Intention

To endure the coming difficult wilderness and follow God’s leading with wholehearted devotion.

Scripture

“The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out.”

– Leviticus 6:12

Reflection

My family and I are currently on a nine-month journey around Australia, serving and praying for our nation.

A part of our journey involves traversing the vast wilderness known as the Nullarbor Plain. What’s striking is the timing. Our crossing of this barren land began the very morning after the 2025 federal election.

We didn’t plan it that way, but it feels prophetic.

The Nullarbor is stark and wild, with over 140 kilometres of road as straight as a ruler. Our destination? Esperance – a name that means “expectant hope”.

It feels like a picture of what lies ahead for the Church in Australia. I sense we are about to enter a spiritual wilderness, and the timing is not accidental.

Like our family asking, “Do we have what we need for the journey?”, I believe God is asking His Church: Are you prepared? Are we spiritually alert? Are we grounded enough to stay faithful during times of trial – times that may test our religious freedom, our finances, and our faith?

But here’s the encouragement: though a difficult wilderness season may be coming, it’s not without purpose or direction. God has always led His people through barren places, and sometimes by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21–22)! He still leads us today, though perhaps not in the way we expect.

In the Old Testament, the fire on the altar was originally lit by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24). But after that divine spark, it was the priests’ job to keep it burning – through daily, wholehearted sacrifices (Leviticus 6:12–13). Morning and night, a burnt offering was laid on the altar. Smoke would rise like a pillar of cloud, flames like a pillar of fire. And in this rhythm of continual offering, God’s presence and guidance remained with His people.

So how do we find God’s direction in uncertain times? By becoming living sacrifices. By choosing each day to consecrate ourselves to God, fully and without reserve. It is wholehearted devotion – repeated daily – that keeps the fire of God alive in our hearts. When we give ourselves completely to Him, we’ll find that He still leads us. Just as faithfully as He led Israel.

We may not have a literal cloud overhead, but the smoke of our devotion rises heavenward. And in the night seasons, the flame still burns.

If the Church will stay on the straight path, holding to God’s standard and offering our hearts daily to Him, we will make it through the wilderness. And beyond it? ‘Esperance’ – expectant hope.

Video

Prayer

Lord, I sense that a wilderness lies ahead for our nation and Your Church. Prepare my heart. Help me offer myself to You daily, without hesitation or fear. Keep the fire of Your presence burning in me. Lead me, guide me, and fill me with Your expectant hope, even in uncertain times. Amen.

Author Bio

Ps Enoch Lavender and his wife, Sarah, head up Olive Tree Ministries, a ministry helping Christians understand the end times through its first-century Jewish context, while keeping the messages very practical and personal.

Enoch has a B.A. in intercultural ministry from Harvest Bible College, and has spent seven years as a pastor.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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