A prophetic word by Glenice Mills, a member of Women’s Apostolic Alliance
Australia is an immigrant nation, but in the greater picture of what it is to be Australian is a ‘pioneering spirit.’ There is much discussion about immigration – how many new immigrants should be allowed in, what nationality, religion, where they should settle and many other complex questions.
However there is a unique cultural aspect that as Australians we need to be careful we don’t lose. The Lord has been speaking to me about the pioneering spirit.
I have read many books about the pioneers who came to this nation, particularly the women, and many today who are also pioneering new things in various parts of society – farming, business, inventions, scientific discoveries, and research and development. There is also a pioneering in the Spirit – and many called of God are significant in pioneering greater Spiritual revelation and understanding of God’s ways, prophetic timetable, and increasing truth.
So what is pioneering? A pioneer is a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area. They are trailblazers, the first to do something.
Pioneers develop or are first to use or apply a new method, area of knowledge, or activity. They begin, develop, initiate, put in place, take the lead in, spearhead, establish, prepare the way for, and lay the foundation. A pioneer is one who ventures into the unknown or unclaimed territory to settle.
As we examine what a pioneer is we can also see how it relates spiritually having a pioneering spirit. If Australia is a pioneering nation then we need to understand what traits are needed and how best to encourage, move forward, and come into what is God’s ordained purpose for Australia.
So what defines a person as a pioneer? As you go through the following list maybe you can relate to it, knowing you are one. The reality is not everyone can pioneer, however supporting and helping the fulfilling of the vision of the pioneer is crucial too. It is still having a pioneering spirit. If so, there is a responsibility for you to come into what God has planned so His will can be done in your life, and also so the bigger picture of what God wants for Australia is established.
Following are some attributes of a pioneer:
They will add to, not take away from – the heart of a pioneer is always wanting what is best: for example for oneself, the cause, and the nation. The motive is always what can I contribute to make things better or easier.
Bring change for the better: It is always about bringing change with the vision making things better for self, for others and the nation.
Push through against the odds: Trials come along the way to try and hinder however a pioneer never loses sight of where they are heading.
They will have resisters: Resisters come through people who try and kill the vision, speaking against, and often in their actions try and thwart the final goal being reached.
There is a vision: The pioneer knows where they are heading. The vision is never lost, but it is what sustains and keeps them going, no matter what.
Not happy with how things are right now: There is a discontent that drives a pioneer to keep going. This discontent is a reference point when they look back, but it is also a catalyst for pushing them onto fulfilling the vision.
See the big picture: A pioneer is a big picture type person who has an end goal that is often way beyond what others understand.
Leave a legacy of influence: There is legacy that impacts generations to come because of the choices a pioneer has made.
Had to give up something: There is a cost. Along the way a pioneer will have to let some things go such as people, financial cost, relocation and retraining to gain qualifications, experience in order to get the job done.
Pioneering is often born out of a circumstance where they see something is not working so they want to make it better, and more efficient.
Grateful for the opportunities: there is no bitterness. There is an excitement and a sense of deep gratitude that the pioneer feels because they have been entrusted with a unique one off opportunity to bring huge change. The excitement outweighs the regrets of having to give some things up.
Pioneering takes big faith, as it is always a journey to the unknown. For many it involves life and death, whether that is in the natural or spiritually. A pioneer often doesn’t see the fulfilling of the vision but trains and equips others to continue on where they left off.
As a result of the pioneering the pioneer is never the same again, and their circumstances are life changing for them and future generations.
For Christians pioneering happened because of a promise God gave. This can be through a prophetic word, a Scripture, or a divine encounter where God gives the plan.
When we think of Biblical example of a pioneer we think of Abram when he left all he knew and established him self in new territory.
Genesis 12:1-3
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From you family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Australia is a pioneering nation and this is seen at this time with the rising up of the apostolic/prophetic. There is a uniqueness that defines Australians and as we come into a global position we need to be careful others don’t try and adjust, correct or shut us down. This is particularly so in the body of Christ by well meaning Christian leaders from other nations.
Many apostles and prophets are ‘doing the hard yards’ right now and for many discouragements are taking hold. The Lord wants to encourage you to keep moving, for His Kingdom purposes will prevail!
This is a time for apostles and prophets to be on guard that they don’t bow to supposed well-meaning people who would crush, detract, hinder or be a stumbling block. Keep pioneering! God is with you!
To the pioneers: Hold fast to the vision, don’t lose sight of where you are heading!
Blessings on the journey!
