BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

If you understand cycles—even the bad cycles can work to your advantage. For instance, I didn’t benefit from the cattle cycle when I started out, but the people who bought my cattle did. When the economy is down, the media would have us believe that everyone is losing money, but that’s not true. People who are wise and have knowledge are prospering. Fortunes can be made by those who understand cycles. If we’re faithful to do what we’re supposed to do, God can work in our lives no matter what’s happening around us. One way to stay in that life cycle is to always stay focused on God, especially during the good times. I say that because it’s human nature to become complacent and lazy when things are going our way. We may not be as motivated to spend time in the Word and prayer. We may tend to forget that we need God when all our needs are met. When we are doing well, we may not be seeking His will for our lives. During the tough times however, we get serious about the things of God. We begin digging into the Word and shoring up spiritually. We begin preparing for the future instead of just living for the moment. We’re desperately crying out, “God, what do You want me to do?” You see, when we’re in a cycle of good times, it’s from the seeds we planted yesterday. When we’re in the tough times, it’s also from the seeds we planted, or didn’t plant, yesterday. We should, however, level out the ups and downs by always being prepared spiritually for the next cycle. As Christians, we should always be blessed. Our lives shouldn’t be affected by what’s going on in the world. People should see something different in us and be looking to us for answers. You Can See It Coming The Bible tells us of a man whose life was just such an example. No matter what happened to him, Joseph always came out on top. Although he was well-acquainted with hard times—sold into slavery by jealous brothers and unjustly thrown into prison—Joseph’s life was blessed. He stayed true to God, served others well and didn’t complain. At one point, Joseph was called to interpret Pharaoh’s dream about good and bad corn, and fat and skinny cows (Genesis 41:15-36). He made sure everyone knew God was the One with the answer, not him. Joseph honored God. God gave Joseph the interpretation of the dream revealing that a cycle of plenty was coming and then a famine cycle would follow. As a result, Joseph was able to manage the resources of the nation so they would be prepared for the years of famine. Many lives were saved, and Joseph personally prospered too. I believe God can also show us things to come if we will stay sensitive to Him. He can tell us about an upcoming real estate crash or boom. After all, Jesus has called us His friends and said He has made known to us everything He has heard from His Father (John 15:15). He is well able to tell us how to prepare for the future so we can prosper and be a blessing to others. However, if we have no natural knowledge in a particular area, it’s not as easy for God to show us things that pertain to that subject. So, it’s good to seek knowledge in the areas God is leading you to pursue. When you have natural knowledge and God’s wisdom, you will have an obvious advantage. Cycle Into the Good Now if you are presently experiencing a difficult time, make a quality decision to seek God and obey Him. Do your part. No matter how things look, don’t let your mouth work against you—speak the Word over your life. Continue giving, sowing toward the next cycle. And be thankful to the Lord for the good things you have. As you do these things and keep pressing on in faith every day, your situation will begin to change. You can boldly declare: “Thanks be unto God, which always causeth [me] to triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14). Once you obtain the victory, begin preparing spiritually for the next season. You will soon be prospering—no matter what the cycle. V John Copeland is the son of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and former chief executive officer of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * One of my fondest memories One of my fondest memories over the years is one that reminds me of how steadfast and committed both Mom and Dad have always been in ministry. They have always been steady in whatever they’ve done, and in whatever they’ve believed, and they have never changed. Mom was holding Healing School at the Tallahassee Convention Center in Tennessee, when a tornado hit the building and tore a big hole in the roof. She was preaching when she suddenly felt water dropping on her. She looked up and saw there was a hole in the roof, and said something like, “There’s a hole in the roof. I can see the sky.” She then spoke directly to the storm and said, “In Jesus’ Name, we take authority over you, weather! In Jesus’ Name, I will not tolerate this!” Then, she just kept right on preaching like nothing had ever happened. They ended up having to move everyone out of that room and into a hallway, but Mom went right back to preaching, and laid hands on everyone who needed it. V John BVOV : 23

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