To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: "It's time to dream again!"
You are probably aware that women’s world number 1, tennis player Ash Barty won her first Wimbledon title overnight. This is an amazing personal achievement however I believe it also is a sign of what the Lord is doing amongst the beautiful First Nations people of this land.
Ash, who has Aboriginal heritage, won her Wimbledon title on the 50th anniversary of indigenous Australian Yvonne Goolagong Cawley’s first Wimbledon crown. This has also taken place on the last day of NAIDOC Week which exists to highlight and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Heal Country was the theme of this year’s celebrations.
I believe that the events of Wimbledon and the 50 year celebration of Cowley’s win along with the timing of NAIDOC week is a sign in the natural of what the Holy Spirit wants to do among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a jubilee season for the people of this land and I hear the Holy Spirit say, “It’s time to dream again! As you look to the future and the promises I am depositing in your hearts for the days to come, it will bring a healing to the land as you are restored as dreamers again!”
Biblically, the number 50 represents jubilee. In a jubilee year the captives are set free, debt is cancelled and ownership is restored. I sense there is going to be a peaceful restoration of ownership in parts of the land and this will be a sign that healing has come to country and will empower you to dream again. Zech. 4:6 “Not by might, not by power but by my spirit, says the Lord.”
“I am elevating my Indigenous Bride, raising her voice and increasing her influence. She is coming forth in beauty and splendour.” I see your dreams being transformed from grayscale to vibrant colour. It will release renewal to the land and the body of Christ in this nation.
Hope for the future is being restored and as you look ahead, it will bring an alignment with His heart for your community and the nation of Australia. He is bringing you to the forefront in this season. “Do not be downcast, do not shrink back because I am elevating you in this season to bring forth revival across the land. It is for my glory. I am breaking shame, disappointment and hopelessness. Do not be surprised when you are thrust into the spotlight. It is my doing. Don’t be surprised when the media and the world continue to prophesy it.” says the Lord.
I see an intertwining of hearts and hands and the Church will lead the way in the demonstration of unity as the Indigenous voice is valued and elevated across the nation.
I see the Lord bringing forth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, entrepreneurs and inventors. He’s raising up artists, poets and musicians who will capture His heart and sound of the land. As it’s released it will bring healing and great hope for the people.
“Eyes up!” I hear Him declare. “Look to the days ahead.” And even as you do it will fill you with hope and expectation for the future. Arise! It’s your year or jubilee and it’s your time to dream again!
- Sarah Cheesman
Just as Ash Barty is number 1 in the world, I felt the Lord say He is bringing the First Nations peoples to the forefront.
Is. 60:1-5
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble(and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
- Megan Williamson