Introduction from Clifford Hill

Last week I wrote an article entitled ‘Looking for the Light’. It was about looking for light in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us today – especially as Britain goes into a second lockdown that will undoubtedly bring distress to many people, not least those who are living alone or are in unhappy relationships.

This week, as though in response to my message about what God is doing in shaking the nations and his call for repentance – my friend and colleague of many years, David Noakes, has received a word that is addressed specifically to the Bible-believing community of Christians.

This is a timely word, not only because it is a word of encouragement and reassurance, but because it reminds us of the good things that were achieved through the spread of the British Empire across the world. We hear so much today about the evils of colonial slavery and exploitation that we overlook the vast amount of good that was achieved through the British Empire, and the self-sacrificial work of missionaries who took the gospel of light into the darkest places.

I have travelled extensively to exercise ministry in former colonial territories, and I have often been amazed and humbled when hearing stories of how British pioneers founded schools, hospitals and clinics, as well as engineering projects in everything from roadbuilding to electricity generation, and forming the basics of regional administration. The goodwill expressed towards Britain in the former colonies has often amazed me. It is in this context that I warmly commend the word given to David Noakes during a zoom consultation with other ministry leaders.

A word given to David Noakes at a meeting on 15th October 2020 (in the context of prayer for the United Kingdom)

"As you have called, so have I answered, because you have asked according to my will – and you know that when you do that, I hear you, and if I hear you, you have what you ask.

Beloved, I will do as you have asked. Do not presuppose how it will happen. Do not suppose that it will happen immediately, or overnight, or even dramatically. Because, beloved, I have not forgotten your nation. I have loved your nation in a way that few have understood. I have loved your nation for the faithfulness of the forefathers. I have loved your nation because my righteousness has been declared throughout the nations of the earth in former times and, though men’s memories fail, mine does not. I have not forgotten the faithfulness this nation has shown towards the truth of the gospel. From this nation godliness and righteousness have been taken to many lands, and my hand of mercy is still stretched out towards you despite all that you have done in the latter years.

Beloved, matters must get worse before I will intervene, but I am going to intervene and when I intervene, you will know it. You will know it in a way that has no uncertainty to it. Therefore, trust me as the days get darker. Trust me, because it will appear that your prayers have gone unheard. But understand that your prayers have not gone unheard and that my answer will come in the fullness of its time. I will do as you have asked and I will do it at the time of my appointing, a time when it will make the most impact.

Beloved, trust me, for I am the God who knows exactly what he is doing and has all things under his hand. My heart is towards you. My heart is towards your nation. I am for you and not against you. I desire to restore you to myself. Therefore, hold on to me and believe that I am able to do according to the longing of your hearts which you have laid before me."