During the Second World War, Britain and her allies relied on essential cargo carried by supply ships across the Atlantic. The crossing was perilous, particularly through a stretch known as the Black Pit that lay beyond the range of support aircraft. Without aerial cover, ships were vulnerable to attack by German submarines (known as “wolf packs”), so destroyers were dispatched to escort and protect convoys across the North Atlantic. Recently I watched a film depicting the role of a particular destroyer to protect a valuable convoy on this hazardous sea crossing. When the film ended I was drawn to a tiny credit offered to a book called, The Good Shepherd.
It wasn’t the first time the word “shepherd” had caught my eye like the Holy Spirit had run a highlighter through it. A few weeks prior to my watching the movie, I had met two men with the first name of Shepherd/Sheppard. Both had different expertise and were needed to help resolve a couple of issues at our coffee shop. The one was local, and the other came in from out of town. I found it interesting meeting two people with such an unusual name, when I had never come across a “Shepherd” before. But it was only after seeing The Good Shepherd book title that I started to pay attention to what the Lord was saying.
Be expectant to experience Jesus as the Good Shepherd this year. And the specific manifestation of this role will be in His protection of you as you follow Him in childlike trust in paths you have not known, or in places that feel treacherous.
Crammed with Heaven is a monthly column in which Jenni Pretorius Hill shares stories of hope which bring Heaven’s perspective to Earth
Like the supply ships in the North Atlantic, you are precious cargo – valuable beyond measure in your purpose, your history with God, your story, your expertise and your anointing. God is moving you into position, getting you where you need to be, but there have been marauding “wolf packs” assigned to cripple and sabotage you. They attack like U-boats – sometimes taking you by surprise, other times audacious in their strategy.
There are many individuals, communities, businesses and leaders in South Africa (the nation builders – essential suppliers of resources, strategy and vision) who are contending with this pillaging spirit that seeks to lay waste the purposes and provision of God.
And in the body of Christ, the devil’s agenda is to divide and conquer; he has set wolves amongst the sheep to alienate, scatter and destroy. The accusatory spirit is abroad on the earth today – its aim is to turn Christian against Christian; it’s a tearing, ravaging spirit that seeks to alienate you through offence, disarm you through compromise, and finally immobilise you through unbelief. And the same spirit that we see operating in the West, manifests differently amongst the persecuted church as Christians are hunted and killed.
But Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He is wielding His crook and His staff to direct and protect your life. He is gathering His flock – the scattered ones, the lame and the weak – and He’s calling them back to the herd. He is exposing the wolves, and raising up true shepherds – godly leaders who seek to serve and who will not sacrifice the sheep on the altar of their own ambition and pursuit of wealth. Look out for them in 2026! They will appear as protectors, brave ones who risk themselves for the sake of others. For as we behold the Good Shepherd Himself, and experience the nudge of His staff and the gathering of His crook, we become like Him. He is imparting those very same attributes to His body! When we behold an aspect of God’s nature, we start to reflect it to the world around us. 2 Corinthians 3: 18 states: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…” (NIV) Even now, God is infusing the courage of the Good Shepherd to boldly stand and confront the ravaging, devouring spirit that has been running amok in our country, and in the Body of Christ. Where you have felt fearful and afraid to step out and lead, expect a fresh impartation of courage and boldness.
And as God raises up the shepherds, like the destroyers in the Atlantic, to lead and protect you in your divine purpose, so He has commissioned an increase in aerial support. Look out for angels! They are readied in regiments, awaiting the commissioning of God’s sons and daughters to assist you in fulfilling what you have been called to do.
A few weeks ago, I saw a great battalion of these heavenly beings dispatched to my city of East London. They were warring angels, commissioned to protect the peace and gates of the city. A few days later, I received a message from a powerful intercessor in Johannesburg. She told me of a dream she had had of President Ramaphosa dispatching Israeli troops to the Eastern Cape. She interpreted it as God “deploying His angelic assistance”. “Intercessors of the Eastern Cape,” she wrote, “you have been given authority over this province. Engage in warfare in the heavens and continue to pray – the army has been deployed.”
I have great anticipation in my spirit. There has been intense shaking over the last few years and I believe there will continue to be a falling away as some Christians choose to disengage with the church because of their disillusionment and cynicism. Be diligent to protect your heart. Do not allow the soil to become hardened, for truth is like a seed, and it cannot take root if the ground is not soft and well-tended. Repent if you have partnered with an accusatory spirit; while you may feel justified in your anger and disappointment with leaders – both in the nation and in the Church — It is satan himself who champions and empowers the spirit of accusation. Have nothing to do with it. And finally, I heard the Shepherd’s voice go forth in clarity: “My sheep hear my voice.” His voice is coming to you in a greater clarity than ever before, but when you hear Him, pay attention. Do not hesitate to obey. Do not turn to the left, nor to the right as He leads you on a path that may feel treacherous and dangerous. Entrust your sight to Him, your steps to Him and He will lead you through the Black Pit. He will give His angels charge concerning you; He will guide you through the raging storm and defend you from those who seek to take your life. Be expectant! For years He has been preparing spaces and positions for His people to inhabit and hold. It’s go time; be ready to move!
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Well said Jen
Just what I needed to hear today as I cried out to the Lord! He is faithful!