AnntwaniqueEdwards

Evangelist Anntwanique Edwards, Ed.S.

Reverse Order
By Anntwanique D. Edwards, Ed.S.

The online version of the Merriam Dictionary defines the term “reverse” as
opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition; acting or working in a
manner opposite to the usual; bringing about backward movement.

Think about reversing something. It is plausible that the scenario you just
captured in your mind may easily be equated to change, moving backward, or
something returning to its original state. When we shift a car’s gear in reverse,
we intend to move the car backward with the purpose of having the vehicle carry
us to a specific destination.

Another tangible example of reverse is from the 70s and 80s when African
Americans began to wear a trendy hairstyle. The new curly fad was called a
Jheri curl. To “reverse it” meant to re-straighten the hair, returning it to its
natural state. Similarly, decisions that are made in the secular world can be
reversed. For instance, a judge can command that a verdict change in order to
nullify a previous decision. Some have even suggested that we have reversed
our spiritual position of authority and are changing, or moving backward. So, to
reverse something is indicative of changing the order, intent or outcome.

Recently, an elderly gentleman sat with me to discuss some things regarding
where he saw Christians today, and the word of God. He expressed his concern
for the current state of our society. As he quoted Scriptures, he also shared
personal experiences. He talked about time commitment and other challenges
presented to accomplish things some 20 to 30 years ago. He indicated that they
were good times, but also rough times that he would never want to relive.

As we continued, he made a profound statement about the position believers
seem to have taken. In his view, many Christians are in the back of the church
praying profusely while the enemy is on the corner and in the street promoting
his ill-will. He feels that times have changed. He recalls us, the believers, being
on street corners professing the work of the Lord while the enemy had to stay in
the background to contrive and carry out his evil schemes. And, the gentleman
staunchly believes we have reversed places. God’s decision for us to walk in a
place of authority seems to have been overturned by our lack of faith and
commitment to the true, practical groundwork of ministry.

How many things have we, as individuals, failed to acquire or complete — in
God’s will for us — because we reversed order with the enemy? If you were to
honestly examine your walk with Christ, would you find times where the enemy
has advertised his plans or thoughts with more passion and diligence than you
have shared God’s word? If you have found yourself taking the back seat,
ministering only in the places where no one can see, then I challenge you to
reclaim the boldness God has granted you. Reverse order with the devil who is
walking very boldly in our earth. Cancel his plan. Extinguish his goals. Destroy
his effect. Take it all by force. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now
the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force”
(Matthew 11:12). Let the Holy Ghost lead you to reverse order.

The 23rd chapter of Numbers outlines the story of a man named Balaam, who
generally worked through divination. He was summoned by King Balak to
present a curse over the children of Israel, but was unable to do so. In fact, he
inadvertently blessed the very people whom the king wanted to pronounce a
curse upon. King Balak got very angry with Balaam, but Balaam explained that
he had an inability to reverse the blessing that God had already spoken over
the children of Israel (“Behold, I have received [commandment] to bless: and he
hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it,” Numbers 23:20).

Although it becomes very easy to change the things we do and to reverse the
decisions that we make, God never intends for His decisions to be destroyed or
overturned. According to Esther 8:8, when a writing is written in the king’s name
and sealed by him, no man should reverse it. Whatever God wants you to do,
will be done — as long as you do not diminish your faith or reverse order.
_________________________________________

Anntwanique D. Edwards is the founder of Generation COGIC in Gainesville,
Fla. She is a licensed missionary/evangelist in the Church of God in Christ;
works as an assistant principal; is a doctoral candidate; and has started a
nonprofit evangelistic association, Divine Ministry, Inc. She even found time to
pen her first book, Daddy, Where Are You? For booking or other info, please
contact Michelle Durant at (352) 281-5164 or mdurant@divineministry.net;
or visit www.divineministry.net.

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