Recently, God said, “I am training up warriors on the mountains.” As I began to look up mountain warfare in the natural, I realized that this was a word for the Seven Mountains of Influence (religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment and business/finance).
Mountain ranges, in the natural, have been highly desired for their strategic importance; they are natural borders as well as sources of water. Kingdom breakthroughs on the mountains of influence also represent the taking hold of borders. Some of the staunchest divisions between the way society is patterned (ways that follow the Lord versus ways that are contrary to His Word) lie in these seven areas. What flows from them also “waters” society.
Fighting for mountainous terrain also requires different tactics. For example, a much greater percentage of soldiers are needed in offense to secure a mountainous area in warfare. In spiritual terms, rather than the competitive mindset of the world that sees a space as “saturated” (i.e., “There are too many artists already,” “The world has enough ministries,” etc.), heaven’s mindset says, “Deploy all assets. You are needed!”
Counterinsurgency (called COIN) is often used in mountain warfare. Another part that God highlighted to me in COIN is that territory is won by winning over the people. Said in heavenly terms, the first priority of mountain warfare is not taking on and eliminating every evil in the entire mountain. Instead, it’s winning hearts to the Lord, which breaks the power and influence those occupying forces have.
During this year, the Lord has been raising up people across all mountains of influence who are stayed on Him and are “magnets” to bring others into His presence. What mountain(s) has He planted you on? As I prayed through a podcast series for each mountain, the Lord put specific words on my heart for the leaders God is raising up in each area. Below are some highlights from each mountain.
Religion
God gave me an image of a submarine. As I read about submarines, I discovered that they can be used for the covert insertion of special forces, search-and-rescue missions, salvage, exploration, facility inspection and maintenance. Through this, God showed me that He is raising up those who will be sent in non-traditional ministry directions. Carrying the gospel and God’s Word, they will infiltrate parts of society that are not traditional “ministries” with the Gospel of Jesus and the Word of God.
Like digging through an old construction site, I see old pieces being found that will be restored and repurposed. This is a time when the hard work that has been put off will get done. As the Holy Spirit helps do an “inspection” and “maintenance check,” new inspiration will flow on how to pivot and adjust to align more closely with what God has envisioned for your ministry. There will also be a refocus on “search and rescue”—seeking and saving the lost.
God also reminded me of James 4:17 (NIV), which reads, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” It is imperative to hold the line. Avoid all idleness, silence or compromise if the Lord has given you clear directives.
God also said, “Stand against the lullaby called ‘Do What You Want To.'” There is an attempt by the enemy to blur God’s commands and the incomplete human perspective of the world, just as he tried to do to the Israelites in the wilderness. Stand for God’s unchanging truth as you near entry to your promised land.
Family
Breakers, in their own families, will bring their overflow of healing to a larger group. God showed me these warriors as the crushed rock laid out to form a bed for roads or railroads and the gravel ingredient of concrete. Though in the past there has been breaking and crushing in your family, God is using you to lay new tracks that will be set in stone and able to move many more than just your own family.
God reminded me of Jeremiah 7:27 (TLV): “When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer you.” He said, “Don’t be discouraged when they don’t listen. Don’t give up your charge or your calling.” He then reminded me of the image given in Mark 7:28, which says, “‘Lord,’ she replied, ‘even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.'” God is working through the small things. Through even the crumbs that fall from your life, others will taste the bread of His Word.
Education
I saw these warriors marking a trail. Trail marking only needs to be done when the path is not often traveled. God is calling leaders who are forging unbeaten paths in education. God said that He is giving birth to the “traveling teachers,” just like in Matthew 8:19-20, Luke 9:57-58 and 1 Corinthians 16:6.
Feelings of restlessness or not being “at home” are just the Spirit stirring new callings in you. New living arrangements, communities, positions and relationships are going to place new discipleship callings on you, but they may only be for a season.
God is bringing an Ezekiel 47 flooding into schools and academia. It will first start as a trickle, then become ankle deep, then become deep enough to swim in. As you learn from the Father and are used to become teachers of His Word, you will be like swim instructors to those who have previously leaned on worldly knowledge and are encountering Him for the first time. {eoa}
For the rest of this prophetic word, please visit elijahlist.com.
Sara Whitten is an author, speaker, equipper and founder of Arrows of Zion Ministry. She and her husband are pastors for the youth at Impact Christian Fellowship in Kerrville, Texas. Sara is a prophetic writer that has been featured on The Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, Charisma and more. She hosts “Hear God Everyday” on Charisma Podcast Network, a podcast with tools to help amplify the voice of God amidst the noise of everyday life. Sara also co-founded One Spark International, an organization that sponsors Bible-based training and education in unreached and restricted nations in order to see the gospel reach all people groups. She is also an active part of groups that train and invest in professionals wanting to use their business and marketplace skills to transform unreached nations for the kingdom.
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Stephen Strang 
Charisma Media Staff 
Charisma Staff 
